Consolidated Kansas

[Chickies-duckies-etc]

An aquarium sets abandoned on a bench in the garage. It has been a favorite nest for any hen that free ranges during the day. One day recently, I saw an egg in it, then as the days went by there were more. I didn't gather them, I wanted to know what hen was laying them. Then, I noticed the big siamese cat was spending the cold nights in the aquarium, on the eggs. Finally I heard the egg song and saw which hen was laying them. Wias out before dawn one morning and saw the cat NEXT to the aquarium. On closer inspection, instead of the black cat I assumed had taken over, it was the hen, sound asleep on the eggs. It will be interesting to see if the eggs will develope. Did the cat ruin them keeping them warm at night, but not during the day, or did he save them from those really cold nights by keeping them warm. I will candle them in a few days and see if they are developing.

An update - 8 chicks have hatched out of 8 eggs. The cat sleeping on the eggs didn't hurt them, maybe helped them. No way to know. But he was sleeping at the end of the aquarium where the eggs were at.

And after only having the tiny bantam chicks for such a long time. it is rather nice to have some bigger chicks.

 

[michelleml]

Danz sorry to hear that your Dad is getting worse keeping you both in my prayers.

We've been spending tons of time outside but the inside is suffering i need to do some spring cleaning. Just not enough time or energy in a day.

Everyone is doing good I hope you all have a wonderful day

 

[Hawkeye95]

Michelleml-- I'm so sorry about the new discovery with your DH. I just can not fathom how you all are dealing. Praying for you both.

Hawkeye, those really are some nice birds you got, you can really see the contrast with the hatchery bird in the photo, I'm glad you had her in there to compare with. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how these eggs do that I put in the incubator if I get nice ones or what comes out. I set 21 eggs out of the two cartons I got. I sure won't need that many, but I'm sure they won't all make it anyway, some probably won't be fertile, some might not develop all the way, so we'll see how many chicks I actually end up with & how they look. I'm hoping I at least get a couple of nice ones so I can compare to my others.

Man it's hot here already today, it's supposed to be 85 here today, I just knew that was what it was going to do, go from cold right into summer. Thurs. though is not going to be so warm, last I looked it was predicted to be 46, ugh. That's going to be awful to have that big of a swing in temp again. Well I got my door made for the 2nd hoop coop yesterday, I ended up pretty much making it by myself because my DH started to help & then drank too much juice after running & got sick. You would think he would know better to do that by now, but he did it. So anyway I got the door all put together & wire on & it's ready to hang today, so he's going to go out & help me get it up. I've got to put the wire over the sides after we do that & I need to get a tarp for the top of it yet.

I let the little goats out in the orchard yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours & boy did they have fun. I just chained up the little one & the older one stayed right with her, so that was nice. They were happy little goats when we put them back in last evening.

It will be interesting to see how many chicks you get. I think it would be funny if they ALL hatched! LOL Yeah, my hatchery Rock is bossing around the new Reese Rocks and she is half their size! It's so funny! Hope you got the door put on the hoop coop?

I honestly don't feel I can handle this right now. It's just too much after all my losses the past year.
On other subjects the fencing guys were here bright and early. They've been out there working so my morning was kind of throw off schedule. Why do I feel so uptight when someone is around?? I need to get out and get busy building some pens and moving some birds. I am tired of the smell in the house.

Glad the fencing guys are doing a great job. I am just so sorry all of this is going on with your dad right now.

I haven't ever seen my rock pullet near the nest boxes, although I did see the cockerel mount her so I don't think its far off. I had seen one or both of the NH pullets checking out the nest boxes but this morning I for sure got an egg from one of them. I don't know if its the first or not though - its pretty small but not tiny so it may not be the very first pullet egg. Ever since I brought in, I've been chanting "I don't need to incubate this, I don't need to incubate this...." So far their legs are still bright yellow - I don't know how long the fade takes. Will keep you posted.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad.

The forecast for my area is 87 today, and it is supposed to get down to 33 again later this week. That is a more than 50-degree swing - it must be so hard on the plants and animals to make those adjustments. Today my birds are holding their wings out and their mouths open because they're so hot. I bought more seedlings to replace the ones that were killed in the cold snap last week, but I'm afraid to plant them out and them killed later this week too. So hard to know how to get started this year - I've never known a year like it before.

