My Flock Story -- 2023

[3KillerBs]

And overnight, my boxes have no broodies in them.

So I set up the brooder.

Actually, I had prayed for a sign for what was right to do. Empty nests certainly counts as a sign.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a chicken situation today.

I was doing feed and water and one of the 6-month cockerels escaped from the dog crate, ran into Camp Cockerel when I opened it, and started chasing the Easter Cockerels.

I can't chase any of them because I'm in my work clothes.

So reluctantly unauthorized free-ranging today.

If either of the 6-month boys try to invade the main coop Ramses, Seti, and Khufu will set him straight about that -- assuming he gets past Mocha and Auntie.

 

[fuzzi]

I have a chicken situation today.

I was doing feed and water and one of the 6-month cockerels escaped from the dog crate, ran into Camp Cockerel when I opened it, and started chasing the Easter Cockerels.

I can't chase any of them because I'm in my work clothes.

So reluctantly unauthorized free-ranging today.

If either of the 6-month boys try to invade the main coop Ramses, Seti, and Khufu will set him straight about that -- assuming he gets past Mocha and Auntie.

Do let us know how it turns out.


My cockerels had a "situation" as well, yesterday. It's described in my journal thread. Preview: no blood was shed.

 

[3KillerBs]

Do let us know how it turns out.


My cockerels had a "situation" as well, yesterday. It's described in my journal thread. Preview: no blood was shed.

He's not being hostile, just letting them know who is boss in that area.

If he invades the wrong space the adults will tell him who is really boss.

 

[3KillerBs]

The flock is a little smaller now. I harvested 5 cockerels and culled a crossbeaked pullet (daughter of the Olive Egger).

I feel sorry for her. She was only hatched at Easter but her beak problem, which showed at about 5 weeks, just got worse and worse and worse. Poor little thing. Definitely unable to eat properly because she was about condition 2 with the fluff off.

I don't usually take them this young but I needed to reduce feed consumption. I'll be trying homegrown fried chicken next week once they've rested.

I am going to try a new market strategy. I've been selectively culling black and white from the spring hatches so I'll try advertising them as "Rare Blue and Splash Australorps".

 

[3KillerBs]

I rested the 12-week culls until the legs moved freely, cut them up, soaked them in buttermilk for several hours, then breaded and deep-fried them.

Delicious!

Tender and chewable.

 

[3KillerBs]

I gave this incident it's own thread, but I'm liking this here in my records thread: Scary!

 

[3KillerBs]

The WTBs and their Cochin companions have moved to the integration pen.

 

[fuzzi]

The WTBs and their Cochin companions have moved to the integration pen.

I keep forgetting how much bigger than bantams standard chicks are!

The last one (image ends in 882) looks like she has a mask.

 

[3KillerBs]

I keep forgetting how much bigger than bantams standard chicks are!

The last one (image ends in 882) looks like she has a mask.

That's one of the Whiting True Blues. They don't come in standardized color patterns so I expect them to be interesting.