CALIFORNIA The Whole State thread

[capayvalleychick]

I went to the Tractor Supply Out Here with Animals event, yesterday. This would be a great way, for those of you who sell chickens, to advertise your business.

I took pigs, but a friend came by with some chicks for me to display. (And a big bottle of hand sanitizer) There were 5 Leghorn cross chicks. She had them in a deep wicker basket with food scattered in the bottom. She wanted children to be able to touch the chicks. We are both interested in exposing and educating the public to where their food comes from.

The chicks were a bit hit with people. I was really surprised at how many children were afraid to touch them. I'd hold a chick and encourage them to just reach out with one finger to touch. Their face would change from fear to delight. So many seemed amazed at them, as if they were an unusual animal.

The staff at TS was really happy to have us there. They provided the pens, shavings, shade, kept water filled. They set up and cleaned up after. They asked us to come back for future events.
I only did this because of an email from the ALBC encouraging those of us with heritage breeds to display them there. I didn't know that Tractor Supply did these type of thing, so I thought that I would let you all know, in case anyone else would like to do it in the future.

 

[Hangtown Farms]

I went to the Tractor Supply Out Here with Animals event, yesterday. This would be a great way, for those of you who sell chickens, to advertise your business.

I took pigs, but a friend came by with some chicks for me to display. (And a big bottle of hand sanitizer) There were 5 Leghorn cross chicks. She had them in a deep wicker basket with food scattered in the bottom. She wanted children to be able to touch the chicks. We are both interested in exposing and educating the public to where their food comes from.

The chicks were a bit hit with people. I was really surprised at how many children were afraid to touch them. I'd hold a chick and encourage them to just reach out with one finger to touch. Their face would change from fear to delight. So many seemed amazed at them, as if they were an unusual animal.

The staff at TS was really happy to have us there. They provided the pens, shavings, shade, kept water filled. They set up and cleaned up after. They asked us to come back for future events.
I only did this because of an email from the ALBC encouraging those of us with heritage breeds to display them there. I didn't know that Tractor Supply did these type of thing, so I thought that I would let you all know, in case anyone else would like to do it in the future.

very neat. maybe next year I can bring down some Crele penedesenca

 

[mycutekitties]

I went to the Tractor Supply Out Here with Animals event, yesterday. This would be a great way, for those of you who sell chickens, to advertise your business.

I took pigs, but a friend came by with some chicks for me to display. (And a big bottle of hand sanitizer) There were 5 Leghorn cross chicks. She had them in a deep wicker basket with food scattered in the bottom. She wanted children to be able to touch the chicks. We are both interested in exposing and educating the public to where their food comes from.

The chicks were a bit hit with people. I was really surprised at how many children were afraid to touch them. I'd hold a chick and encourage them to just reach out with one finger to touch. Their face would change from fear to delight. So many seemed amazed at them, as if they were an unusual animal.

The staff at TS was really happy to have us there. They provided the pens, shavings, shade, kept water filled. They set up and cleaned up after. They asked us to come back for future events.
I only did this because of an email from the ALBC encouraging those of us with heritage breeds to display them there. I didn't know that Tractor Supply did these type of thing, so I thought that I would let you all know, in case anyone else would like to do it in the future.

That sounds like fun! I wonder how often they do that?

 

[DeesHens]

Hello Wolftracks, CA members & readers only too.

Been MIA but am trying to catch up with you all. Enjoyed all the wonderful pics thus far. Beautiful birds & children, etc.
Anyway, needed to say again that I am honored you have me on your member list ... although I live in the state of WA in the Pacific NW.
Well, er, if you need or want to remove me since I do not reside in CA ... I'm good. No worries.

So the latest here is I am down to only one Barr Rock hen now due to a sneak attack in broad daylight from a very cocky raccoon. Just stood its ground taunting us with its kill. So am working on fencing a new larger area for safety. The fenced area next to the house my BRs were using to free range short periods during the day didn't have electric wire so next one will. Just need it done to meet my goal of having my Black Australorps next spring. You may recall or those that don't know it, the Barr Rocks were lovely but were a mistake in identity via the Farm Store. My true desire has always been to have BA's. No luck finding BA breeder locally and need 6-7 lb. size versus the larger 8-9 lb. BA hens. Big girls for BA's. Not trying to be picky. The chicken tractor my hubby built for me will ideally & comfortable fit three hens each around 7lbs. That is the size of the BR's we've had so going by that. Probably will end up getting hatchery birds it looks like at this point in time. But better than nothing.

Poor Betsy Barr Rock is alone suffering from a bad shock & loneliness. Seriously molting and poor appetite. I am doing everything I can think of to make her happy. This has included installing a large mirror in her run. She really adores herself and is perking up somewhat. LOL Thinking of getting her some Bob's Red Mill 7 grain to add to her diet next. Gave her organic Nancy's yogurt today among many other goodies the past week. Cooked egg has been her fav so far. Not her own, she's not laying. Farm store nearby sells organic produce, etc. What else perks up a molting hen? She won't even eat her meal worms which I farm myself just for her now. Maybe tomorrow?

So back to reading all your interesting posts... always learning something.

My best to you all,
~Dee~

OK, I finally added the petshop to the CA page. I made s section for them is they sell chicks or chicken supplies, so if anyone else has one I'll do that as they come in.

