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

[vanalpaca]

I've always found that fish from a COLD water stream or river had better flavor than from a warm summer water source. The warmer water made the flesh kind of mushy and they didn't taste very good.

Also fresh caught fresh cooked was better, too.

Grew up on fish till we moved from the river when I was fourteen or so. Still fished, but it was different off of the Straits than off the river and 3 years wasn't long enough to learn how to fish the area! My bro is still huge on fishing. Course, off Lake Erie, there's lots of fish, but restrictions on how many you are allowed to eat in a day or a week due to stuff in them??

My how the world has changed.

 

[Opa]

I agree that fish from cold water taste better. Even a very mild tasting favorite like crappie caught through the ice seems to be firmer and sweeter tasting than summer caught fish. Some fish seem to have a muddy taste that becomes more pronounced as water temperatures go up.

Those alpacas sure are a cute looking animal. They sort of look alot like they're wearing the same chaps as these cowboys.

 

[Ec_Prokta]

Good morning! Today, a friend is coming over and we're going to have tons of fun!

to all!

 

[Opa]

Friends are wonderful to have and I am fortunate to have many. My best friend and I have known each other since 1960. Sprite, remember a good friend is something to cherish.

 

[Ec_Prokta]

Quote:
Truer words could not have been said, Opa. Thank you for that.

 

[Opa]

Lnight the wonderful aromatic sardines I had set out as a gesture of hospitality, in case the chickens had vistors drop in, was the eventual downfall of a marauding raccoon. This morning I discovered a coon in one of the traps. Unfortunately yesterday when I was planting burning bushes I failed to notice that the staking cable of the trap would allow the coon to go past, then around, one of the new plants. The cable removed enough bark that I must now replant a new bush.

Another thing that I failed to notice when setting the trap was that it would also allow the critter to reach the hot wire around the garden. After dispatching the coon I reached down, picked up the cable and immediately was shocked. Now there is one less raccoon in the neighborhood. That makes 8 for the year.

 

[Highlander]

Just had another bad hatch. Out of 25 eggs I got 5 chicks. Temps went a little screwy early on so I left them a bit longer than I normally would have before opening them up and it seems I could have saved a few if I had done so sooner. I don't understand why at every hatch I have so many fully formed chicks that don't hatch - usually at least the same number as hatched chicks, if not more. It's not poor stock as I get them from different breeders each time. Temps could have been an issue this time round I guess but normally they are pretty stable. Humidity? I keep days 1-18 between 30-40% and raise it to 60-65% for lockdown. I keep a calibrated hygrometer in there (calibrated for each hatch) and I use a Brinsea Spot Check to keep an eye on temps. Any thoughts as this is getting depressing.

 

[Opa]

Thistle, it certainly sounds like you are doing everything right. I wish there was a obvious answer to your problem. You might contact Brinsea and ask them.

I candled eggs last night and it appears that my Vorwerk eggs are all duds. The eggs that were under the broody were duds as well. Looks like my rooster has become a dud as well. He's only 3 years old and last year there wasn't any problem. It really is a shame as most of the eggs in the incubator are Vorwerks and I have people standing in line waiting to get chicks and/or fertile eggs.

 

[ranchhand]

Yet another sad story,

.

Of the eight that hatched 6 weeks ago, I have lost six. They have been outside in a coop/run, it hasn't been deadly hot or humid yet, food and water always. Just not sure, but the Marans were the main reason for hatching and not a one is left. Sigh.....

Other than that, it's a bit boring right now at the rancho pequeno! Haven't found any ginormous snakes lately, no hurricanes, weather reasonably nice- uh oh, when is the other shoe going to drop?!

Hope all are doing well, and Opa? Watch that fence stuff!

 

[Opa]

It sure can be discouraging sometimes when raising chickens. From unfertile eggs, hatches that go awry, chicks that fail to thrive, predators lined up dine at your chicken buffet, and the myriad of illnesses that afflict them I have to wonder sometimes why I even bother. It sure isn't to get cheaper eggs, at least not with my flock. Makes a feller think about throwing in the towel. But then I go out to the coops and watch the birds come running when they see me, or hear the egg songs and I know I'm probably going to have birds til they slam the lid.

Another good day is underway and I'm sitting here finishing off a pot of coffee. I've been out to check on the birds and a now have 5 broodies. The found chicken brought to me by egg customers is still in quarantine but its now been a week and it appears to be healthy. I still haven't been able to decide the sex. The neck hackel is no good indicator with ameraucanas. I sure hope it turns out to be a hen. Its coloring is rather unique and would make a welcome addition to the rainbow flock.