I took the opportunity to mow half of my jungle this morning. Hopefully I can get the other half done before we get more rain and its too wet to tackle it again.

I mowed about half my lawn yesterday too! I had to stay out of the wet parts, so that kind of slowed me down and stopped me in others. It's not a bad thing-- we've not been this wet in years. I have not started my garden, but I did start to clean it out yesterday. I keep thinking about planting... BUT are we getting SNOW on Friday?!?!

I hear ya there! My yard is starting to look like a jungle.

I officially have almost 2' tall tomato plants on my kitchen table that I can't put outside until these freezes stop. I wish Mother Nature would figure it out!

I love it when the yard starts to grow and green up! My favortie time of year!

Very busy day today and I hurt all over.
Bad news first. They are keeping my Dad in the hospital and they went ahead and called Hospice. The heart doctor has determined his heart is failing. Thanks for your prayers. They do mean so much.
I got a new pen up today and got the netting on top. I was going to move the guineas to it but ran out of time and energy. Once I get them moved I have to move the pen they've been in and then put the baby ducks out there.
I moved my PVC pen out into the grass and put my baby Sebbies out there today. They seemed to enjoy it although not sure what to do with the green stuff. Instead of bringing them back in I put them in the green house and put a heat lamp out there. Makes me very very nervous. But it will be nice to be able to sleep tonight without them all hollering for food and water all night.
I got a sweeter heater rigged up over a new bin for the new chicks. I have those in my front room. I never thought I'd resort to putting chicks in the front room.
I pumped out the duck pond and then pressure washed it, vacuumed it, and refilled it. That will last about a half day!!!
I moved some lumber across the yard so I could start on my new hoop coop one of these days.
The fence guys were here all day and got all the post in and the welding done. Looks like now all that needs to be done is the wire hung, and the gates installed. I haven't purchased the gates for the main entrance yet. And the fence contractor said he would make me one out of my wire for the farm equipment gate. I think it is going to be a super nice fence. These guys do quality work for sure.

Danz, I'm just so very sorry about your dad. Has he said what he thinks about it all? I'm sure he must be worried too. I hope that hospice does a really good job of caring for him. I can't imagine what you must be feeling and how heart breaking this is. I will be keeping you and your dad in my prayers.

Wow, Danz, you had a really busy day. I'm so sorry that your dad has taken a turn for the worse - you are definitely in our thoughts.

I spent several hours this morning mowing and never gave a thought to sunscreen. I mean really, isn't it ridiculous to have to worry about frostbite and sunburn within days of one another? So this afternoon my arms started to feel tight and look pink and I realized I really did it to myself. Darn. I need to get out there and spend several more hours tomorrow mowing - guess I will need to cover up, even though I will be hot. Maybe if I can get started early while its still cool.

Deerfield and her DH delivered me one of her beautiful pens this evening - he does great work and this is a really quality pen. I am so excited to get my chicks moved out to it tomorrow. They're outgrowing their brooder and are ready to experience the great outdoors. I wish the cold weather wasn't moving in later in the week but at least they can get a little time outdoors this week.

My turkey hen was laying very consistently, and then suddenly the eggs just....stopped. Oh, I knew she didn't actually stop laying but after being so good about laying in the nestboxes, she suddenly decided to hide a nest somewhere and I had no idea where to start looking. This afternoon I noticed Ned was by himself, which only happens when she is laying, so I asked him to show me where Madge was and he actually led me right to her. (I'm sure she was so thrilled with him). She was up under my pole barn - the opposite side of the yard from the chicken coop) in a 5-gallon bucket. Well, she's a turkey so she wasn't actually IN the bucket, but she thought she was. I think its the same principle as playing peek-a-boo with a baby who doesn't realize when she covers her eyes, it is only she who cannot see - we can still see her. So Madge had her head and neck in the 5-gallon bucket and apparently assumed that meant she was hidden. A little pathetic really. I was glad to find her nest but didn't have high hopes of finding eggs in it. I was sure my dogs had discovered this little secret sooner than I did and sure enough, when she got done I went to check and there was just the one egg in there. That means I lost 4-5 eggs to my dogs. Grrr. I can't blame them, but do wish Madge hadn't changed things up on me - I didn't have a problem with the former arrangement. I guess I need to get going on building that second hoop coop, like yesterday, so I can pen her up and make sure I don't lose any more eggs. At least I will be home tomorrow so can keep an eye on her when she heads up to hide in her bucket, and put the dogs up until I've collected her egg.

