NY chicken lover!!!!

[Tough Old Bird]

I avoid that as much as possible ...I feed the chickens though .
My husband & son are fully capable of cooking ..I did it for years I am RETIRED !

LOL, Gramma! Good for you!

Congrat's on your "retirement!" hehehe....


TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

What A Great Day today !
I collected /swept up 6 bags of Leaves for winter bedding with my lawn sweeper .
If the weather holds I will do more tomorrow ...Neighbors have some too ....didnt get to them today ...

That's good, because I think they'll be soaked tomorrow. Rain on the way, or so I hear.


TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

Chicken Friends,

As mentioned, my hens are (mostly) all molting. Hardly getting any eggs; not enough to share with anyone these days. Darn.

Approximately how long does it take for the average hen to go through this unpleasant transition in their plumage? Not only do I miss my steady supply of fresh eggs, but I'm hoping the ladies are in good shape for the onset of cold weather -- which can't be all that far off....!

TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

Haven't seen anything but geese. Keep hearing a different call in the woods tho'. will have to record it and get my neighbor to identify - she's a big time birder. Awaiting the redpolls - they usually mob the feeders on the way through! We were fortunate to have the green herons back this year and the kingfisher finally arrived. I was afraid that the severe flooding had wrecked it's habitat.
Here's a question for those who are computer literate........ at the bottom of your post I read you are flock leader---how can I add something to my postings??? I know - dumb question, but I live happily in the Stone Age most of the time

Thanks to Cass for answering your question. I just saw your question now, sorry boskelli...

I can possibly help you with the new call you're hearing from the woods; if you can get a sound clip, let me know. It's like "Name That Tune" and will be a challenge. No earth shattering sightings here, either, but there's still time. Green herons are always a thrill to see. Love the Kingfisher's brassy rattle!

TOB

 

[Lapeerian]

I just got her from Laperian. She is a barred frizzle. Just love them! She makes #4!

Hope she works out for you! I really liked her but couldn't justify keeping her, but too pretty for a soup pot!

 

[Lapeerian]

Chicken Friends,

As mentioned, my hens are (mostly) all molting.  Hardly getting any eggs; not enough to share with anyone these days.  Darn. 

Approximately how long does it take for the average hen to go through this unpleasant transition in their plumage?   Not only do I miss my steady supply of fresh eggs, but I'm hoping the ladies are in good shape for the onset of cold weather -- which can't be all that far off....!

TOB

It varies. The EE I had started in late August and didn't start back laying till late spring. Others are a quick molt and return to laying quick. No one right answer. Best you can do is supportive care: make sure they are getting plenty of protein in their feed. That is why the Feather Fixer is higher protein than the regular layer. I got some Gamebird feed that is even higher to mix with the layer feed. They need the support while growing back the feathers and for body condition before winter. Same as the horses needing good body condition going into winter.

 

[Tough Old Bird]

It varies. The EE I had started in late August and didn't start back laying till late spring. Others are a quick molt and return to laying quick. No one right answer. Best you can do is supportive care: make sure they are getting plenty of protein in their feed. That is why the Feather Fixer is higher protein than the regular layer. I got some Gamebird feed that is even higher to mix with the layer feed. They need the support while growing back the feathers and for body condition before winter. Same as the horses needing good body condition going into winter.

Great advice, Lapeerian - thanks a million. I will get some higher protein feed to mix into their usual layer feed. I appreciate the tips and info based on your experience. Hope I don't have to wait until spring for a more active laying coop......but at least I won't be worried if that's the case. Thx again!

TOB

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

Morning all. Finally getting rain here. Its a nice rain, steady and slow so it soaks in. The cheeps are not thrilled but I am. Not enough leaves and pine needles have fallen yet for me to rake and bag. Perhaps this coming week, when it drys out, there will be enough. I am figuring on at least 10 bags or a little more for the winter. Planning on moving a couple of the young ladies in with Legolas sunday night. Hoping Eowyn and Galadriel will be nice to them. They can be a bit witchy about new girls. Legolas has shown interest in the little girls but his drama queen wife tends to put the kbash on it. Eowyn only has to make a little noise and he comes running. Yes, she runs him, even at the expense of Galadriel!

While sitting out with everyone yesterday Legolas went after The Duke because he was too close to drama queen. I was surprised that The Duke moved off without going back at him. I was afraid I was going to have a dead silkie roo on my hands. Since Little Man, my other silkie roo I had, has been gone, Legolas thinks of himself as a bada55. This is the second time he has gone after The Duke and Duke just walks away with his girls. I think its a good testament to his laidback personality as a heritage breed rir roo. I do have Little Mans son, Little Big Man, and he is going to be as big as his father. He has already challenged Legolas a couple of times and lost but I am sure that he will be owning the yard and Legolas just like his father did. Little Big Man also has his fathers temperment in that he is a very good boy and easily handled. Life is never boring around here thats for sure.

Question for you gardeners out there...should I pick off my green tomatoes or leave them on the vine? These things are still growing and are 5 feet high! I have plenty of green tomatos but nothing that has turned yet. Just not sure what to do as it is october!

Off to my superlong day. Its raining so we will probably be busy. Have a good day everyone.

 

[armorfirelady]

Question for you gardeners out there...should I pick off my green tomatoes or leave them on the vine? These things are still growing and are 5 feet high! I have plenty of green tomatos but nothing that has turned yet. Just not sure what to do as it is october!

Off to my superlong day. Its raining so we will probably be busy. Have a good day everyone.

I have a bunch of green tomatoes as well & the plants are still blooming. I am going to give it a few days after the rain passes and see of they ripen any. You could always make a green tomato relish with them to can. Lots of recipes online. Usually they need the heat to ripen but I just picked some cherry tomatoes yesterday that were ripe

 

[demp4]

Morning all.  Finally getting rain here.  Its a nice rain, steady and slow so it soaks in.  The cheeps are not thrilled but I am.  Not enough leaves and pine needles have fallen yet for me to rake and bag.  Perhaps this coming week, when it drys out, there will be enough.  I am figuring on at least 10 bags or a little more for the winter.  Planning on moving a couple of the young ladies in with Legolas sunday night.  

Question for you gardeners out there...should I pick off my green tomatoes or leave them on the vine?  These things are still growing and are 5 feet high!  I have plenty of green tomatos but nothing that has turned yet.  Just not sure what to do as it is october!

Off to my superlong day.  Its raining so we will probably be busy.  Have a good day everyone.

What do you use the pine needles for?

It wouldn't hurt to leave tomatoes on for a few days but if there is threat of frost harvest every one of them. They will ripen on your counter or you can make green salsa or green fried tomatoes.