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

[NovaAman]

I hate losing birds to heat stroke. Not this summer past, but the one before, lost several birds to heat stroke, or the after effects. Kidney/liver failure... it's horrible. And that year was the first year hosing/misting, frozen fruits, lots of melon and grapes. This summer past I learned something new, I fed a higher protein feed. In the summer heat, they need less carbs and higher protiens. With the lower proteins, it digests hotter, so the birds not only eat less, they heat up. I used a game bird feed (26% protein) and lost no birds. No heat stroke. I know, don't get nearly the hot summers you guys get, but it's a thought.

Hope ya'll stay safe from the fires.

I got two broodies. Why WHY WHY do they do this in the winter!

 

[Bens-Hens]

I have heard that before Nova, local breeder advises to cut back on the corn when it's warmer for the same reason you guys add it in the winter.

Other than lots of watery poop, we got through the worst of it without incident which was lucky considering the record breaking heat wave we had.

Crow count is still at 2, and the night box worked a treat with zero 'crow-i-bells' escaping this morning, but once they got out with the girls they let rip for half hour!

 

[ozexpat]

I have heard that before Nova, local breeder advises to cut back on the corn when it's warmer for the same reason you guys add it in the winter.

Other than lots of watery poop, we got through the worst of it without incident which was lucky considering the record breaking heat wave we had.

Crow count is still at 2, and the night box worked a treat with zero 'crow-i-bells' escaping this morning, but once they got out with the girls they let rip for half hour!

better warm up the crock pot

 

[ozexpat]

We have had 6 pip zip and hatch while everyone was working on the roof we lost to winds yesterday.

2 Australorps 2 Cuckoo Marans 2 Red Sex Links pullets. All the same SoCal supplier. More Cuckoo Marans, the last SL and some shipped buff orps have pipped.

I have fingers crossed for the 2 other Australorps and I have some pullets amongst them!!

Oy Vey, its going to be a long night!

Oh by the way - we hatched AUSTRALORPS

 

[Bens-Hens]

Hahahaha, congrats. I know you have been working for that breed a few times now and bombed each time.

Great to hear mate, may they grow and prosper the Phils!

 

[ozexpat]

Hahahaha, congrats. I know you have been working for that breed a few times now and bombed each time.

Great to hear mate, may they grow and prosper the Phils!

Thanks Ben.

The pommie Orps have been refusing to dress up like Aussies. Now I have some fair dinkum lads n lasses (hopefully some lasses)

 

[Didymus]

I am so sorry for your losses and the little suffering Pepper. Your coop and run and everything is absolutely wonderful. You do not deserve this. You are due for a really great experience really soon. Best Wishes

 

[Bens-Hens]

We have a few less mouths to feed, or should I say beaks.

Got a call this morning while on 'doody duty' from a lady asking about our roosters advertised. SHe asked some funny questions, ones I would not have expected anyway. I gave her our address and she said she would be right over.

I went and talked to Alicia and let her know a lady was coming over, and I suspected something odd.
"I think they are going to eat them"
"Whys that?"
"They didn't ask all the normal questions, like colours and lines, just how many and how big!"
"Well they're not taking any of my favourites then!"

SO, it turned out to be a family of what I can only assume was Indian decent, hard to work with accents that thick. We asked them more questions and they got nervous and I bluntly asked "Are these for eating? If so thats fine, I will select the ones for you, and save the more rare ones for breeders" They were shocked, but admitted they wanted 3 for a feast, and a couple of dozen eggs.

I don't mind that they were going to pot them, but ALicia was a bit saddened as they had their eyes on the Fav boy, and she didn't want to see him end up like that. So they got the FWM with the most heavily feathered legs (too heavy IMO) and the now full noise Blues Brothers. Why the beloved Blues Boys? Well, the dark is so dark I can't see him making very good blue pullets, and the blue was a great colour, until he sprang a rusty brown leak in each wing, so not desirable for breeding either. SO we made a few bucks to cover nearly two sacks of feed, but knew they had a short life after leaving us. Good while it lasted, but the pure breeds we have left will not be sold for such purposes, the boss has been very clear about that.

Theyard seems much more quite now the two loudest crowers have gone, wonder who will step up to the plate next? We still have one Maran, Fav, Wellie, Araucana (maybe two) and some small mixes left in the male department.

 

[lindz8504]

Ben,
I have a totally off topic question! Did your boys watch Bananas in Pyjamas? My 3 year old just found it on Netflix and LOVES them! LOL... I was just wondering since it was an Australian show.


On a chicken note, we are going to process our extra roos on the 25th.... I am only keeping 1 Black Copper maran boy, and then bringing home 3 new EE pullets and an EE roo!

 

[ozexpat]

Ben,
I have a totally off topic question! Did your boys watch Bananas in Pyjamas? My 3 year old just found it on Netflix and LOVES them! LOL... I was just wondering since it was an Australian show.

High Five is the latest Aussie kids show taking the world by storm