HeChicken, I spent a couple hours yesterday in the sun mowing... BUT I know I burn! I had a hat on, and long sleeves and long pants. It's my usual garb for mowing-- even in the 100 degree heat, it's what I wear. If I don't cover up, I turn into a crispy critter. I didn't wear gloves yesterday, but usually I even do that too!! My hands will burn!!! Sorry about your burn! Those are just NO fun for days! HILARIOUS story about Madge! These poor turkeys are just dumb! When she's laid about 8 or so more eggs, she'll go broody on you. That is why she went off and found and out of the way nesting spot. That is what Seymore did...and then met her end because of it. She will sneak out on you and find a way out to that nest if she isn't locked up tight! At least you've found her nest and know where she's headed.

I did the same thing as HEChicken -- outside with no sunscreen and I'm really burned. The tops of my knees are asking "Why?" tonight. Sigh. I sure enjoyed being outside mowing and visiting with the ducks and chickens. I love this weather! I wanted to get the mowing finished before the next ridiculous cold snap but still have a ways to go tomorrow. I'll be out there in a sombrero and snowsuit to avoid the sun! LOL!

I have my Aloha chicks in one of the pens DH makes for me in the unfinished part of the shop. They were all showing off their flying skills and I was really glad they were enclosed! I want to move them outside so I'm really hoping this is the last bit of cold weather. It's getting tedious waiting for decently warm weather to come and stay. At least it hasn't hurt my strawberry plants. They're doing just fine.

For those who don't know, Danz lost her mom just a year ago. It seemed like just one thing after another and now this. I'm sure keeping you in my prayers, Danz.

I love those pens your DH makes!! I'm glad that strawberries can take the weather swings-- mine are fine. But I lost two plants last year in the HEAT-- not the cold. I need to replace those two this year to make my line up look pretty again.

Danz, I'm sorry to hear about your dad, you're in my prayers also.

I spent a lot of time outside today too, we got the door for the hoop coop hung & I started on the wire. It takes forever to put all of those cable ties on, so I just got on half of the front & one side done. This hoop coop is the same size as the other one I have 8x16 feet. I hope to get some more done tomorrow before the rain & cold front comes in. I have a feeling I'm going to have to go buy more wire, I don't think I have enough, but I can run & get another roll if I need to. I've got to get this thing done before I need to move the chickens in there. Of course I hope it actually gets over this darned cold soon so I can move them in there. I've been removing plastic & tarps & here it comes again. I had to put one back up already on the north side of my run because I have my baby barnevelders in there in a pen. I guess I had better wait to take down any more tarps. Gosh is this stuff ever going to be over? I'm beginning to wonder.

We were going to get the mower going so I could start mowing the jungle backyard, but my DH got it out & the battery was no good, so he had to pick one up on his way to work this afternoon. We had the little goats out again today, they sure are enjoying getting out & munching on some nice green stuff. They don't eat the grass like sheep do, I told my DH if he wants something to eat grass he's going to have to buy a sheep. He then asked me how much they were, but after seeing that they weren't cheap he decided we would just mow.

Sounds like the hoop is coming right along! Funny about the sheep... I wouldn't do it either-- just one more mouth to feed! Of course, I've got horses that really keep that feed bill nice and high. Sigh.

 

[chicken danz]

The fencers are starting to hang wire today! Yay! I guess I should start looking for what kind of gate I want for the driveway.
I need to get those guineas moved today and move the duck pen to new ground for these baby ducks. Enough is enough. My basement wreaks!
I don't even think about sun burning. I've always been dark complected and never had a problem with it. The last couple summers I have noticed I tend to get a little red where I never did before. I guess the pigment not only goes away in the hair but it goes from the skin as well to some extent. Still don't burn per say normally but it does turn red and tender for a day or so. This is all new to me. I spend lots of time outdoors so I am always in the sun it seems.
I do need to mow but I am hoping when the fencing gets done I can let the geese out to roam a little and work on some of that stuff.

