Our introduction to keeping chickens, the high's, the lows and pics of our journey.

[Bens-Hens]

Into lunch, was in the office blowing the dust of my acoustic guitar in an attempt to serenade some chicks out and blow me down it worked...or maybe it was a Luna egg trying to shut me up but either way, we have pip number 2.

I was not planning on updating this often but it came with a catch....

A bit hard to see but someone needs to adjust their GPS system so they pip at the right end.

 

[ozexpat]

 

[EverMystique1]

Lol, yup, crazy wasn't it this time. Lol I find that 15 minutes is good. I usually just let the eggs cool in the water if I am not in a hurry, do the cold water if I am. Never used salt though.

I never knew you could boil eggs without salt. That's just how I was taught. (Obviously, I know it's possible. Just never thought to try it.)

Into lunch, was in the office blowing the dust of my acoustic guitar in an attempt to serenade some chicks out and blow me down it worked...or maybe it was a Luna egg trying to shut me up but either way, we have pip number 2. I was not planning on updating this often but it came with a catch.... A bit hard to see but someone needs to adjust their GPS system so they pip at the right end.

I live that GPS comment. Hilarious.

Funny you should mention that egg colour Nova (sorry if Em is still waiting for her first one) Last night one of the boys left both nest box doors open, the girls were busting for privacy when I went down for my morning rounds. Luna (BA), Curly (BV) and Sunny (LS) were all in there like rats up a drain pipe to have their morning rituals. I think the wait must have stressed them, Curly's was speckled, Sunny's was smaller and Luna's was quite purple. Eggs are so hard to get good pics of. The other girls have not been in such a rush. On the topic of eggs, we have had a real hard time getting the faithful hard boiled egg down pat. I know, something so simple yet since we have been getting our won fresh eggs we just have not hit it right, always end up with such a messy job, or just a yolk. I have been on the hunt for 'the way' and read and tried a few different things and none seemed perfect. The other day I joined two methods together and BOOM four perfect peeled hard boiled eggs, straight from the fridge and only a day old. I brought a pot of salted water up to a boil, then lowed the eggs in gently on a spoon set timer for 14 minutes (yeah...I know, I have always only cooked them for 8-9!) Timer goes off, remove from heat and run the pot under cool running water, when the eggs were cool, enough to handle, I gave them a little tap on the side, just enough to put a little crack in it. Then left in the pot of cool water (no ice) for a couple of minutes while I got my sandwich stuff ready, then just peeled away. All of them came apart perfectly, bright yolks, no discolouration, just nice smooth eggs! Finally, for new news since early this morning....we have our first tiny pip, a little Ara egg, wonder if that was the one that peeped at me, Alicia has now conceeded that I am not completely crazy and I may have just heard what I claim to have heard hahahaha

Again on the eggs, never thpught tp bring the water up, then lower the eggs in. Mum always said just to put them in the pit, add water and salt, and away we go. Of course, I can't really time a boil, since it is nearly impossible to boil water on my trusty electric stove. And Nova, smack whomever posted that forecast! I haven't replaced my poor, bald tires yet. We absolutely canNOT have any of that white crap already on irs way.

 

[EverMystique1]

Could someone explain the idea/concept of fermented grain? I'va seen a few posts recently with folks talking about fermenting their grain. Is there a reason for this to be done, or just a nice 'drunk' treat for thebirds?

 

[Bens-Hens]

I have not fermented it, but I have made fodder, where I soak the grain in water then let it sprout, the girls went nuts for it. Was a good way to use up some old feed where the pellets had gone funky.

I think fermenting it is similar but they add ACV to the water and let it sit for longer. Due to the smell of ACV I try keep it use to short term, in the main tank or in the water. I don't want that smell in my laundry!

 

[joannefiddler]

I brought a pot of salted water up to a boil, then lowed the eggs in gently on a spoon set timer for 14 minutes (yeah...I know, I have always only cooked them for 8-9!) Timer goes off, remove from heat and run the pot under cool running water, when the eggs were cool, enough to handle, I gave them a little tap on the side, just enough to put a little crack in it. Then left in the pot of cool water (no ice) for a couple of minutes while I got my sandwich stuff ready, then just peeled away. All of them came apart perfectly, bright yolks, no discolouration, just nice smooth eggs!

I haven't used salt before either...but I will try your method tonight and see how it goes! May your little ones summon all their strength and courage and emerge soon! I would love to understand what they are thinking during this stage of life as their little world goes through a pretty remarkable transformation.

 

[Bens-Hens]

Thanks Joanne,

I have been trying to expand my knowledge of this phase of their life and found it fascinating. How they position themselves, how running out of oxygen after internal pipping creates the mad thrash that causes the external pip, yolk absorption. It's all amazing.

Makes knowing what and why things are happening so much clearer. I have read so many stories about people assisting a hatch and causing complications by simply not understanding what is happening, mostly that they are resting between phases. Having a grasp on this makes knowing when to act and when to wait so much easier.

In other news, PM of Day 19 now, we have four pips, some chirps and heaps of rockers. When we get home from a wedding tomorrow night I expect to have some new room mates in my office!

 

[ozexpat]

you will have new roomies when you wake up.

 

[Wrightsx4]

Cant wait to see the new chicks!!! Nova, I have no idea what that other Michigander was talking about - it's gorgeous here and looking even better for the weekend. That is so not true but I can dream and share. Ben - boiling eggs, we must've been reading the same "how to"'s again because I tried that method too and it works really well. I am glad to find a new method as my deviled eggs were quite mangled before. I think the key is bringing water to boil first before adding eggs. I've found that if I chill quick then peel them while they're still warm is better than if I forget them and let them sit all afternoon in the cool water...oops.

 

[Bens-Hens]

Great minds think alike Pam!

Oz was in the money, about to turn in just before midnight Day 19/20, our first pipped ARA had come to join us and is currently playing 'cheep-n-bowl' with her sisters.

Hatch count, 1
Pip count, 4

See who is there in the morning.