fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[NanaK]

On impulse I cleared a little area near the door and poured some water on it to make a wallow.

My chickens LOVE when I do this! I did it yesterday and today with the water hose. They all gathered around. I went to hang up the hose and turned back to look they were all digging out a hole. They lay down in the cool litter. The whole crowd started dust bathing. Happy hens!

Yep, the electrolytes work well. In my experience, too often can give them runny poops so no more than 1-2 per week.

 

[fuzzi]

I recently sent photos of the two roosters to the Speckled Sussex breeder and show judge. Her opinion? Samuel is the better example of the breed, and if I want to try to breed for the standard he's the one to use.

Red [Samuel] is now far better then Blue [Joel]. I have to be honest the poultry judge in me....does not like the color of Blue at all. Red has a consistent "ground color" although not as Dark Mahogany as I would like but still a consistent color....Blue.. in my opinion.... I would place him in someone elses backyard... The varying color is a bad trait.... His hackle (neck feathers) and saddle feathers are different from his breast color they are too bright of a red.... And his breast is actually too black...the 2 males are worlds apart... Blue appears longer legged too ..which I don't like either...so if the opportunity came up . I would get rid of him... He will just throw inconsistent color in his chicks... I know you are not trying to raise show birds...but I do commend you for trying to raise nice birds that represent their breed.

Now, I have mixed feelings about that. Joel is head rooster, and he's good with his girls, and tolerant of Samuel. He also doesn't give me any trouble. But as I wasn't going to hatch chicks until the hens are about a year old next Spring, there's plenty of time to make a decision, or for things to change. Or for nothing to change.

I'm thankful for the information.

 

[NanaK]

I'd look at it like this.

Although she probably knows what she is talking about...she is only one opinion.

I do want to own birds that are a decent example of their breed but more importantly I want a flock that is easy to handle, healthy, and makes me smile! I do not show or attempt to sell show birds.

Some of the best birds I've owned were mutts born right here!

There are many different reasons to keep or sell a rooster.

Your Flock. Your Rules. Your Choice.

 

[fuzzi]

I'd look at it like this.

Although she probably knows what she is talking about...she is only one opinion.

I do want to own birds that are a decent example of their breed but more importantly I want a flock that is easy to handle, healthy, and makes me smile! I do not show or attempt to sell show birds.

Some of the best birds I've owned were mutts born right here!

There are many different reasons to keep or sell a rooster.

Your Flock. Your Rules. Your Choice.

Agreed.

I'm thankful for her input, but I will make decisions based upon what I think is best.

Joel's been a good rooster so far.

 

[fuzzi]

The Dominiques' combs and faces are getting red!

 

[fuzzi]

I guess I need to expedite the coop updates, including the ground anchors:

There's an increased chance of hurricanes in the forecast!

 

[NanaK]

I really dislike that h-word.

 

[fuzzi]

I really dislike that h-word.

Me too. But at least we get some advance notice, unlike tornadoes.

 

[fuzzi]

Samuel

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I guess I need to expedite the coop updates, including the ground anchors:

There's an increased chance of hurricanes in the forecast!

How well does the coop do in winds so far (without the anchors)? Does it rock/sway or it seems solid?