my very own micro farm

[attimus]

@Lindalouly Trust there will be pictures of the ducks return to the pond, maybe even a video or two. The mallards and cookie are the only ones to know about it being full but everyone will be ecstatic I'm sure. Hopefully big enough now for everyone to share space as well, always fun watching them chase each other around in the kiddie pools. The initial plan with the pond was to have fish also but plans change frequently. Once the pond is full, I'll see how stable I can keep it with the ducks. I'll have to get a decent filter built to house my pumps as well. They don't last long exposed to the open water. I spent a lot of time pre concrete rotating pumps so I could clean the small filters out, prefer to avoid that this go.

Managed to get around 3 or 4 hundred pictures off my old phone, once I give it a look over should make for some good pic heavy posts.

Qbert is doing well. Wouldn't even know by looking at her that anything happened other than the little scruff on her head. Spent a little time on my shoulder this morning and am planning on filling the tub up for her in an hour or so for a good soak.

Found brain sleeping in the nesting boxes the last two nights and noticed she was in a lower roost the night before that. Pecking order seems to be shifting again and will continue too as the younger birds are seperated into the production coop with only a few remaining with the main flock(burglers pullet and maybe cockerel and both kelso pullets).

Not endorsing any brands here, but I've spent quite a bit of money on mealworms over the last two years hence the start of the farms, well the other day the Miss' came home with a flock block for everyone that's the same price as a bag of worms. They put a good dent in it over the week but its still mostly there and all seem to enjoy at their leisure. Still hand feeding boss every day, always gets em running from random corners when i shake the scoop. Sure is a sight.
Anyways think its about time to punch this day in the mouth.
Onward and upward
Attimus

 

[lindalouly]

Shading plants and other plants will help keep algae and filter some.. There are fish that you can get the help with the natural biosphere of a pond too.... Can't remember the name yet but there are fish that will keep it clear of Mosquitos. Also it doesn't hurt to add natural cleaners... A small cat fish or snails that eat fish droppings and algae alike. Plants will usually add enough oxygen in the water for fish. Plus, if there were a way to recycle the water through a small rock formation aka water fall style that forced it through sand and carbon you would have it made. I love fish. Spent a lot of time researching and creating my tank but trust me easier than a pond. Good luck. I dream of an oasis. How cool. Also wild strawberries grow great around ponds and stuff just a thought.

 

[attimus]

@lindalouly thanks for the input, definitely all things to consider. I have some ideas for cages similar to the planter boxes to help keep plants protected. Possible plant ideas along the outside of the back retaining wall. The guy that's been helping me pour the concrete makes display fountains for a hobby so a waterfall is also in the works, running it through rocks and sand sounds like a great idea. As for fish before I set the concrete I had some ideas for hiding spots built in. Didn't happen. Lol. My ducks look at fish as treats so they'll either need to be big enough going in or have plenty of spaces to hide. Local fish and game also give out bags of "mosquito" fish for free each year to people with bodies of water to help cut down on the pesky bugs. I'll be getting some this time around and hopefully have everything ready by then that they don't turn into a fish snack. One step at a time.
Gotta run before you can walk or something like that.
Onward and upward
Attimus

 

[attimus]

Fun stuff going on this week. My baby is starting to walk!!! That's going to present a whole new level of dealing with my chickens and ducks. Lol. Pond is almost nearly capped, spent some time on the last night before it got dark, maybe two or three pours left then I can focus on the outside of the rim and possible planting. Probably order the sealant some time this week so it'll be ready to go next weekend too.
Qbert is doing amazing

I've been so happy for his speedy recovery.
Little bugger even flew off my shoulder twice this morning while I was out in our porch.
I'm heading to Sacramento shortly to pick up an d'uccle x oegb bantam and two chicks from @SilkiesForEver, downsizing her flock and I'm happy to give them a good home. Pens are already set up to establish space and then introduction.

I hear one of my hens singing in the background and there's always something that needs to be done.
Enjoy your mornings maybe new chicken pics this afternoon.
Up up and away
Attimus

 

[attimus]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of driving but fun none the less. Good road trips for birds is always worth it.

I knew she would be small but man is this a Tiny chicken. Lol. I think even qbert has her by a few inches. She's the cross and one of the chicks is a cross and I believe they said its actually her sister even tho she hatched them. The other chick is a full blooded oegb and they believe to be male. Maybe I'll show him at the fair next year.
We stopped at a park across the street from where we got the birds for a quick lunch and headed off to a small town called Melones that is under New Melones Lake. so this town was covered when they dammed the area in 79' and the Miss' sister happened to see a pretty incredible part of the lake while she was working for acrt tree and power line inspection. Essentially a flowing river of silt. And from what we researched before heading out was that the water level was getting so low you could start to see structures re emerging from the depths. Well there is an information center and small museum, both closed when we arrived, that had a small bit of info on the outside. Read some of the history and tried to identify where the small buildings might be located but to no avail. I feel the sisters job took her to a more secluded off the path section of the lake. I would love to find out exactly where she was but for now here's pictures of what we got to see.

When full this lakes surface covers over 12000 sq acres, the water line has easily dropped 200 feet.
Food for thought.
Good morning good afternoon good evening and good night.
Attimus

 

[lindalouly]

Oh boy a toddling tot!!!!!! An adventure in its own right!!!!!

 

[lindalouly]

Attimus are you there.... I have a jersey giant with a bleeding and torn waddle... I need advice on how to mend and what to put on it... Posted in the injury section too.. Just waiting who can get back at me the fastest

 

[attimus]

@lindalouly bluekote or pick no more or vetrycin ointment. Wash and clean it. Picture maybe to help. How bad is it. One of my kelso hens has a little tear from one of her boys, if its not bad it'll heal.

 

[lindalouly]

I cleaned it and it's not bleeding... Looks like a cut on her neck and torn wattle... Can't get all the blood off her pretty feathers but she is playing and eating and drinking so I'm going to just keep an eye out on the flock today... I just wish I knew how it happened....

 

[attimus]

@lindalouly hope everything is working out.

Been an interesting couple days. Locked keys in the truck, car broke down, dentists visit, and mom had a minor surgery. A lot of intermingled stories there. Maybe for another time.

So the smoke here has been pretty crazy lately and I'm certain is the cause of Roscos very recent wispy quiet crow, he spent about 4 hours solid a few mornings ago just belting them out during the thickest part of the clouds. Its been pretty quiet around here seriously tho I'm making sure he has plenty of fresh water with a little nutridrench for booster. Seems on the up and up aside from the noise. Lol.
Qbert who is turning into a distinct queen bee is as fit as a fiddle and took a 40 foot flight out of my hands when I stepped off the porch with her. It looked a little shakey from the obvious muscle damage but she still flew. So happy for this one.
The bantams are doing great in their minicoop and run. I think at this point my chicken housing is going a little inception route; a coop and run within a coop and run within a coop and run within a coop and run
And so on haha .
Anyways off to work enjoy the day
Onwards and upwards
Attimus