Maine

[DwayneNLiz]

I have also learned this lesson, but I'm still allowed to mow. Apparently I've not done enough damage and it's easy enough to replace the blade and windows.

Now we can discuss my covert use of power tools... since I'm not allowed to use them.

the power tools are hidden

cant fathom why

 

[lazy gardener]

Here, I use power tools more than hubby. He does 99% of the mowing, and I'm more than thankful for that.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Here, I use power tools more than hubby. He does 99% of the mowing, and I'm more than thankful for that.

lol, i am surprised mine lets me near the new tractor, though i told him we needed it

 

[CoopChick719]

So, I thought I'd do a little survey to see what you all have, and what your favorite birds are, and what you like about them.  If you were to add a new breed, what would it be and why???? 

For chickens, I have 4 old girls who don't lay anymore--a Sizzle, a Bantam Cochin & an EE/BR/Cochin/WelsummerX; For Layers I have: Partridge Rock, Black Australorps, Barred Rocks, Americaunas, LO/BAx's & a Lavender Orpington rooster.

I've had BCMs, a Faverolle, & Columbian Wyandottes.

I thought I wanted a whole flock of barred rocks but all of my BRs are good layers but jerks--Not friendly. I love my BA's & their babies. Friendly & gentle birds. My Americaunas are young, not laying yet & a little flakey. They are good fliers. I found 1 on the coop roof when I came home from work. My Faverolle & BCM's were very calm & gentle birds. I'd love more of them and maybe some Doms.

Doms are a bit smaller, actually Cuckoo pattern, which is a bit less crisp than Barred pattern, but not really discernible to the casual observer.  Doms a bit smaller.   I've not had BR in my flock, but absolutely love Doms.  They are very friendly, good foragers, gentle spirited in a flock, all round excellent birds.  More apt to go broody than PBR.  Eggs a bit smaller, laying frequency a bit less.

I have limited quantities of golden cuckoo Marans, but my rooster has too many hens so I would have to study fertility in the spring (I don't light the coop).

Usually I don't eat the girls, but this one had a love affair with BFs truck. She did it to the UPS guy when he'd come deliver, too. He made sure we knew he was thankful she was gone. I guess he got stuck here a few times trying to get her off his truck.

the power tools are hidden   cant fathom why 

DH claims he does not hide his power tools from me..."they're in the garage". Yeah, hidden from sight!!

 

[islandgirl82]

So, I thought I'd do a little survey to see what you all have, and what your favorite birds are, and what you like about them. If you were to add a new breed, what would it be and why????

I missed this question before.

You know I share your love of Doms.

I also loved my Golden Spangled Hamburg. They're great layers, free-rangers; they do fly really well and would take to the trees when there was any threat on the ground (which I really liked) and the first to sound the warnings. Added bonus, I think they're beautiful and have that rose comb I'm so fond of.

I like the Wyandottes and EEs are fun. I have had both clean-faced and bearded/muffed EEs and have found those with the clean faces to be much calmer and like/d being handled.

I would love some dark brown egg layers and have considered the Barnevelder as the hens seem to have the smallest combs (I prefer rose combs) of the breeds who do lay the d. brown eggs and I love their feather pattern but most importantly, from what I've read, their temperament is easy-going like the Doms and should do well with them in a mixed flock.

I've also considered Wheaten Marans though based on what I've read, Marans tend to be aggressive towards the gentler breeds when in a mixed flock. Input from those of you who have/had them would be much appreciated!

 

[DwayneNLiz]

DH claims he does not hide his power tools from me..."they're in the garage". Yeah, hidden from sight!!

in the garage, in the locked tool box

or high on a shelf, behind things, squirreled away
LOL

 

[buckabucka]

 

 So, I thought I'd do a little survey to see what you all have, and what your favorite birds are, and what you like about them.  If you were to add a new breed, what would it be and why???? 
  

I missed this question before. 

You know I share your love of Doms.

I also loved my Golden Spangled Hamburg. They're great layers, free-rangers; they do fly really well and would take to the trees when there was any threat on the ground (which I really liked) and the first to sound the warnings. Added bonus, I think they're beautiful and have that rose comb I'm so fond of. 

I like the Wyandottes and EEs are fun. I have had both clean-faced and bearded/muffed EEs and have found those with the clean faces to be much calmer and like/d being handled. 

I would love some dark brown egg layers and have considered the Barnevelder as the hens seem to have the smallest combs (I prefer rose combs) of the breeds who do lay the d. brown eggs and I love their feather pattern but most importantly, from what I've read, their temperament is easy-going like the Doms and should do well with them in a mixed flock. 

I've also considered Wheaten Marans though based on what I've read, Marans tend to be aggressive towards the gentler breeds when in a mixed flock. Input from those of you who have/had them would be much appreciated!

I had two wheaten Marans (now only one), and both are/were low on the pecking order and not aggressive at all. They are in a mixed flock. My golden cuckoo Marans are in a different flock. I have 10 or 12 of them in a mixed flock of 22. I haven't noticed any real aggression, but they seem to be in the middle of the pack on the pecking order. The only bird I have that seems to get terrorized is in a third flock. She's a lavender Ameraucana, and her aggressors are lavenders also.
Sometimes aggression seems to be based more on individuals, although I realize that different breeds have varying reputations in general. I had an aggressive Barred Rock, and a sweet one.
My Barnevelder is gentle and very pretty. I can't say she ever gave off many eggs, but I have some breeds I keep for "yard art", and others for production.

 

[islandgirl82]

Quote: I had two wheaten Marans (now only one), and both are/were low on the pecking order and not aggressive at all. They are in a mixed flock. My golden cuckoo Marans are in a different flock. I have 10 or 12 of them in a mixed flock of 22. I haven't noticed any real aggression, but they seem to be in the middle of the pack on the pecking order. The only bird I have that seems to get terrorized is in a third flock. She's a lavender Ameraucana, and her aggressors are lavenders also.
Sometimes aggression seems to be based more on individuals, although I realize that different breeds have varying reputations in general. I had an aggressive Barred Rock, and a sweet one.
My Barnevelder is gentle and very pretty. I can't say she ever gave off many eggs, but I have some breeds I keep for "yard art", and others for production.

Thank you...this helps. The Wheaten is my favorite Marans appearance-wise. I have an OE here whose mother was a Marans (not sure of variety but her feathering is brown and blue) and where she falls in the group depends on the day. Sometimes she's near the bottom and other times she's somewhere in the middle.

As for the Barnevelders not being as productive as other breeds, I don't mind that so much.

 

[MistyMae]

Ready for winter!! I hope!

 

[lazy gardener]

I still have plastic to put up, and a tractor to move, a few things to get under cover.