fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

I spy a couple of new badges!
Congratulations @fuzzi and @NanaK !

Fuzzi, I hope you are having a nice time at the beach! It's been years and years since I've been. I loved going to OBX but probably will never make it again, which is o.k. I can't help but want to get back to the mountains and trees

Thank you! The badge was a total surprise.

Our vacation was very relaxing, we didn't do much, laid around, walked on the beach, sat on our porch, etc.

On the trip to the beach my maps app went wonky, so I tried to wing it without assistance...and took US-70 instead of US-17 and added two hours to the trip.

But it was a nice drive along the shore.

We sat on the beach on Monday for less than an hour...I'd forgotten how quickly the sun can burn. My poor dh got fried on his legs. I got some color, but my arms are fine, they've been exposed to the sun quite a bit with my gardening this year.

And I did go into the surf, but not as far or long as I used to. I'm aware that my dh is dependent on me, so I can't be even a little adventurous.

We did two full days at the beach. I could have stayed longer but knew my dh would be antsy to get home. He doesn't tolerate much change to his routine, so longer trips are not advisable.

It's good to be home, I missed my chicks.

 

[fuzzi]

We got home about 1:00pm, but I forced myself to unpack before I checked on the flock.

Rahab is the bad girl, being broody. My sitter didn't feel comfortable enough to reach under her to check for eggs, but when I removed her from the box this afternoon I laughed, she's been sitting on a plastic egg!

Like Martha did when she was broody, Rahab squawked at me when I removed her, then went "jellyfish" when I placed her on a roost. It reminds me of a child refusing to stand during a tantrum.

"You're being mean to me..."

The Dominiques are now bigger than the Sussex though they're six weeks younger. I noticed that they're pushing their way through the Sussex blockade when treats are added to their dish.

And they still hang together.

No, the boys are not fighting!

The cockerels are still getting along, no squabbles that I have noticed. They're 7 1/2 months old now.

Samuel (left) is the Roo in the Queue. Joel on the right is Boss Roo, and takes care of the girls. He's not as close to Standard as Samuel is, but I am not going to make any changes at this time. His being a good roo is worth more to me right now than breeding quality.

One more picture of the silly Dominiques!

(Lydia, Tamar, Naomi... Abigail is my current profile photo)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm glad you had a good time!

Your flock looks great!

 

[fuzzi]

I had a watermelon in the shed refrigerator, totally forgot about it. Well, when I cut it yesterday it was a tad mushy for the humans, but the flock loved it!

 

[fuzzi]

My eldest sister informed me that one of her granddaughters LOVES animals, especially chickens. While adjusting my channel's settings on YouTube so she could share my chicken videos I rewatched a chicken "Roll Call" video I made three months ago. It needed to be updated as the Dominiques weren't named yet.

Here it is, part 2:

 

[fuzzi]

Found this at the farmers' market today... he's now roosting on top of the television.

 

[fuzzi]

Hoop Coop Build and More Timeline (updated 3/18/24)

1/14/23 - Purchased cattle panels (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26454653

1/19/23 - Zip-tied cattle panels: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26469743

1/21/23 - Purchased 2x4x16s, attached 4th cattle panel, attached panels to wood with 1 1/2" staples:

A. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26474136

B. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26475389

1/28/23 - Added 8' 2x4s to ends: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26496739

1/29/23 - Added frame braces, pallet support to west end, started adding HWC: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26500073

2/4/23 - Too cold, stayed inside, assembled waterer: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26517266

2/9/23 - Placed HWC over hoop (pm) (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26532873

2/10/23 - Attached end HWC to adjacent piece (zip-ties): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26535573

2/11/23 - Attached remaining HWC to frame & each other (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26538550

2/18/23 - Created door and door frame, attached to hoop frame:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26557799

2/19/23 - Added HWC to and around door, created door stop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26560487

2/21/23 - Finished HWC on door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26567034

2/23/23 - HWC added around door, added hasps, door handle: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26572834

2/24/24 - Finished HWC around door, strap attachment to reinforce door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26574491

Added tarps (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26575006

Added bungees, HWC apron by door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26575746

