Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[BullChick]

Guess what? Rocky rocked!

Know what I mean?

(the emotions are hints, if you don't)

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Guess what? Rocky rocked!

Know what I mean?

(the emotions are hints, if you don't)

Is Rocky, by any chance, your rooster?

 

[Wishing4Wings]

So yesterday I sacrificed a pumpkin, cut it into quarters, and distributed it in the chicken yard. The mob was not impressed. Oh brother! A few tried some of the seeds, but I had to help them get the seeds out. Only one girl, the New Hampshire, actually pecked at and ate some of the pumpkin rind. Used to them acting more like a herd of marauding elephants. The only thing they have refused so far is raw carrot, although gone in a flash if cooked. Maybe I'll throw a slice of pumpkin in the oven next time it's on and see if the fussies will eat it cooked. Their favorite by far is kale. Raw. Even eat the stems.

Got 6 eggs yesterday. The pumpkin was supposed to be an awesome reward.

ACW, are you all clean and shiny? Fred looks like a good guy. Is he any special breed? (I'm not very good at identifying the breeds for boys.)

Jchny, Spike may be a bit devilish, but it's always the ones with personality that are our favorites. My smallest girl is a white Leghorn, and she is fairly aggressive compared to the others. Definitely the queen of the coop. She even mounts some of the other girls.

(I don't have a rooster.) She's friendly to people, though sometimes a bit too friendly. We strongly discourage her from jumping up on us, unless invited. She's a good flier, so can easily land on the head of a very tall person, which is not a fun experience if you're not wearing a hat!

Just started pouring outside. We need a good rainy winter this year. Gonna have some soggy chickens!

 

[BullChick]

Quote: He is the second one. The first doesn't like girls anymore. That is what makes this so very exciting!

 

[BullChick]

W4W, give them a day or two. That is how long it took mine to really get interested in pumpkin. Now it doesn't stand a chance. And I don't cut mine.

 

[cheeka]

FIVE

FIVE,,, Today we laid Five!!!!!

Isis took the day off... no pretty blue egg today

I brought the dozen and a half eggs down to my mechanic today, he was super pleased and showed the eggs off to a few folks, who now want eggs... I can probably handle 4 or so monthly customers... and still have enough eggs for me and my extended family. I'm gonna need more hens!

 

[animallover505]

Got 5 today, but the dogs got one. So 4 today!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

W4W, give them a day or two. That is how long it took mine to really get interested in pumpkin. Now it doesn't stand a chance. And I don't cut mine.

If I don't spread treats out, the youngest two will not get any, and have to practically risk life and limb just for a morsel. My greedy Leghorn, Biscuit of the Cavernous Crop, will dominate any pile of treats, eating faster than light speed and keeping all but the top few chickens from partaking.

Supposed to be cold and rainy for a couple of days, so the pumpkin shouldn't mold.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

No rain today here finally! every thing's a muddy mess! We are going to mow the hill tomorrow tho, should give us a few more bales of grass for everyone to enjoy. next 3 days are sunny and 60s, Yay! I love watching everyone dashing around when i get on the tractor, they get so excited! We got -0- eggs today again..

i figure it will be a few weeks before laying resumes. Did a good thorough check on my coop and haven't spotted an entry for a snake etc. you can bet if i find one he will be SO sorry!

 

[cheeka]

when I bring out pumpkin or kitchen scraps... I have to break it into two portions, or Si, Archie and Peach can't have any. the gang tolerates them living in the enclosure with them, but are not into letting them (really Peach) eat or drink. I attached two separate quart containers to the back wall of hardware cloth, with bunji cords, one with water, one with feed and seed mix. it's specifically for Peach, but she lets the boys have a share. The boys can eat and drink from the communal station until Royce runs them off, they can get around the hens... Royce is more concerned about keeping Si off his ladies... but today, when I scattered BOSS in the deep leaf litter, he wouldn't let them scavenge... so they sat on the back roosts, bereft of added protein. as I witnessed the stingy behavior, I brought out another container and hooked it in the bunji set up. the gang doesn't use those two roosts, so it doesn't seem as if they are pigging out on the other's food, and Peach almost always has an enormously stuffed crop, so I know she is getting plenty. the quart of water has had a good half inch of ice on it every morning, but it pops right off, and I top it off with fresh... stays liquid all day for now... but I'm out with them often enough that I should be able to stay on top of her water. I rotate containers 2ce daily for everyone else. No electricity out there, so no heated water bowls.
the last pumpkin I brought out was so huge, it took them all week to finish it. I took the scuzzy bits of dirt encrusted shell out this morning. they did a great job. I have 2 more enormous pumpkins left, will save them for late winter, customers of mine have loads of smaller pumpkins for me to pick up next week... so nice!
thankfully, we only got a bare dusting of snow last night, and it's warmer today, still freezing, but 15 degrees warmer at the height of the day, and everyday between now and Sunday is supposed to get even warmer, 60* predicted for Sunday! wish I didn't have to work...