South Carolina

[Moonchild]

Quote:
Man ol Man the weather is great!!! I got alot done today....But I have a lot more to do!!!!!

 

[Moonchild]

This is why I love my Chickens...I go outside and this puts a Huge Smile on my face

Everybody doing what everybody wants to do to be happy!!

Lucy with the babies...although they are not hers she's really good to them when they are around, unlike the BR's whoo so bossy....

 

[Joycats]

Quote:
Hmmmm....never heard it said that way before. For me, it's always "move over old, here comes the new - make room"!

 

[RockerHen]

Quote:
Hmmmm....never heard it said that way before. For me, it's always "move over old, here comes the new - make room"!

That's how it usually is with me, but this time I needed to break down and start over

 

[Jackie B.]

Quote:
I definitely miss you! I thought about you when we went down to Swamp Rabbit Cafe yesterday. I waved as we went around the mountain. Did ya see me?

That cafe and grocery has some real yummies in it. I got a half gal. of raw goats milk because Amber doesn't have as much to share right now. And Mary makes the most awesome, totally scrumptious cheese bread bites! I bought 2, one for me and one to bring home to Leah. Poor thing barely got half of the one I got for her! I couldn't help it!

And Mary says they are even better made with my ducks eggs that you gave her, Jackie!

I don't know what I would do if they taste any better than that!

Is this the one near Cedar Lane Rd? I need to check it out. I remember Jackie talking about it and it sounded great and like a great location.

Yup it is awesome and Jack and Mary are so wonderful'

 

[Moonchild]

I find that fighting off a dog or a crazy flock of chickens...You Need...Someone else's Child and a good pair of flip-flops...

Had a few friends to the mini farm and the kid loved it, well as long as they where some distant aways... lol ... The Rooster was actually on his best behavior. SHOCKER!!!! I think he really just hates me!!!! lol

 

[gvilledh]

All of the girls got to free-range today for the first time. The Golden Girls have been out before, but this is the first time we have been brave enough to have all seven out. Having the gate in front is awesome. They weren't so sure about going back in, but a little coaxing and treats helps. The only disaster of the day-Lou Ann had just given her dog, Murphy, a bath. After the chickens were put back up she let him out and the first thing he did was find the one spot of stinky poop and roll in it. He then ran back inside and rolled on the carpet and her bed. Not good.
Here are some of the girls doing some synchronized snacking...

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Quote:
Awwww, new chickies coming. How much fun is that???!!
An empty coop......just how does that feel?
When I get new ones in I still have the old ones, too. Except all those roos, of course. But the hens are still here. I have some old ladies that are nearing 7 and I know my EE girl doesn't lay anymore. I haven't seen an egg from her since spring. Even DH doesn't want to do Betsey Wetsy in so she is free ranging and not earning her keep. That is such down hill business but she makes no trouble. Two BO are right along with her and 2 Partridge Rocks are her age but I still find them in the nest box with an egg so maybe they are laying. Or smart enough to jump in and pretend it is theirs!

 

[oneofseven]

Quote:
Awwww, new chickies coming. How much fun is that???!!
An empty coop......just how does that feel?
When I get new ones in I still have the old ones, too. Except all those roos, of course. But the hens are still here. I have some old ladies that are nearing 7 and I know my EE girl doesn't lay anymore. I haven't seen an egg from her since spring. Even DH doesn't want to do Betsey Wetsy in so she is free ranging and not earning her keep. That is such down hill business but she makes no trouble. Two BO are right along with her and 2 Partridge Rocks are her age but I still find them in the nest box with an egg so maybe they are laying. Or smart enough to jump in and pretend it is theirs!

How long does the average hen lay?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Always depends on the breed but for most of our backyard layers you can expect the first 2 years to be good, third year they may drop back to 4 eggs a week and 4th year they may slow down to 2-3 eggs a week.
Heavier breeds like the Jersey Giant lay less to start with so they can go 5-6 years laying only 3-4 eggs a week while those sex links are pretty well through with laying at 2-3 years old.