Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[appps]

Hey Fancy.

How's the farm and family doing ? How did your daughter do in Victoria and Sydney?

Hi Sam! Good to see you again!

Hey Fancy, how's the weather too? My nephew headed off today down to visit your beautiful island on his honeymoon

 

[Fizzybelle]

Potato chip I likes the way you think! Though any excuse to justify more little chooks is a good one I could try to pass Agnes off as a kitten, I actually had some people make that mistake....somehow :S lol. Got another egg from her today, that's one a day since she started laying. Super impressed with her

My unimaginative brother has dubbed my poor little Pekin Esmè, 'onion butt'

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hey Fancy.

How's the farm and family doing ? How did your daughter do in Victoria and Sydney?

Hiya. She finished 4th overall at nationals and had placing sat champs, but unfortunately Jack has been retired , under veterinary advice. It has been a bit of a shock for her but she has kept herself busy with the youngsters and of course the foal. Fencing today and it's quite warm , but hotter tomorrow. Bring on Autumn
Sorry to hear of your losses, I've had a few this month also. Nice to have you back.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hi Sam! Good to see you again!

Hey Fancy, how's the weather too? My nephew headed off today down to visit your beautiful island on his honeymoon

It's been unusually predictable . Warm and dry , but if they stay for a week I'm sure they will be witness to a few seasons. it's time for a cool drink on the verandah. It's ' beer o'clock '.

 

[MyHaven]

oh goody!  (is this what they call "chicken math")?

I just tell people they are pigeons. No limit on aviary birds lol

 

[MyHaven]

Glad to hear your rebuilding numbers again. Time poor is a constant unfortunately but the kids are worthy of all my spare time. Back at work too so now I have 40 whole uninterrupted me minutes ! I can catch back up !

Good luck with that - that's a lot of catching up.

I'm trying to get used to a little one starting prep. The time involved with activities and homework is surprising. And absolutely kids are worthy. I'm lucky mine likes chickens and helping out.

 

[MyHaven]

Teila I got the storm on the weekend by the way - but it was only a little bit of lightning and rain. I agree - it made it hotter.

The problem with the humidity is that sometimes when it is too high wetting down makes it worse in the runs unless there is a breeze. Fizzybelle At my place the breeze comes and goes so it can't be depended on. And because it does not dry - it breeds flies. I go through bags of aglime.

Satay how's that clucky quail? I check with Redolive and her clucky quail did come from your line.

I had a fun morning, I had a couple of roos that I was dropping off to freezer camp for someone, another not yet crowing well that I'm baby sitting all crowing up a storm despite collars. Then my bantam silkie d'uccles cross joined in like an old timer. I've never heard him before. He'd be 4inches at the shoulder if that. He is so small he can squeeze through the 50ml gal mesh panels that make up his run.

Anybody want a cross bred bantam roo? Lol

I hope everyone had a happy Monday.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Here's the little guy frolicking around the garden today.

 

[Anniebee]

Fancychooklady, that's an idea, spraying the trees too, though I risk spraying my neighbours deck. I do have some vetafarm spark liquid to add to water. They don't seem to mind the taste of that at all, I think it's sweet actually. Chilled watermelon is always a winner around midday, for them and myself.

I've only dunked them once the temperature hit 35 degrees, using cool tap water, and all were dry within half an hour. I'd never wet any of them in winter unless they seriously needed a bath, and then they'd get a full blow dry.

I appreciate the advice though Anniebee, as I know it comes from wanting the best for Aggie If she's panting badly, or any of them, I'll bring them upstairs where it's cool. The hosed grass though seems to be something they all really enjoy. They get moisture from the grass and it cools their feet. Fingers crossed the worst of summer is just about over for us and our chickens. Some of the heat waves going on around the country have been terrible.

The girls had some crickets as a treat today. Boy were they popular! Somehow I managed to make sure everyone got a couple.

Good idea Fizzybelle - to remove them to a cooler spot somewhere, if they are panting badly. .... Also if you have trees above them, spray them with water - to drip down and generally make things cooler. I do that a lot in the summer hot days here ( Victoria ) plus make their run into something akin to a bit of a mud bath ( it is devoid of grass - a real moonscape courtesy of the girls ).

Tried the frozen peas bit - didn't seem to work. I can't be sure, but it seemed they didn't like the green 'visitors' in their water. So I break up ice blocks instead, and dump heaps of that in their water to cool it down .... and it works. They love to chase tiny bits of ice on the ground too - then sip the cooler water. And of course water melon is number 1 treat on hot days.

Watering grass ( and we do still have some in a specific area of the garden ) .... is a bit of a lost cause, as if they are free ranging on a hottish day - the grass dries quickly, and besides they head immediately for their favourite spots under bushes to make short cuts to China - with their dust bathing. They nibble a bit of grass and then get off there, to cooler parts.

I do hope all who have been 'attacked' by the ghastly heat - especially up north, get some respite soon. The leaves here are turning, and now dropping, so I hope that gives you all a bit of hope that the same will happen up there.

Cheers all ..........

 

[Anniebee]

Potato chip I likes the way you think! Though any excuse to justify more little chooks is a good one I could try to pass Agnes off as a kitten, I actually had some people make that mistake....somehow :S lol. Got another egg from her today, that's one a day since she started laying. Super impressed with her

My unimaginative brother has dubbed my poor little Pekin Esmè, 'onion butt'

I added an ovation and didn't add any words. !! The site wouldn't let me alter it.

Onion butt ??? ( awful ) .... Your little Pekin is gorgeous - such a pretty pink. And that mountain of tail feathers is beautiful.

I WANT ONE !!

.... but then I want a few other breeds too ??

Cheers.