GratitudeGates
Songster
We live in Idaho and in 2012 I got my first batch (4) of chickens as of today we are down to just one hen left RITA - Ameraucana she was the meanest of all of them and she now finds herself alone my ducks tolerate her. We also have (4) ducks that are about a year old 2 pekins Lilly and Daffodil, 1 Indian Runner- Dandi-Lion and a Cayuga Drake _Nolan.
I have added 2 Blue Ameraucana (standard) chicks that are just about 11 days old today! Vianey and Lee Lee named after friends. They are in my office in a horse trough basking in the warmth and growing like weeds. I had 6 bantams on order but due to the difference in age have decided to wait until June and get the grown ones that the local hatchery will sell. I worry about the size difference and can not add baby bantams in with the two standards I just got.
I feel much more prepared for this batch of hens and will maybe be adding some grown bantams in June. I feel bad that Rita is alone but having lost the other 3 this past summer was rough. Shakria - Road Island Red due to egg bound, Selma - Barred Rock to botulism I think because she went to bed fine and died in her sleep, Freida - Ameraucana from wasting disease I think as she just kept getting smaller.
What I have learned in the past 17 years is that life on small acreage is always keeping me busy and I learn from every experience and I love all my critters. I have been a viewer of this site and have decided to participate more and hopefully continue to learn about things before I find myself in too deep.
Thanks for putting up such a wonderful place to gather and share.
I have added 2 Blue Ameraucana (standard) chicks that are just about 11 days old today! Vianey and Lee Lee named after friends. They are in my office in a horse trough basking in the warmth and growing like weeds. I had 6 bantams on order but due to the difference in age have decided to wait until June and get the grown ones that the local hatchery will sell. I worry about the size difference and can not add baby bantams in with the two standards I just got.
I feel much more prepared for this batch of hens and will maybe be adding some grown bantams in June. I feel bad that Rita is alone but having lost the other 3 this past summer was rough. Shakria - Road Island Red due to egg bound, Selma - Barred Rock to botulism I think because she went to bed fine and died in her sleep, Freida - Ameraucana from wasting disease I think as she just kept getting smaller.
What I have learned in the past 17 years is that life on small acreage is always keeping me busy and I learn from every experience and I love all my critters. I have been a viewer of this site and have decided to participate more and hopefully continue to learn about things before I find myself in too deep.
Thanks for putting up such a wonderful place to gather and share.
But it’s been a good lesson learned-and I’m sure this batch will do just fine. good luck!
Happy 
to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC! 