 

[HEChicken]

HeChicken, I spent a couple hours yesterday in the sun mowing... BUT I know I burn! I had a hat on, and long sleeves and long pants. It's my usual garb for mowing-- even in the 100 degree heat, it's what I wear. If I don't cover up, I turn into a crispy critter. I didn't wear gloves yesterday, but usually I even do that too!! My hands will burn!!! Sorry about your burn! Those are just NO fun for days! HILARIOUS story about Madge! These poor turkeys are just dumb! When she's laid about 8 or so more eggs, she'll go broody on you. That is why she went off and found and out of the way nesting spot. That is what Seymore did...and then met her end because of it. She will sneak out on you and find a way out to that nest if she isn't locked up tight! At least you've found her nest and know where she's headed.

I finished my mowing this morning and learned from my experience yesterday. Long sleeved T, long pants, and gloves. I couldn't keep the hat on because of the wind, but I usually do wear a hat, even when I'm dumb enough to forget everything else. Between my ear protection and sunglasses, there wasn't enough of my head for the hat to stay on, especially with the wind that strong. I might have to end up wearing a ball cap instead of my good sun hat, because the ear protection can go over that and help hold it on. It won't protect the back of my neck but will be better than nothing.

The fencers are starting to hang wire today! Yay! I guess I should start looking for what kind of gate I want for the driveway.
I need to get those guineas moved today and move the duck pen to new ground for these baby ducks. Enough is enough. My basement wreaks!
I don't even think about sun burning. I've always been dark complected and never had a problem with it. The last couple summers I have noticed I tend to get a little red where I never did before. I guess the pigment not only goes away in the hair but it goes from the skin as well to some extent. Still don't burn per say normally but it does turn red and tender for a day or so. This is all new to me. I spend lots of time outdoors so I am always in the sun it seems.
I do need to mow but I am hoping when the fencing gets done I can let the geese out to roam a little and work on some of that stuff.

Yay - glad they are making such fast progress on the fence. That is why it is nice sometimes to hire stuff out. When they come out to do a dedicated task, they can get it done in a hurry. When we try to do stuff, we get constantly distracted and it takes so long to start and complete something.

My brooder chicks are out in the new pen this morning and they're enjoying the extra space and getting to try grass for the first time. They look pretty happy. I also let my Aloha hen out with her brood of chicks and poults. She had been spending her days in the grow out pen but I think she is ready to show them more of the yard. Those little poults are just the cutest things.

 

[tweetybaby2005]

Haven't been able to log on for a few days and feel like I'm way behind on posts again. I think there is a newbie or 2 joining us so welcome to all.

Jump in and enjoy everyone's pictures, stories, and what not. If you have quesitons, ask away.

It seems so long ago we had the fox attack but things seem to have settled down. DH and a couple of his friends set traps out and so far, he had only succeeded in catching 2. Not sure if there will be more but the traps are out there. No more casualty on the property as of late, which is always good news. I did let the flock out and they still seem quite hesitant and keep close to the coop. Both the rooster and hen are doing very well. I think my rooster's eye is OK. He was able to track the finger movement when I was giving him some treats so that's definitely good news. The hen is healing well. The few deep gashes are closing up slowly but surely. I figure she will be inside for at least another week before able to be reintroduced back to the flock. The rooster will go back probably sometime later this week.

On a great note - I moved the 6-week old chicks into the main coop. They are doing very well and feisty as can be. DH was wondering why they eat so much and the feeder seems to be empty all the time. I had to remind him that we have 24 6-week old chicks so they go through a lot of food.

I cleaned and disinfected the big brooder and move the smaller chicks into it. They are chirpy and as happy as a clam. Bigger space to move around and more room to fly!

Danz - So sorry to hear about your dad's health. It is never easy to see someone we love going downhill. I lost my dad last year and I wasn't able to attend his funeral since I just had major surgery and Dr wont' let me fly. I still get teary every time I think about him. I'll keep you and your dad in my thoughts and prayers.

The nice weather out there sure makes me want to stay outdoor a lot more. But this also means my allergy is flaring up big time. The meds can't seem to clear up my stuffy nose and blocked sinus. If it continues, I may end up having sinus infection. Might have to call the Dr. to see if she will give me a refill on the nasal spray to help keep the sinus clear.

If you are able to stay outside today, do so. Forecast said we are getting much colder and *snow* may be in the forecast??? Holy cow!

It will be May tomorrow!

