Opa's place -Where an old rooster visits with friends

[Opa]

Thistle, they certainly look like they are doing very well. Have you gotten any eggs from them yet?

 

[Highlander]

No, they don't start laying until they are in their 2nd year, so it will be next sring/summer before I see any eggs. And you thought waiting for chickens to lay took forever!!

 

[Opa]

If you get tired of waiting you could always eat them. Looks like one drumstick would feed your family. While reading about rheas I was reminded about another ratite that had gone extinct by the 1700s, the elephant bird. Can you imagine a bird that stood 10' tall and weighed almost 900 pounds. Their eggs were 3' around and equivilent to 160 chicken eggs. I guess waiting 2 years for an egg that size would be worth it.

 

[viejo loco]

Quote:
I don't know Opa. Are you sure they can be eaten.?.. Them's some ugggly chickens...

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

Beautiful birds Highlander!

 

[viejo loco]

Quote:
Of course you would say that Laura. You're going to Scotland, and I'm staying here...

 

[Opa]

Can you imagine running out of feed for them critters and having to fend off a hungry flock? Don't think it'd be pretty.

Sure is a bright and sunny day here even if it is a little chilly yet. Don't think we will make it above freezing but it's still nice to have no wind and sun. Settles the snow quite a bit so the amount doesn't look quite so formitable.

I was just in the basement laundry room, the only room without finished walls and ceiling, trying to figure out the materials I need to finish it. The space against the wall that the washer, dryer and laundry tub sit against is 10' long and I want to rework the plumbing so the connections are below the top of the washer. Once the wall behind the appliances is furred out and drywalled I have 10' of upper cabinets I can install over them; a 30" cabinet at each end and 15" cabinets between. I'll build a 10' countertop with a drop in laundry sink and it will make the room alot more functional. While I'm reworking the plumbing I intend to extend a 3/4" water line to an outside wall in preparation for installing a water line out to the garden and chicken coop. The line will have to go through the basement wall about 5' below ground level to keep it from freezing. Not really looking forward to digging a trench deep enough for me to work in. With the exception of the area next to the house I can use a trenching machine to cut a 4' deep trench just wide enough to install a plastic water line. Once the water line is out there I will set up autofill waters for the birds.

 

[Opa]

I think all this talk about work scared everyone off.

I'm fighting the urge to go to TSC to check out what kind of chicks they have. I really don't need to pick up any more birds. I think I'd be smarter to just wait until Chickenstock at the end of June and pick up some older pullets.

 

[Ec_Prokta]

Oh yes! It's chick season!

Well, at least you have some strength when it comes to dealing with those cute little nuggets of joy.

 

[chickencrazymamahen]

Evening!! Have to stay away from baby chicks, feedstores, TSC, Buchheits, or any of those places that have the cuties!! Hope to hatch some later this spring!
Had a rough couple days with mom, but today she was feeling much better and back to sewing so life can at least get back to a little bit of normal. Hoping for some sunshine and warmer weather soon! Hope all is well with each and everyone!! Blessings, CCMH