Maine

[Champion Farm]

 

[chickengirl987]

Guess who appeared on my doorstep this morning (literally)

Does anyone know the kind?

 

[lazy gardener]

Is it a snail that you're talking about? If so, I'd be very careful. Could be an invasive species.

 

[IZZYBELLA]

Agree with LG - careful! I am not sure if that is one of the invasive species, but some can cause a lot of problems with native habitats and waterways. Maybe send a photo to fish and game and see what they say.
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/aboutus/auto_forms/contact_us.htm

 

[lazy gardener]

Good glorious morning to you all. Girls are out foraging in the woods, sound like they're having a marvelous time. On the agenda for today is to burn a brush pile on the old garden site. Then I can start the final eradication phase of the nasty bind weed that is taking over there, and turn it into lawn, much to hubby's delight... oh boy... something more to mow. In the mean time, the guy who had promised to come and cut our trees as soon as the roads were no longer posted, has moved on to greener pastures, er... forests... so, if any of you know someone in the greater Bangor area who would like to harvest some mixed soft/hardwood trees, and IS INSURED, please PM me!

 

[Tnic]

Well, I must get getting better at finding stuff on the net. DO NOT tell my wife.

Per LG's king guidance I found the Maine page and I'm checking in.

Just to bring everyone up to speed with the Cossack happenings here. We're waiting to hear from the US Consulate to set up my bride's interview and Med exam in pursuit of her Immy visa. With a bit of luck we'll be in Bangor (Levant) in Sep or Oct.

When we arrive I'll be working with a buddy in Machias to set up a homestead and permanent abode. The plan so far is to get a flock of dual-purp, cold hardy, fair layin, broodies to propagate em the way God designed it and to feed em grain free and GMO free from the garden and any kitchen cast offs I can drum up in the area. Think Back to Eden style all the way. I want to try to copy Paul Gautschi's method as closely as possible including using my flock as a dirt factory that poops eggs.

Joel Salatin calls himself a "grass farmer", maybe I'll be a dirt farmer?

Sooooo, if I understood LG correct I may have a local connection for some Doms and Buckeyes. Between them and the Buff Orps that I'm growing quite fond of as well, I may have quite the flock come next Fall.

Until I do arrive and get chicken poop on my boots, I'll be hangin out and soakin up the knowledge from all of you.

Tim & Katya
Camp Cossack

 

[ashandvine]

We have now had both a Muscovie and a Marans hen deside that playing ball with us seemed like fun. The Muscovie gave up quickly but the Marans chased it twice and pecked once, ha! Almost all the ducklings are gone. The garden is flowering, skapes are in and we are getting ready for fair season. And denying that winter is coming.

 

[striperon]

I've been debating with myself whether or not to purchase a pop door that opens by itself in the morning and closes itself in the evening. Last night I had a thought: there will be at least 100 days in the life of these birds when I would pay someone $2.50 to open and close the door. The reasons could be bad weather, evening events, sickness, distractions from visitors or projects, early mornings or late evenings on the boat. The list could go on, but putting a daily price on the purchase puts it in perspective for me. I will order one.

Meanwhile, the chicks are growing fast. It only took them 3 days to figure out the ramp into the coop at dusk, so they are all inside by 8:30, all on their own. It is still too soon to determine sex of these Blue Laced Red Wyandottes (hatched about June 30). The warm weather allowed a short period of time under a heat lamp. They do not walk down the ramp, they jump and "fly" down. Funny to see them, and boy does my Springer Spaniel get worked up. She wants to get at them.

I added a pail waterer with vertical nipples in their run. They took only minutes before they started pecking at the nipples and learned how to drink from them. I bought the nipples and pail separately and made the waterer.

There are at least 3 of the 6 that are splash. The mahogany is coming out on the breast feathers of one chick I noticed this morning.

This experience has been fun so far. My paternal grandmother was the one who had the chickens when I was growing up on the farm. We were really close, and these chicks are a reminder of her and of that time growing up.

 

[Tnic]

AH MAAAAN!

I just read earlier that Helen's in Machias burned down in the wee hours this morning. I was SO looking forward to taking my wife for a lobster and blueberry pie when we got home this Fall.

NUTS!!

 

[lazy gardener]

I've been debating with myself whether or not to purchase a pop door that opens by itself in the morning and closes itself in the evening. Last night I had a thought: there will be at least 100 days in the life of these birds when I would pay someone $2.50 to open and close the door. The reasons could be bad weather, evening events, sickness, distractions from visitors or projects, early mornings or late evenings on the boat. The list could go on, but putting a daily price on the purchase puts it in perspective for me. I will order one.

Meanwhile, the chicks are growing fast. It only took them 3 days to figure out the ramp into the coop at dusk, so they are all inside by 8:30, all on their own. It is still too soon to determine sex of these Blue Laced Red Wyandottes (hatched about June 30). The warm weather allowed a short period of time under a heat lamp. They do not walk down the ramp, they jump and "fly" down. Funny to see them, and boy does my Springer Spaniel get worked up. She wants to get at them.

I added a pail waterer with vertical nipples in their run. They took only minutes before they started pecking at the nipples and learned how to drink from them. I bought the nipples and pail separately and made the waterer.

There are at least 3 of the 6 that are splash. The mahogany is coming out on the breast feathers of one chick I noticed this morning.

This experience has been fun so far. My paternal grandmother was the one who had the chickens when I was growing up on the farm. We were really close, and these chicks are a reminder of her and of that time growing up.

Glad you're enjoying your little flock. I have one little SLW, and she's a doll. Always on a mission. She occasionally grabs some feathers if someone gets between her and the goodies, but otherwise, she's a nice little bird, and certainly a piece of eye candy! I have to say she's the prettiest of all of this year's girls. Now, about that door opener: Can you wire a lamp??? Or do you know any one who can? If you have the most basic of electrical and building skills, you can build your own electric door opener for the price of a used electric car radio antenna. That's what I'll be doing for the pop door on my new coop. And, I agree, it's hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your girls will be safely shut in without you having to go trudging out every evening. I can't wait to get to that bit of independence with my flock.

BTW, Champion flock: I love the pic of your little kitty. Better not let the chooks near her. They'll eat her for lunch!