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Where is this one located?
And where are auctions popping up? Are there any decent ones? I have heard that the WCA is now The Coop, but it's being run pretty much the same which means I won't be there. I would like an outlet for hens I'm phasing out, though. A well-run auction would be just the ticket. Anyone know of any?
Haven't been on in a while. Still...always...sorting out which direction our little farm is heading. I've decided to narrow down to two breeds, plus all the EEs and OEs and assorted layers. My eating egg customers like the colorful eggs they get. So the Welsummers stay, as well as the Wheaten/Blue Wheaten Ameraucanas. I'm getting more stock from better bloodlines for both of those. This year I'll sort those out and make choices of the layers I currently have. And next spring I'll add a few mixed layers, just for fun and to make more EEs and OEs. I've already sold the Cream Legbars, just decided the Dark Cornish are going...likely to the pot. I won't breed Buff Orps, or any Orps, anymore. I'll keep a few for regular brown eggs, but not a breeding group.
All this will take me down to three main pens. My biggest chicken house that's 16 x 20 is usually divided into two halves, each leading to a different pasture. Now, it can have the dividing door open, and the entire laying group can use both pastures. The best of the Wellies and Ams will each get a smaller house, on opposite sides of a 8 x 20, so each side gets 8 x 10 with it's own smaller pasture section. Maybe a quarter acre there each. That leaves the Juvenile Detention Center free to be used properly (The Dark Cornish are currently on the Grow-out side of it). The last 8 x 20 that is undivided will house older grow-outs in the spring and summer, and I can also use it in late fall to start new calves wile the older ones finish out on the rest of the pasture. I'd just have to remove perches, feeders and feed cans and add a rig to hold the milk bar for them. We were considering pigs for some time, but have decided we don't want to manage pigs. What little pork we eat we'll keep buying. I have several friends who raise, including some that sell cuts, so I can still get "homegrown" pork...just not from my home.
So, there's my spring update! Tell me what you are working on, what you are planning for, what you are dreaming about!