Maine

[kinsey228]

I went to the swap today to pick up a cockerel from Hoppy, and left with not only the cockerel but a black Orpington pullet, a blue Wyandotte pullet, a paint silkie, and a pair of Muscovys as well.

 

[buckabucka]

are you sure you want this 3' deep? You might put in a false back to make them not as deep, but removable incase you find you really do need that space (cute jail, I though you were going to say the jail birds were going in there, lol).
Quote: I agree that is a little deeper than ideal, but because I wanted the top 3 feet deep, it was easy for DH to construct this way. For baby chicks, it would be nice to put something back there, even if just a spring-fit piece of hardware cloth. Once they are a few weeks old and start cruising around, I think I'll like the extra space!

If anyone is going to need cockerels later, I'm going to have quite an assortment: cuckoo Marans, Wheaten Marans, blue Marans, Ameraucana, Barnevelder, and Olive egger (Isbar x Marans). We plan to grow them out for the freezer, but if someone is looking for one of those breeds, I would be happy to share. I think I definitely have 2 pullets (of 12

), but I

 

[buckabucka]

am still holding out hope on 2 questionable birds (although I admit they are looking kind of roostery).
Sorry to continue my sentence in a second post.... If you use smileys on a mobile device, things quickly shut down.

 

[CoopChick719]

Sorry to hear about your fox problem, Widget!

Nice job on the jail, Bucka, looks great!

Kinsey228, That is one of the reasons I didn't go. I was afraid there would be someone I just couldn't walk away from!

Finally let the flock out to free range a little yesterday afternoon. DH built a ramp to get them over the wire apron in front of the run door. He's really starting to come around on this chicken thing.

Once they figured out the ramp, they were out. I only had to help 3 onto the ramp. It was so cute to see my roo find some green grass & call to everyone to come see what he found. He had a little trouble leading everyone back to the coop to roost...started heading off into the woods with the girls following behind him. I was able to call everyone back with a shake of the scratch jug.

Happy Easter to all my BYC peeps!

 

[blueseal]

sounds like I missed a good turnout yesterday at the augusta swap. what did everyone bring to sell. were there a lot of young pullets forsale.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I missed it too but Ash almost went home with a goat.

 

[ashandvine]

I am still jonesing for that little bugger too! (CUTE!!!!)

Alright, so turkey stomper has done his job and I have heard she will lay another clutch. I found her trying to set the ducks eggs yesterday afternoon so I set up a barricade there. When she begins to set again I will send turkey Jake Stomper to Bucka's jail It puts me behind in the season but at least it isn't going to be a total loss. FYI I was told by a long term keeper of turkeys that is not abnormal and that after a turkey starts to lay her clutch she must be protected from the tom till her eggs hatch. Toms will ruin nests, eggs, and try to copulate just because nesting does look like 'receiving' so he could tear her open with his spurs when he has them or at least crush some egg and tear her feathers off. Lesson certainly learned here. I can't do anything for momma duck but if her baby hatches the trio has a home already.

Happy Ostara!

Remember that I wanted those Pomeranian geese and they guy let them loose? Well, two turned up! He has told me to come get them. I still have no way to do this so anyone who is willing to grab them and hold them for me or grab and transport will be paid for their gas/time. And I would be grateful. I might even trade in some eggs or something. (not the plastic ones from today either, hatchers

Which reminds me: I had lost a beautiful, new, Mille Fleur Basque hen last week and was really disappointed. She just disappeared. After about 4 days I found her. She had fallen into the most impossible place that I didn't even know existed till I saw one hen perching above it. When SO threw up pens for me he left about 8 inches between two of them because of a 6x6 support timber. She was in there. I got her out and gave her vitamin water, meal worms and a big hug... and a crate with a lock for now.

 

[Widget]

Which reminds me: I had lost a beautiful, new, Mille Fleur Basque hen last week and was really disappointed. She just disappeared. After about 4 days I found her. She had fallen into the most impossible place that I didn't even know existed till I saw one hen perching above it. When SO threw up pens for me he left about 8 inches between two of them because of a 6x6 support timber. She was in there. I got her out and gave her vitamin water, meal worms and a big hug... and a crate with a lock for now.

That is one lucky chicken. Good thing the other one gave you the clue where she was. I bet she is really happy to have been saved and getting the VIP treatment.

 

[MustardTiger]

Bucka, that jail looks awesome. I wish I could find some materials like that!

Today we are building a tractor. woohooo!


Ash, at least there was some poultry found rather than lost this time! Phew.


What a beautiful day to work outside.

 

[buckabucka]

I am lucky to have my classroom facing the trash collection area. Not for the view, of course, but for scavenging. The same day that the jail appeared, there was what looked like a ladder roost. It sat there for about a week and I told DH about it. Then suddenly I saw two teachers go pick it up and set it outside their classroom.
When I told the janitor I planned to take the jail, I asked him about the ladder roost. It belonged to the OT department, and he was mad that they took it back. He said it has been in storage forever and never gets used. He even went so far as to complain to the administration that he thought it was unsafe and should go back in the trash, but the OT department prevailed, and it is back in storage.

Ash, so glad you found your Basque before it was too late. And I would be happy to put turkey stomper in jail, where he belongs!