2/25/23 - Rain lines inside the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26577881

2/26/23 - Created brooder with dog crate: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26581165

2/27/23 - CHICKS HATCHING! Finished brooder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26584216

2/28/23 - Final touches including power cord run under apron, mason jars for feeder and waterer, bought feed, created MHP: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26587205

3/2/23 - Chicks! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26591524

3/4/23 - Turnbuckle and large feeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26596670

3/8/23 - Secured weak points around door, added hook & eye to inside of the door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26611842

3/9/23 - All chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26614419

3/10/23 - Dirt introduction: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26617440

Solar motion sensor lights installation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26617483

3/11/23 - Roost build: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26620026

3/15/23 - Chicks roosting on branch: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26633457

3/16/23 - Chicks first time exploring on ground: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26636331

3/17/23 - Finished west end (pallet): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26638548

3/20/23 - Chicks...opened door for day, first time, added leg rings: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26649735

3/21/23 - Removed waterer and feeder from brooder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26653394

3/22/23 - Most of the chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26656148

3/24/23 - Added 12" anchors: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26659439

Added dust bathtub: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26659452

3/24/23 - Left brooder door open all night.

3/27/23 - First pill bug treats for all: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26670080

3/31/23 - New intermediate waterers added: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-37#post-26685528

4/4/23 - MHP unplugged! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26705767

4/5/23 - Info from a Speckled Sussex breeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26708519

4/6/23 - Chicks figure out the port feeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26712254

And the brooder is removed! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-41#post-26714345

4/8/23 - First taste of grapes: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26719853

4/14/23 - Dominique chicks arrive: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26739378

4/15/23 - FINALLY added a handle to the door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26743963

4/18/23 - Sussex roll call at 7 weeks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-49#post-26755168

4/21/23 - Rearranging roosts, etc: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-50#post-26763950

5/3/23 - Speckled Sussex standards: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26803735

and

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-54#post-26805385

5/5/23 - Dominiques leave the brooder! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26811588

5/7/23 - Grow Out crate modified for Dominiques: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26817329

First crow: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26828812

Improvements to the coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26833977

Avoiding the Big Boys: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26836509

Sexing the Dominiques: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26840103

Integrating the Dominiques:
(different thread) https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...to-flock-at-4-weeks-old.1159151/post-26859213

More Rearranging: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26859316

And:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26880259

Dominique Selfies: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26882900

Practicing: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26898211

Heading to the Auction: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26919777

Roll Call! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26926818

Nest Boxes Preparation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26940949

Fleck Goes to the Auction, Part 1: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26966189

Fleck Goes to the Auction, Part 2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26966432

New Leg Bands (Sussex): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26967036

Shade Cloth: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26967476

New Leg Bands (Dominiques): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26986260

Snake! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26990422

Coop Improvements: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27024562

Roost Improvement, Part 1: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27057880

Roost Improvement, Part 2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27060515

Pullet Chatter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27074828

FIRST EGG: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27090488

Snake #2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27094131

Cleaning Up Outside the Coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27097529

Electrical Cord Project: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27103530

Adding Shade Cloth Over Tarp: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hoop-coop-retrofit.1593936/post-27112593

Snake #3: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27113079

Martha Goes Broody: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27130572

Ground Anchors: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27137639

Making the Door More Secure: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27147153

Egg Diary: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27170820

Martha's Broody Again: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27184623

Tropical Storm #2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27195704

VIDEOS
Roll Call!:

Hoop Coop Inside Tour:

Hoop Coop Outside Tour:

Enjoying Greens:

Easy Method to De-shell Hard-Boiled Eggs:

 

[fuzzi]

Yesterday the count was ZERO, NADA, NIL.

I held a pep talk, and suggested that if eggs weren't forthcoming, grapes would cease to be available.

Today's haul:

It appears two of the pullets listened...and nice sized eggs, too!

 

[NanaK]

Sometimes you have to cross your arms, pat your foot and have these talks.

 

[fuzzi]

Found this fantastic post while searching for an egg size conversion chart:

'Diagrams,poultry parts,charts, and lots of reading'
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-and-lots-of-reading-updated-nov-13th.343605/