New to the Yard

Hello Everyone,

I've been a BYC lurker for quite a while now; always a good place to come for advice! As my flock seems to be an ever moving feast at the moment, I have been dipping in more and more and so decided to join, finally!

I started my flock 6 years ago and still have Miss Etta, our Grande Dame Speckledy hen, who was joined by Tildy (Columbian) 3 years ago and, this year (after the rest of the old flock were taken by a fox when we moved to our new house ) Miss Nola (bantum Wyandotte), Hetty (ex-bat and the star of my Avatar), Ember (Blackrock), Gru (Light Sussex) and Ash and Apps, an Araucana and an Appenzeller who both have turned out to be boys.

After 4 months and a few upset neighbours (never a good way to start in a new home, but at least we can only improve!) Ash and Apps are going back to the breeder on Thursday and two new girls will be taking their place. I would have been happy with two laying hybrids, but the breeder has an Araucana hen and suggested a Brahma hen as the other replacement. I'm sure she's trying to make up for the fuss and delays (we've spoken a few times now and she knows I like an interesting mixed flock) but I'm currently contemplating the politest possible email I can think of to say that I don't mind what I get as long as they are definite, no doubt about it, egg laying girls!

The Brahma, in particular, has me thinking... they are big birds and quite unlike any chook I've had before. I looked at some at the local farm in my lunch hour yesterday and have decided that they are Marmite birds - poor chook, I'm afraid if stays, so might the nickname!

Roll on Thursday.....

Lucy

 

Thank you TwoCrows for the hug and the tip! Two of my absolute favourite birds were lost that night, the only thing I can say is that there was nothing left apart from a few feathers; at least they didn't go to waste.


Luckily my coop has low bars already but as most of my girls roost outdoors when the weather is good (the loss of the others prompted the boyfriend to build us a super new run for my birthday, complete with a lovely high roof and a wealth of good places to perch) I will need to put a low branch in for her if she wants to join the gang. And, for all my indecision, I was trying to find a good spot for it this morning as I don't want her to be directly under the others... many a morning I have walked into the run to be faced with a row of fluffy bottoms all doing their business and on the unlucky ones I have been caught myself!

 

Thank you Drumstick Diva, this is true... it's just the time is takes to get them taken! 4 months has been quite some time to keep people placated! They only come to this end of the country once a month, and then only if they have enough deliveries. Very good breeders, I really can't fault them, but I have learnt some patience and really don't want to repeat the experience! Fingers firmly crossed.

Thank you Mountain Peeps ... here's to needing no more help than how to post pics of the newbies when they arrive!