Minnesota!

[coldupnorth]

Okay - it is official! I'm done talking to myself and husband (and a couple others) about this, but I do need to downsize my flock to something that is more manageable. I have had Icelandics for a few years now, I am planning on keeping just a few for now, but would have 3 small starter flocks or trios available. Most are less then a year to two years old, however there are a few that are older. Each group would have one of the older hens, who still are laying, just not as often. One group would have two rooster (brother brood mates) and 4 hens (not their sisters). The other two groups would be trios. I would prefer that they went to people who were interested in keeping the breed pure and perserving it. This is a hard decision for me - they come in a beautiful array of colors and are great foragers that love to free range; unfortunately we have been unable to free range because of our own dogs and the neighbor dogs that insist on visiting. My starter flock was from Whipperwill Farms (David Grote) and the main rooster that I've used the last 1.5 years is from NotAFarm. I have not advertised on craigslist or anything yet. Message me if anyone is interested - I'm not giving away, but am very fair with pricing.

 

[Rhetts]

Well, one of the roo welsummers got me today. Not bad, no blood. I was bent over filling the feed tray out in the run, went to stand up and he went at me. I was able to defend myself and tossed him off but man I was not expecting it at all so it more startled me than anything. I gave the kids the heads up and sure enough when they were in the coop doing the water he started in at them. I had started my 'go to freezer camp' list a couple days ago, he is now on the list!!

And my red bourbon turkey has an injured foot. Bumble foot?? I have no idea. It is swollen like a golf ball right at the base of his foot/ankle. He is hardly using it to walk. Dare I try to cut it open to drain or what the heck should I do?? I know Ralphie did Bert's foot with success. Is it worth trying to do a turkey foot? Of course it happens to be DH favorite turkey. Any suggestions?

 

[duluthralphie]

Rhett, in this case Vengeance will be a dish best served hot, around 425......



I am home, tired and wore out, I did visit the chickens before coming in.

Ethel is missing, DW says she has not seen her in 4 days and she has only been coming up once in a while. I assume she is on a nest. I am not sure what I am going to do with the slates. The hen I thought was on the nest is not another one is. There are 20-30 eggs (guinea and turkey under her.


Thelma is alive but sports a flattop now. She is looking so so.

The Hussy is alive she greeted me and the turken is alive, which means the ICU baby died. I think I am down 4-5 birds. BUT some could be on nests so it is hard to tell. MY best laid plans went to pieces with my trip. BTW, I think I caught my renter trying to switch my expensive dishwasher for an old piece of junk. I know he would have told me mine quit working and he replaced it for me. The .... mucking the coop time again,

Ole is going to have to go to a rooster pen, I have too many hens with beat up backs. He might have to go on a fishing trip or several trips...I know a guy that ties his own flies.


Bert is alive but looking worse for the wear. I know I am fighting genetics with him, but I would like to see him make his next birthday. I doubt he will make winter. He is keeping Louise company now as Thelma heals in the basement.


Penguin could be a turkey. The ugliest face I have ever seen. I have some Creamettes not sure how many and some guineas along with toads.

My BBW is huge!

JJ is seeming skinny, but looks healthy, Could be all the feathers he has wore off. I am to tired to think of predator control tonight. Tomorrow I start that. Traps and calls with rifles to start. If it eats chicken it dies!

I read all the posts but forgot what I wanted to say, forgive me if I ignored someone. I drove for 29 hours to get home and slept for 3 so am shot.


I will try to post pictures tomorrow... I have a guinea in the incubator that is going to die, I should cull it but cannot do that tonight. no heart for it. I have 2 live ones in there. I have no idea how many birds I have. Looks like a lot need to get them out tomorrow.

 

[Cluckies]

Thanks. I wonder if I put some sort of osilating fan in the coop if that would help a lot.

It might. I just put one in mine, up high at the highest vent, I can point it in (facing the roost), or out, does not oscillate though. got it from menards. I just need to check it alot and make sure it is clean. I only use it at night to get more air flow in and out of the coop when it is hot.


Ralphie, good to see you made it back safe! I'm sure the chooks missed you!

 

[nordicacres]

Welcome back, Ralphie!

 

[nordicacres]

Well, tonight is the first night the littles and the turkeys are in with the big birds. They were all roosting together when I closed up the coop. I'm getting up early to let everyone out to free range together! Crossing my fingers it will go well!

 

[Cluckies]

Well, tonight is the first night the littles and the turkeys are in with the big birds. They were all roosting together when I closed up the coop. I'm getting up early to let everyone out to free range together! Crossing my fingers it will go well!

Good luck!

 

[duluthralphie]

Well, tonight is the first night the littles and the turkeys are in with the big birds. They were all roosting together when I closed up the coop. I'm getting up early to let everyone out to free range together! Crossing my fingers it will go well!

I hope it went well.

Today is a day of change here too. Some babies are introduced to free ranging. Some will move outside and others will move from the basement to the shed. The ones in the incubator move to the basement and Louise is going out to be with Louise and Bert.

 

[Rhetts]

Ralphie-Glad you made it home safe and sound! I heard someone mention your neck of the woods,Togo, the other day. No, they were not talking about the bar. He was talking about honey. I said 'Hey, I know where you are talking about' and instantly thought of you! Good luck today with all that you want to do. Hope it goes smoothly for you.

 

[duluthralphie]

I hate when guys call me "honey'!

I am going to bite the bullet and et my little guys out. I free range and I have to accept there will be loses.


As soon as DW gets up I plan to go out and release the Juniors to the world.



Ole now lives by himself, if the hens backs do not get better Ed will join him.