Sdwd

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
Now I know that age can affect hatchability with the hens but what about the roos. I've been incubating my WNY Dels and they seem to have a a hard time exiting the egg at hatch time. I have to confess to helping a couple but would age of the parents be the problem? All others seem to not have a problem.

Not as many seem to zip and get out quickly and take a long time. Not with the crosses of EE/Nick eggs.

I've been saving up the pullets and now have about 12 or 13. I do have some chicks but not sexable age yet. None of these will be up forsale if I can help it. I've got two nice 5 point roos too. Well I don't know what the type will be, but I hope it will be nice.

 

[speckledhen]

Tim, I don't know how much age affects hatchability, but my issues were with fertility in Suede's pen. Dusty's eggs haven't been fertile for a for a very long time and now, the last one I cracked open was definitely fertile so I'm going to take the opportunity to get another son of Suede for Ladyhawk. This time, we're getting a blue one, I just know it. Suede is just a gentle giant, so sweet and calm natured and he usually passes that on to his sons. His daughters, of course, are divas, LOL. Suede is 4 years old and Smoky and Dusty are 3 years old. Suede's sire, Blue Boy, lost fertility by this age, so I expect the same may happen with my big boy.

The trusty Hovabator is warming up as I type.

 

[NellaBean]

Why is it so cold here? It's only 6:30 and its 21 degrees out. Supposed to be a big storm blowing in late Sunday or Monday......weather forecast is even calling for SNOW and not just "snow showers" like what we usually get. Went and got 3 bags of layer pellets.....still have a bag of scratch and 2 bags of starter crumble, plus a good 50lbs or more of BOSS.

I wanted to clean all the coops and brooders this weekend but I'll go ahead and stay inside when its 20 degrees out, thankyouverymuch. Brrrrrr.....you should see my ridiculous hat. I got it on clearance one year...its just a regular little like beanie cap but has long ear flaps with strings and pompoms hanging down. It looks RIDICULOUS but keeps my head and ears oh so warm. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm ridiculous anyways, what difference does it make.

 

[rancher hicks]

At my age it's function over fashion. It's just as cold up here though not much snow. My arthuritls kills me evey time I have to go outside. But at least i can still push the buttons on the remote control. Lord knows typing this take forever. I should just leave all the yuppos for you allto figure out.

 

[kathyinmo]

Nella,
Funny you say that .... I was just thinkin' the same thing! Dang, it is a COLD 20+ degrees here tonight. I just locked everyone up, and didn't have my gloves on ..... BRRRRRRR it is cold!

Well, it is clear that Leggs will not be able to stay in the Layers Coop. He is such a dang big baby! He lets everyone bully him. He is nearly 3 foot tall, and still growing, and he runs and cries like a baby. I went out there early today, and he nearly leaped into my arms! Honestly, what am I gonna do with that boy. SOOOOO, he and his 2 girls are back in their pen. I simply do NOT want him to get beaten up by the other roosters. I know, they are just establishing pecking order, but I can't stand to see him being low man on the totem pole.

I was, however, very happy to see him, just before roost time, attempting to mount his hen. OMGGGGG, that is a first! I was beginning to think he NEVER would mate! So, anyway, I suppose he will be happy in his little pen, alone with his 2 girls. Oh, by the way, you should see the monster size eggs this JG girl produces daily! HUGE eggs!

 

[Braclin]

Hi all! Another cold day here today as well. Got about 2 inches of snow over night.

Heres one of my Partridge Cochin babies. They're growing quick.

 

[crazyhen]

I am here too! I was wondering the same thing today. It is sooooo cold here with the wind. We have only an inch of snow, but the wind. YIKES!!
Cyn, go for it. I have not seen any sweeter Roo than the one I have . He is a splash from the splash from Suede. They sure are big boys. I really do not have to have a roo, but he is too sweet to let go. The hens from them are hugh too. I am cutting back to just orps, Dels and few EEs just for fun. The comets pick on everyone, and the others have not endured themselves to me.
This Spring if Beth has some black orps. I want a few and some more of the Dels. I too hate the hot weather but this wind tonight across the snow is for the pitts. My face almost froze just closing up the hens tonight. Gloria Jean

 

[NellaBean]

We're supposed to get 3-5 inches here monday. Knoxville is going to grind to a HALT. We can't handle any snow at all. I'm hoping the power stays on and I get snowed in for a week. If power goes out, I am screwed.....no fireplace or any heather that is not electric. I have lots of blankets! Me and the dogs will huddle for warmth LOL.

 

[speckledhen]

Im happy you're pleased with him, Gloria Jean. Suede is the sweetest tempered rooster I've ever seen other than Zane. Ike is nice, too, but he is much more energetic than the older boys. While I'm at it, I added in 7 Delaware eggs, all belonging to Georgie, who has started back laying after a long break. Her eggs are so dark, I hope her daughters lay that dark.

We're predicted to be 13 degrees by morning, but I'm betting it dips below 10 here. This is an awful winter. We've already used a full cord of wood that would usually last us through part of March. Have to buy more, I guess, if we can find any.

Here are the eggs I'm about to set, Orps on top and all Georgie's on bottom.

 

[xoxocammyxoxo]

Quote:
That sucks about the wood! We invested in a pellet stove last year and I am really glad we have it because we would probably be in the same place as you right now.