I need some help with a new section from everyone. I'm adding feed stores. They will be at the bottom of the list, just below the petshop section which is below the breeders section. If you can all give me feed store info, that would be a big help. I'm going to list them by areas or regions, so please add the area it needs to be added to. There are always so many people that are starting out and want to know where to go for supplies, I thought this would be a big help for them. I need to get the detailed info on the one's I have listed so far.

I know I'm behind on this page, so please point out what's not there or if something should be removed. Remember we have a section for things like fairs and art and wine festivals too. They may not all of chickens, but they are fun for a family outing, so I want people to know what's going on and where.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/california-thread-members-list-and-helpful-information

OH! If I missed anyone on the members list, please let me know. Also if any of you that don't have your city listed would like to, please let me know where you are. Not everyone has that listed.

My Sweet Betsy Barr Rock

 

[ronott1]

Hello Wolftracks, CA members & readers only too.

Been MIA but am trying to catch up with you all. Enjoyed all the wonderful pics thus far. Beautiful birds & children, etc.
Anyway, needed to say again that I am honored you have me on your member list ... although I live in the state of WA in the Pacific NW.
Well, er, if you need or want to remove me since I do not reside in CA ... I'm good. No worries.

So the latest here is I am down to only one Barr Rock hen now due to a sneak attack in broad daylight from a very cocky raccoon. Just stood its ground taunting us with its kill. So am working on fencing a new larger area for safety. The fenced area next to the house my BRs were using to free range short periods during the day didn't have electric wire so next one will. Just need it done to meet my goal of having my Black Australorps next spring. You may recall or those that don't know it, the Barr Rocks were lovely but were a mistake in identity via the Farm Store. My true desire has always been to have BA's. No luck finding BA breeder locally and need 6-7 lb. size versus the larger 8-9 lb. BA hens. Big girls for BA's. Not trying to be picky. The chicken tractor my hubby built for me will ideally & comfortable fit three hens each around 7lbs. That is the size of the BR's we've had so going by that. Probably will end up getting hatchery birds it looks like at this point in time. But better than nothing.

Poor Betsy Barr Rock is alone suffering from a bad shock & loneliness. Seriously molting and poor appetite. I am doing everything I can think of to make her happy. This has included installing a large mirror in her run. She really adores herself and is perking up somewhat. LOL Thinking of getting her some Bob's Red Mill 7 grain to add to her diet next. Gave her organic Nancy's yogurt today among many other goodies the past week. Cooked egg has been her fav so far. Not her own, she's not laying. Farm store nearby sells organic produce, etc. What else perks up a molting hen? She won't even eat her meal worms which I farm myself just for her now. Maybe tomorrow?

So back to reading all your interesting posts... always learning something.

My best to you all,
~Dee~

Quote:

I am so sorry! Nasty Racoons...

BAs are smaller than BRs by a pound usually.

These guys are smaller too. Partridge Rocks:




Ron

 

[Hangtown Farms]

I am so sorry! Nasty Racoons...

BAs are smaller than BRs by a pound usually.

These guys are smaller too. Partridge Rocks:




Ron

I wonder what they are saying to each other ?

 

[DeesHens]

Hi Ron. Thanks so much. Was such a sad day!
Never felt like taking a baseball bat to a raccoon before.
I am not a violent person.
The feather patterns on your PRs are so truly pretty.
Yes. I had always thought of BA's a bit smaller than BR's too.
I was rather shocked when I found out the BA breeder I spoke with has 8-9 lb. BA hens.
That sounded more like a black Giant Jersey to me.

So do you know if BA breeders are just breeding bigger hens?
I mean, the hatcheries all advertise BA hens about 6.5 lbs. Well. It really threw me anyway.

~Dee~

 

[ronott1]

Hi Ron. Thanks so much. Was such a sad day!
Never felt like taking a baseball bat to a raccoon before.
I am not a violent person.
The feather patterns on your PRs are so truly pretty.
Yes. I had always thought of BA's a bit smaller than BR's too.
I was rather shocked when I found out the BA breeder I spoke with has 8-9 lb. BA hens.
That sounded more like a black Giant Jersey to me.

So do you know if BA breeders are just breeding bigger hens?
I mean, the hatcheries all advertise BA hens about 6.5 lbs. Well. It really threw me anyway.

~Dee~

Well, I think I need to

There are a bunch of Breeders that are messing up the BAs by breeding them with Black Orps. This messes up the curves and makes them too big. The hens should weigh 6.6 pounds. More than a pound over is wrong. The problem is that these wrong BAs are winning ribbons at shows. The Cockerels should weigh 7.7 pounds. It is sad--should follow the SOP for them but there just are not enough good ones.
Ron

 

[DeesHens]

Understood. Thanks Ron.
Are you happy with your BA hens from ... was it Cackle? or ?
They must be about ready to lay right?

~Dee~

 

[ronott1]

Understood. Thanks Ron.
Are you happy with your BA hens from ... was it Cackle? or ?
They must be about ready to lay right?

~Dee~

I do like mine. They are a year and a half old now. I took a picture of one today, but she is under a blue tarp and the picture looked weird.



They are ready to have their first molt.

Ron