FLORIDA!!!!!ALWAYS SUNNY SIDE UP!!!

[Nava]

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I just got rid of my buff orps at this last swap in Ocala, becouse I had no roo, mine got taken by a fox, and now you tell me?, just wait till I see you.
you are really going to run with chickens this time, LOL

 

[Thundrr-Chicken]

if anyone is near the north volusia county area... ormond beach... route 40... that needs chickens processed... i have a couple that i met at local farm swaps... stopped by there farm this weekend and they have a brand new whizbang plucker that they just built... they are charging $2.25 per bird... they processed out 4 roos for me on saturday... they're on ice... so... if you need a processor ... give me a shout and i'll hook you up

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Did anyone else notice a slight improvement in the weather this morning? I'm in Palm Beach County and this morning it was not as awful, but instead bearable and almost pleasant to be out doing the chicken chores! It gives me hope that the summer simmer is on the wane, and that better outdoor conditions are on the way!

I grew up in Miami, many many mango seasons ago when there were only window AC units in homes and those usually only in bedrooms, to be run only on the hottest nights. The schools & many stores didn't have AC, I don't remember ever running ours at home during the daytime. I spent my days running around & playing outdoors and don't remember being bothered by it at all. Even when I first got married I told my husband that we should economize and run the AC only when the temps were 90 degrees or higher, and otherwise keep the windows open & use fans.

Now that I'm older, fatter & have a different cocktail of hormones controlling my body, I just cannot bear the heat. It makes me miserable & unmotivated, makes me drip profusely with sweat all over my face & body, and break out in burning, itchy rashes if I spend too much time working outdoors. I put most outdoor projects & maintenance on hold, and most days have to run directly into the shower after going out to do the morning & evening chicken chores, and change my entire outfit of clothes.

But I felt a difference this morning! I was able to take care of everybird's needs and only had a slight amount of perspiration on my face by the end of the work, and could come in and start doing other work indoors without needing to shower. I know that the temps will continue to fluctuate throughout Sept & Oct, but it makes me happy & hopeful that the end of the horrible heat is in sight!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

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I'm always impressed that anyone can & will process chickens for such a low price, if these folks were closer I might take my own table birds there. And I'm a real cheapskate. People have asked me how much I would charge them to process their birds for them and I tell them $20!!! I wouldn't do that hot & messy job for any less. I guess if I had a processing station permanently set up and handy to use, and helpful equipment like a plucker & scalder, and several family members willing to pitch in, I could offer that service for less.

Of course I'm willing to do the job for love, for my family & me, and glad to work alongside anyone wanting to learn the procedure themself. I'd help process their birds, or have them help process mine, and share the meat with them. But no one could not pay me to do it alone for them.

 

[yrhorses]

How can I contact some of the folks in my area ? I tried searching members but only found a couple.

 

[chics in the sun]

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I LOVE it when you can just feel that slight difference, and still it makes SUCH a difference in how the air feels. A few more weeks, folks, and it will be nice out

yhorses - come to my swap! Maybe there will be a few people here from up your way. I know I guy in Tarpon on here, but that's the only one I can think of.

 

[seminolewind]

Yes, we Floridians sorta get the last laugh-alot of people getting ready for winter in the States, and getting all those warm clothes out, coats, heavy boots, hats , scarves, etc.
And we are heading into 8 months of near perfect weather! And yes, I will be enjoying it!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I always like this time of year when the Target corporate office (based in Minneapolis, Minnesota) puts a bunch of their gardening supplies on clearance, just in time for us Floridians to break ground on our summer-dormant gardens.

 

[TigerLilly]

Oooh, looks like I'll be heading to Target soon! And last night I dreamed (no lie) that it was cool enough to open the windows in the house--I love when it cools off & the humidity is low!
Quick question for my Florida neighbors...when do chickens molt (is there a certain time of the year?) & how long does it last? I'm noticing an awful lot of feathers on the ground & don't think it's neccesarily from the roo chasing the hens!

 

[Nava]

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my started already and I sure hope it ends soon, or she'll be too cold