Surviving Minnesota!

[MargaretAnneHK]

Gah.Its a chore keeping everyone cool!! My son brought home more plants to put in the front hosta-flower garden. So that means more potted plants for me to water with water jugs, whoohoo. It already looks like Jumanji. Ah well, it will be better once they are planted and acclimated. Im just glad there is a hose for the garden lol. We, including animals, all took siestas this afternoon, unfortunately it doesnt look like it will cool off much!!!!

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Ice water, electrolytes, shade, fans.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Layers the chicks are gorgeous!

 

[Cebarmlds]

Awesome thunderstorm last night.

 

[Tfred1399]

Good evening chickeners! I'm thankful for a break from the heat and so are the birds.

My temporary coop for the pullets and cockerel are being outgrown and it's time to combine them into the main coop. They've been separated by chicken wire for 5 weeks and have free ranges together from time to time. I haven't decided yet if I keep the rooster or cockerel. Eventually there can only be one. For now the cockerel looks nice and dark, though I fear he's got some red coming.

My question is simple. How do I put the cockerel with the rooster? Will they spar, or am I ok until puberty hits? I have not heard any young crowing yet. Wattles and comb are turning color.

(I wish I had made my coop and run bigger. I'm learning that this chicken math thing is a real affliction.)

 

[MNChickMom]

Tfred in my limited experiences there will be a squabble no matter when you merge father and son. I have found doing it earlier (younger) has worked better as the cockerel is considerably outsized and may respect the cock due to size and crowing. I would be a little concerned (watchful) over the pullets as well as the cock may try to mount them prematurely and potential for injury. I think you have it figured out though....free range for personal space.

 

[I Love Layers]

I agree with MNChickMom. I have added many new cockerels into my flock and I never have problems when they are the sons of my main cocks. You might get a bit of sparring but the cockerel usually backs off, especially when there is a size difference. And since they have seen each other the Cock has most likely already shown his dominance, in doing things such as crowing and mounting hens

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Well, even after power outages I got a few guineas for my aunt, now waiting to see if any ducks made it. Im saving some Icelandic eggs for myself this time around, I have five so far, I dont plan on putting in any less than 10. I also still want to incubate Hedemoras and maybe Coturnix quail when mine start laying. I still want Call ducks but that and the beehives are on the back burner for next year. Lots of projects including my Neapolitan mastiff having a litter in the fall. That will take up a big chunk of my time!!

 

[I Love Layers]

Registered for state fair, I think yesterday, or the day before. I entered 1 black cock, 2 blue hens, 1 black hen, 1 white pullet, and 1 white cockerel in the Open Show. For the 4H show I was only able to enter the 2 Blue Hens. All Cochins as usual

 

[holm25]

Holy cats it's dead on here lately