Coffee's ready...

[rancher hicks]

I'm hoping things aren't too dry this summer. The summer a few years ago when it was hot and dry our water bill was very high.
Do you have a rain barrel? I'd like to set one near my coop but I don't have gutters on it. There are more things to do than time and money. Of course my energy level isn't what it used to be.

 

[karl E lutz]

Good morning chicken wranglers
I have a well supplied by the local aquifer, But I heard collecting rain water is against some EPA ordinance. I think we are getting rain here again this week end so if it rains we will not be dry on the immediate scale . I do not5 know about the long run.
I was hoping to get fences done and get chickens moved this week end but it does not look favorable for that at the present moment.
We have been feasting on the russets that are ready already out of the garden. I do not know if it is just me or are they really just that GOOD!!
God Bless!

 

[rancher hicks]

I do know some states prevent catching rain, but here in NYS they don't. The County has even sold composters and rain barrels.

My taters are in towers. Does that make a difference in harvesting?

I'd like to share my post to my main site the new york chicken lovers thread. Though I have no one here it applies to. The Michigan part should be of interest to all of us.

Michigan Loses ‘Right To Farm’ This Week: A Farewell To Backyard Chickens and Beekeepers

Thank you to all who condone poor animal husbandry. Rather sympathizing with those who write that due to poor practices they've lost animals. When you don't speak up you're endorsing such practices. If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, then don't. I hope you understand.

Here in Fayetteville, NY they'd thought pass a law to allow chickens as a means to control the Tick problem. I thought to write to the local paper in defense of Back Yard chickens. Due to the flack I've taken here and on other threads for being "judgmental" concerning improper husbandry practices, I've changed my mind. Rather to write against such a proposal.

P. Forman wrote a very good book on Backyard chickens called "City Chicks". I read it and others BEFORE getting chickens. I've met Ms. Forman and recommended her books numerous times.

G. Damerow, has written numerous books on Poultry Keeping. I've not had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Damerow but have read her books and article she's written in magazines such as Back Yard Poultry.

There are numerous Magazines for educating folks in keeping chickens.

There are numerous companies and family owned businesses that have worked to help us provide safe and healthy care of our chickens.

Yet it is those folks who refuse to practice simple basic Husbandry and Bio Security that are ruining it for those who do. Over the years on this forum there have been those who believe rats, maggots, flies, foxes, coyotes, mites and disease go hand in hand with keeping chickens. Yet the previous mentioned authors have worked to educate us that it is not so. That through proper and good husbandry practices these problems need not arise.

While I do not believe I have passed judgment on individuals themselves, calling them names, stating that they were bad people, I will always pass judgment on poor husbandry practices that spoil Back yard chicken keeping for the rest of us. I will always suggest a better way and work to direct them to the previously mentioned educational materials.

Sincerely,

Rancher Hicks

 

[karl E lutz]

This is too bad for Michigan!

 

[karl E lutz]

Good morning chicken wranglers,
Sent the youngest off to church camp, the first right of passage in the line of teenager hoodum. My mother and father met at the same camp so in our family it is a tradition to spend at least one week of one summer at this particular camp. My wife was a little upset that her boy had the gumption to go off and leave her for a whole week without even as much as one tear.
Well off to work .
God Bless!

 

[rancher hicks]

We don't have a "church camp" but the church does do a "day camp" twice a year. Volunteers for all age groups. We have a year round camp, so the kids can spend lots of time out of the city. Some folks have campers there year round, but we've never been able to afford one. Usually though we'd get the use of someone elses trailer.

I think you can see pics on the Church website. LW.org. Not sure if thats the right one.

Of to help with a memorial for a young man from church who died of a heart attack at age 19. He also was involved in an accident caused by his heart attack. Take care and pray for all those involved.

TTFN,

rancher

 

[karl E lutz]

Good morning chicken wranglers,
the church sponsors this camp, it's name is cilca ,central il. lutheran church assn.," I think", and kids come from all over the area. It is a good experience for the kids to get together and share their faith and do activities that help them build faith and a wholesome lifestyle.
No chickens for Kale to feed for a few days though. Well off to work
God Bless!.

 

[rancher hicks]

Good morning, good morning, good morning it's time to rise and shine.

Good morning, good morning, good morning I hope you're feeling fine.

It's time to get get out of bed, you gotta get up you sleepy head,

Good morning, good morning, good morning it's time to rise and shine.


I used to sing this to the kids when I woke them up for school. They still laugh about it. Sang it to my GD last week when she spent the night. She loved it.

Enjoy the day folks. Places to go and people to annoy.

 

[karl E lutz]

Good morning chicken wranglers,
Wow the weather is up and down around here , only in the 70's today and 80's tomorrow. This is a real break from the 90's that we were having over the last few weeks. I got zuchinni that are ready for picking and in the same garden corn that did not come up at all. I went and dug around in the rows ands under the crust on top ,we have clay and it gets very hard the corn were little and yellow like they could not pop through. I turned it and replanted. I know it is late but if I get September sweet corn it will be ok.
God Bless!

 

[rancher hicks]

It rained this AM but you wouldn't know it, it's so dry. We'd need a good long rain to penetrate the dry soil. I've been watering every day. I'm not sure I'll get tomatoes this year at all. Lettuce is being picked but not much else. I can't believe how slow the beans are going. I don't think my compost was very good. I should have added some topsoil.

Grapes are coming on and I'll be watering as much as I think, but who can know. Currants are being picked while green by something. Don't know what. Still working on the grape arbor. A little every day.