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Okay so here is a learning lesson for me on chickens. As most know I sold off all my birds, I am down to 3 Cubalaya Roosters that I have not been able to place. I did not think it would be that hard to get rid of them, so when they were growing up, I just had them in a brooder in the house. Made sure they had food and water but really did not pay too much attention to them.

At 8 weeks old one started to try and crow so I knew I needed to get them out of the house. Biggest issue was these guys lived in 70-75 temps and it was over 100 outside. With yinepu’s help I was able to get them acclimated and did not lose any of them. That was about 3 weeks ago. After a week outside I started letting them “range” for an hour in the evening. About 5 days ago while watching them I realized, they have NO IDEA how to be chickens. They don’t scratch around, don’t even give bugs a second thought, nothing. They just follow me for food.

So I decided to train them to be bring out their instincts. I started with throwing their food on the ground instead of the food dish, so they would have to scratch around for it. Then I would walk through the field with them catching grasshoppers. At first they refused to eat them. Then just yesterday, one of the boys caught one all by his self!!!! It was so funny to watch and a very proud moment.

So note to self, don’t ever keep a chicken in a box for the first 8 weeks of it’s life, if you don’t have other older chickens to train them. Walking through a field of scratchy grass trying to catch bugs is no fun! I really did them a disservice but hope to make up for it.
 
RachaelS said:
I was just about to ask the same thing. What is a mustang grape? Are they that kind that grow everywhere wild? Super bitter if you just pick and eat?
Click to expand...
They are bitter if they don't get water. Yes it is the wild ones! But with all the sugar in the jelly, it comes out with just a nice tart flavor. So much better than store bought!
 
Here is a pic I took about 2 weeks ago, it was much prettier in real life. I am not as good of a picture taker as Jungleexplorer
lau.gif


 
TexasLisa said:
This is my second time in Texas. Around 1984, dh and I lived in the panhandle for a year (Skellytown). We moved to Houston about 6 years ago. We had to get away from the people and moved to the country 2 years ago. We are now in Heaven!! I loved Texas from the first time I stepped foot here. Texans are super friendly. When I would fly through Dallas, I always had Texans invite me to their homes. It is a great state!

What is mustang grape? Unfortunately you are 3 hours away from me or I would be on your doorstep with my boots on!

Lisa :)
Click to expand...
Awesome! We are definitely proud of our state around here. Mustang grapes are the ones you will see growing wild on fences and on trees wound here. They can be slightly bitter if they don't get enough rain, but with jelly that is not really a problem. And once again, FREE is always awesome! You process them just like you would any wild grapes with seeds.
 
RachaelS said:
Okay so here is a learning lesson for me on chickens. As most know I sold off all my birds, I am down to 3 Cubalaya Roosters that I have not been able to place. I did not think it would be that hard to get rid of them, so when they were growing up, I just had them in a brooder in the house. Made sure they had food and water but really did not pay too much attention to them.

At 8 weeks old one started to try and crow so I knew I needed to get them out of the house. Biggest issue was these guys lived in 70-75 temps and it was over 100 outside. With yinepu’s help I was able to get them acclimated and did not lose any of them. That was about 3 weeks ago. After a week outside I started letting them “range” for an hour in the evening. About 5 days ago while watching them I realized, they have NO IDEA how to be chickens. They don’t scratch around, don’t even give bugs a second thought, nothing. They just follow me for food.

So I decided to train them to be bring out their instincts. I started with throwing their food on the ground instead of the food dish, so they would have to scratch around for it. Then I would walk through the field with them catching grasshoppers. At first they refused to eat them. Then just yesterday, one of the boys caught one all by his self!!!! It was so funny to watch and a very proud moment.

So note to self, don’t ever keep a chicken in a box for the first 8 weeks of it’s life, if you don’t have other older chickens to train them. Walking through a field of scratchy grass trying to catch bugs is no fun! I really did them a disservice but hope to make up for it.
Click to expand...
That sucks! It is awesome that you took the time; a lot of people won't. I myself was lazy and stuck mine out there as soon as they got big enough to not get out of the run lol. I put a light out there in their pen, and every evening I turn it on for about an hr, and then about an hr before dawn so they can catch the bugs that are attracted to the light. They love that!
 
RachaelS said:
Here is a pic I took about 2 weeks ago, it was much prettier in real life. I am not as good of a picture taker as Jungleexplorer
lau.gif


Click to expand...
Beautiful! I live pretty far South, and though most think this is barren (and it is compared to East Texas or the Hill Country) it holds a charm all its own for me. The mesquite and brush can be beautiful when blooming, and in the fall and winter I find the subtle gray and greens to be so pretty. But then maybe I am just crazy. The crazy chicken lady as DH says. HA!
 

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