Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[Carolyn252]

Hi Carolyn, All...every single bird I've had began squatting shortly before laying. Guestimat is 10-14 days. :<)

Thanks!!!
-Carolyn

 

[littlecritters]

Mally,my silkie, layed her first egg today! Right next to Nana's (EE), and in the nesting box too.
The bummer is they were both slightly cracked. I added more shavings to the boxes for cushioning. I scrambled up the 2 eggs and shells to feed back to them.

Toxic: Your colored eggs are lovely. I am hoping that our Easter Eggers start laying soon. We haven't cracked open our first egg, since we have to "show it off" to everyone who comes to our house.

Re: Feed costs...I bought organic feed at Agway not too long ago and paid around $35 for a large bag. I was a bit stunned at the price and won't be buying that again. I believe the Purena was up to $18 per bag.

On a daily basis, I have been giving the birds handfuls of fresh grass and weeds. I throw it in the run and they go to town pecking and scratching. Sometimes I scatter black oil sunflower seeds on top...which they love. Since the price of feed has been increasing, I've been giving them twice as much grass in hopes of cutting down on their feed intake.

Roberta, the cost of feed is a valid concern and especially pertinent to raising silkies. As you know, It can take 5-7 months to grow them out and determine the quality... which is a lot of time to be feeding birds that you may not keep.

Yarnaholics: did you know there is a crochet block thread here on BYC? I stumbled across it last night. Maybe there is something similar for knitters on BYC.

 

[smkchick]

Quote: Oh no. More ideas. More inspiration. More yarn. Ack.

I made 15 cotton dishcloths. Apparently they are quite popular. And my farm market friend wants me to make liners for her display baskets.

If I didn't need to sleep, I'd be golden...

 

[queenchick16]

Good morning All, Well we were suppose to be going to NYC today. I was going to check out City Quilters on 25th and SohoPurl down in the village.Suzanne check out Soho Purls website if you really want to lose your mind. It is an amazing site ,they have some great free patterns in their crochet project section.they give directions for the shopping bag I was asking you about.I say suppose to be going because Richard cut the end of his finger off with a food mandolin last night while slicing onions.i helped him change the bandage a second time last night before I went to bed so I don't know what it will be like this morning.was pretty bad and of course he wouldn't go to the hospital.not what a surgeon needs.

 

[smkchick]

Good morning All, Well we were suppose to be going to NYC today. I was going to check out City Quilters on 25th and SohoPurl down in the village.Suzanne check out Soho Purls website if you really want to lose your mind. It is an amazing site ,they have some great free patterns in their crochet project section.they give directions for the shopping bag I was asking you about.I say suppose to be going because Richard cut the end of his finger off with a food mandolin last night while slicing onions.i helped him change the bandage a second time last night before I went to bed so I don't know what it will be like this morning.was pretty bad and of course he wouldn't go to the hospital.not what a surgeon needs.

I was just looking for that pattern yesterday! I hadn't forgotten it. Some of the yarn I got yesterday would be perfect. I'll check the website.

 

[magsrags]

Oh no. More ideas. More inspiration. More yarn. Ack.

I made 15 cotton dishcloths. Apparently they are quite popular. And my farm market friend wants me to make liners for her display baskets.

If I didn't need to sleep, I'd be golden...

Yes, the dishcloths are GREAT!!
Will you be selling them?

 

[Cheeky Chick]

Hi Everyone!
I've had such a busy time here. Football season has started, so all three of the boys have been practicing almost everyday. Oldest-every day, 2x Middle-every other day, and youngest the every other day that the middle guy doesn't practice. I'm a glutton for punishment. Of course yesterday morning, I get a phone call from the high school trainer-my oldest son fell badly on his hand/arm, after getting tackled while running the ball. She said he'd been crying for at least 20 minutes and when he moved his hand it hurt. So, I got into the truck and went down there. His hand and arm were swollen, so even though the trainer said she didn't suspect a break, I took him for an x-ray. Proving once again-moms know. He's got a slight radial fracture-a greenstick, so while it's painful, he should be healing rather quickly. He's splinted and getting casted on Monday.

The poor kid was ok in the ER, getting the xray and all, but once the PA came in and said "We have a fracture" the kid was inconsolable. He just wants to play. I took him to practice this morning, the coach said he could help out anyway, and he's still part of the team, would still be getting a jersey and would be on the sidelines for all the games and scrimmages. My poor oldest son has always been the one to get whatever is the worst case scenario. The day before yesterday, he found a tick on his, um, business...you don't want to know what went down at that point. I have been traumatized and both of us will need therapy.

On the chicken front: My big girls are around the 16-17 week old mark, so I'm buying my first bag of Layer feed tomorrow. My 3 older girls haven't laid anything since their first eggs when they came home. They immediately started a molt (I suppose stress from moving) so I'm waiting for that to pass as well. I'd love some eggs! My little Miss Boots has been moping around, so I may consider a bantam buddy for her. She avoids the big girls so I think she's rather lonely.

Feed prices are definitely a concern, My girls are free ranging all day from dawn to dusk, and it seems the feed lasts a little longer-but they DO scratch out a bunch of feed from the feeder, which drives me just a little crazy, but it seems to get eaten after awhile. I've started scooping it up and scattering it in the grass while they free range, and they chase it and eat it. If there is ANY way for us LIers to get together and place a bulk order for feed-I'm definitely in!!!

On the YARN front-you're looking at someone who has 75 skeins of Mohair yarn! If anyone want to trade a bit I could use some regular yarn as well. The mohair is very pretty and I know it's very warm, I have all sorts of colors too! Let me know!!

I'm going to read back some more, I'm half asleep, so I know I missed some stuff.

 

[stoopid]

Rosie, I have a sister of Miss Boots if you want her. Just had a new neighbor complain about my chickens, so I am mega screwed and considering cutting waaay back.
Especially with the price of feed
She is blue.

 

[magsrags]

Rosie, I spoke with a local yesterday who wants to re-home Millie Fleurs if interested in a couple WAY out here.LOL
Is anyone interested in some bantam millies?

 

[magsrags]

Rosie, I have a sister of Miss Boots if you want her. Just had a new neighbor complain about my chickens, so I am mega screwed and considering cutting waaay back.
Especially with the price of feed
She is blue.

What did they say Robeerta???? So sorry to hear that! Ugh........if you get desperate my feedstore takes in birds for adoption.....and they get adopted pronto.Hens that is....