Kuan

 

[lizzyGSR]

I finished my mowing this morning and learned from my experience yesterday. Long sleeved T, long pants, and gloves. I couldn't keep the hat on because of the wind, but I usually do wear a hat, even when I'm dumb enough to forget everything else. Between my ear protection and sunglasses, there wasn't enough of my head for the hat to stay on, especially with the wind that strong. I might have to end up wearing a ball cap instead of my good sun hat, because the ear protection can go over that and help hold it on. It won't protect the back of my neck but will be better than nothing.

Mowing already? We barely have any green grass, much less enough to mow. However, I completely understand on the sunburn thing. I am VERY lightly complected and, on a sunny day, will begin to burn in about 10 minutes. Even cloudy days carry a risk for sunburn, so I usually wear hat/long sleeves no matter what I'm doing when I'm out.

 

[chicken danz]

tweetybaby, I've got a roaring sinus infection right now. That is a norm for me though. It's just worse than usual. It's really making my throat sore. I am syringing with salt water to try to clear it up. It seems to work better than using antibiotics. If it goes to my lungs that's a whole different story. The stupid wind doesn't help. I've got too much to do today. I just wish they were wrong about the forecast and we could continue with warm weather.

 

[Trish44]

Danz, I'm glad the fence is going well, what kind of gate are you going to get? We have a gate down at the end of the driveway, but it never gets used. We had thought at one time of getting a gate opener, but it never happened, it's too far down there & on the other side of the hill too.

I have to tell you all a funny story about my turkey hen. Yesterday I let them both out to wander around & range & it was getting later, almost time to feed all the birds & I was frantically trying to get all the cable ties on that one side. The turkey hen went inside the hoop coop & every time I reached through to pull the cable tie through she would peck at my fingers. I don't know if she thought it was a worm or what, but she followed me all the way along the side of the coop watching me, she was so curious about what I was doing. It was funny, but not so funny when she connected with my fingers. Turkeys really are funny birds!

It's really warm again today but really windy. I have gotten nothing done except normal chores today & had someone here to pick up his chicks & of course you have to show them all of your birds because they want to see them all. Danz. I can empathize about that taking up your time, it does eat up a lot of it by the time you make the rounds.

 

[Hawkeye95]

The fencers are starting to hang wire today! Yay! I guess I should start looking for what kind of gate I want for the driveway.
I need to get those guineas moved today and move the duck pen to new ground for these baby ducks. Enough is enough.

YAY on the fencing getting done! I'm with you on getting birds outside! I'm about ready to kick everyone out of my garage. I have a couple of trouble maker boys that are going outside to their own pens.

My brooder chicks are out in the new pen this morning and they're enjoying the extra space and getting to try grass for the first time. They look pretty happy. I also let my Aloha hen out with her brood of chicks and poults. She had been spending her days in the grow out pen but I think she is ready to show them more of the yard. Those little poults are just the cutest things.

I always wear a ball cap when I mow-- we have one of those zero-turn mowers and it goes pretty fast, and I can't keep a hat on when I'm traveling that fast. Not that I just speed away on it, but with 3 acres right around the house it takes some time to get it done. So glad I don't have to mow more than that! I've tried to convince my DH to fence in another acre of it to get rid of it too for the horses. They are on 7 acres of it. We actually do mow their area at least once a year with the tractor and brushhog.

It seems so long ago we had the fox attack but things seem to have settled down. DH and a couple of his friends set traps out and so far, he had only succeeded in catching 2.

Kuan

You have caught TWO fox already?? Were they adults or kits??


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay everyone! I need help with two of my mutt chicks! I need to know boy or girl. I am really thinking girl on one of them. The other one I'm just not sure on.

(Pictures BELOW) Here is what I'm guessing is the Pullet:




Guessing GIRL...



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(Pictures BELOW) This is the one I really dont know. So I took nice close-ups of it. It is probably now about 9 or 10 weeks old?? Maybe older?? It has pullet coloring... you know, the males have the reverse coloring-- they are mostly white and the pullets are darker.... But this is a mix-- so I don't know if that applies to these birds or not??? It looks the same as the first bird except with the gold.




Girl or BOY?

All of these are the SAME chick....



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(Picture BELOW) And for comparison-- these are the pure-bred MALE and Females that I got: You can see the hen right behind the male and see the color difference I'm talking about.. so now that you've seen these.... GUESSES on my chicks??? If the two chicks above are both pullets, I'd like to sell them!