CALIFORNIA The Whole State thread

[DeesHens]

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

LOL I must be confused Ron. I can't believe they are 1 1/2 years old. Time has a way of doing that and the older I get the worse it seems that way.

Anyway, she is a very pretty hen even though the blue tarp cast a strange color shadow as you said. Thank you for sharing the pic. Seeing her inspires me all over again. It will be a long winter waiting for chicks but is best we work on getting everything set up super secure. The raccoon will be back no doubt but Betsy is safe in the chicken tractor. ~Dee~

 

[cherylcohen]

I am so sorry! Nasty Racoons...

BAs are smaller than BRs by a pound usually.

These guys are smaller too. Partridge Rocks:




Ron

WOW Ron those girls are gorgeous!

 

[ronott1]

Quote: Thank you Cheryl!

I am surprised that PRs are not more popular. They are a bit smaller than BRs, so they have a better feed conversion but are still plenty big enough as a Dual Purpose breed. They are very friendly and chatty girls. We talk quite a bit..

Ron

 

[cherylcohen]

Agreed, I found the same to be true when I was breeding the silver pencil rocks. But now so many of my flocks progeny's are being entered in shows and are winning...!!

 

[ronott1]

Agreed, I found the same to be true when I was breeding the silver pencil rocks. But now so many of my flocks progeny's are being entered in shows and are winning...!!

Yes! Your Silver Pencil Rocks are awesome! I really think getting a dedicated group of breeders and then getting them into shows and on BYC is the way to go.

Next spring I plan on getting some SQ Partridge Rocks from Dick Hortsman. I tried hatching eggs, but Dick has not figured out how to ship eggs to CA yet.

Ron

 

[cherylcohen]

Yes! Your Silver Pencil Rocks are awesome! I really think getting a dedicated group of breeders and then getting them into shows and on BYC is the way to go.

Next spring I plan on getting some SQ Partridge Rocks from Dick Hortsman. I tried hatching eggs, but Dick has not figured out how to ship eggs to CA yet.

Ron

Thanks I really love the rocks. My flock is now with Shannon @ die fly ranch. She's doing a great job with them!!

LOL send dick my way or to Skyline poultry's website, there are sure fire ways to ship without breakage

I think you should add this quad of isbars to your flock

...I got them from Greenfire but was hoping I'd get blues but they are black, I don't want to breed them just wanted a few for the eggs in my backyard, but now that I have this cool quad I'd like someone to have them that wants the breed to breed!

 

[SunnyDawn]

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~



My Sweet Betsy Barr Rock

Poor Betsy! Yes chickens don't do well alone. The mirror sounds like a great idea. So sorry about your losses!
And the CA thread doesn't discriminate against us non-Cal Residents.

 

[DeesHens]

Poor Betsy! Yes chickens don't do well alone. The mirror sounds like a great idea. So sorry about your losses!
And the CA thread doesn't discriminate against us non-Cal Residents.

Thank you SunnyDawn. Yes, I agree her prospects aren't good. But we will not give up on her unless she takes a seriously bad turn deeming intervention for the sake of her not suffering needlessly. That is where we draw the line with all our pets. Hoping for a better day today as she did eat the yogurt and a homegrown tomato along with some feed yesterday. My DH & I were talking last night that maybe he could hook up a speaker so she has some chicken sounds for stimulation. LOL
Good to know. The CA thread has some of the warmest people so I enjoy it in here.

~Dee~

 

[DeesHens]

I wonder what they are saying to each other ?

~Dee~

 

[Moochie]

Most shows don't have a lot of them, but they have cages specifically for turkeys, so they are cooped with enough room to display if they are a male. I have seen turkeys win Best of Show.

Walt

Shoot, my tom is an eastern wild.. Not on that list. Well, I have a slate hen. Maybe next year I'll show some turkeys. I'm not familiar with the shows in Cali though. Does anyone have a link to a list of shows in Cali? I need to know locations and dates for 2013.