Texas

[SlipsWife]

I was at the Regional Marans meet. My BCM's Cockbird took first place out of two entries, and my BCM Hen took 4th out of 6 entries. There were over 100 Marans in all (multiple color varieties and the Pullets and Cockerel categories are where the bulk of the entries are) Out of 15 entries in the egg contest I was scored 3rd place over all, 2nd & 3rd places out of 6 entries in the BCM variety, and Champion for the people's choice award. I too have a Marans card too and would agree that the eggs were only around #5 +/- at the show and that that the photo of Marans in Oklahoma did not look to be more than a No 5.

Here are the eggs from the hen that won the people's choice when she was at the beginning of her laying cycle 4 months ago. They are #12 on the bottom row they were a 7-8 at the time.

I have to stop buying chickens but I might have to stop AFTER buying a BCM...or 2...or dozen...

On a side note, we got a second egg yesterday from the CL

She was acting like she wants to lay again today but hasn't yet.
She was sitting on top of the nesting box and I walked over to talk to her. She pecked my hand pretty hard, and I was shocked. Out of instinct I yelled at her no, then felt bad for 'scaring' her...though she was not scared. So I started petting her. When I stopped, she pecked me again...she actually wanted to be petted! My husband went into the coop not believing me and she did the exact same thing to him. The other 3 and the rooster are doing great too!

 

[magpiesing]

That is great! This is all so very interesting. !!
Hey I read on another thread that they had trouble with freezing with the little cups. Just an FYI

We kept the chicken house warm so the big jugs didn't freeze but the cup could be a poblem as they run along the front wall which is just wire and also faces north. I be keeping the ugly jugs for those cold days NEXT winter, please. Thanks for the FYI

 

[harley1975]

. It's not so bad once you get started. That coop/run has a very basic idea to it. Nice and easy. No arches, no leans. Predator proof is virtually impossible when it comes to bobcats. They're pesky little critters. Hardware clothe will be your best friend but it can be pricy, I'd only use it on exposed walls. I.e. walls on the exterior of the coop. I use hardware cloth on all my breeder pens. My layers aren't as lucky. They just get welded wire... But its harder to get to the layer area. Its got a double fence and electrical wire and its completely in closed. Have you narrowed down your breeds? How many are you planning on getting? Build for more than you intend... Chicken math will get to you.
And gnomes.
My fiance could say the same! His first wife, although they were married less than two years, totally ruined him. But I've known him since we were kids... We were 15 when we met, and our friendship eventually turned us into a couple. My DF is still learning that chickens are a part of me.. Haha. He will learn.

The wife I have now we meet in Jr high school and went to school for years together and never hooked up. We knew each other for a long time while we was in school. We meet again a little over 17 years ago and we both was getting devoured and we have been together all this time

 

[magpiesing]

Just had to run down and put everybody up. Rain came pouring down. Everyone but my usual two wandering girls were already in the house. They were standing under the barn eave waiting for me to open the door. Silly girls! While I was in the house I tried to get a look at the newest hatch. I got pecked for my trouble and only a tease from under her feathers. I haven't really seen it in the day light...have only heard it so I know it ok.,,,arrrgh

 

[A1momof3]

I think it was magpie that said to dig up some grass for our peeps. Well I was out by the barn and remembered that so I pulled this up a clump and put it in their box.....

I had hung an old cabbage head up for them yesterday so u pulled it up out if the way.

So I'm taking pictures if them enjoying this treat and then .... BOOM...

Photo bomb!!!
One minute they were not there and then boom there they were!! I'm still laughing!

 

[magpiesing]

Hello,
it have been quite a while since I was on BYC. I was real busy but now I am back and have a question for all the Texas gardeners. I am searching for a special native plant for my garden. I googled it already but couldn`t find any place which sell this plants. The name is Agarita (wild currant). It is a shrub with edible Berries. I hope I can find it here in somebodys garden who is willing to sell me seeds, cuttings or a big plant. I attach a picture of the plant too.

This plant looks like what grows wild where my hubby deer hunted this fall. The place is called Choke Canyon, just outside of Three Rivers. It's way south of San Antonio. The area is very dry, mesquite and sage brush and praire grass. It would be a long drive but you may be able to find it and get some. Not sure how it would do this far north. It would depend on your soil. Nice plant, good for survival food.

 

[magpiesing]

I think it was magpie that said to dig up some grass for our peeps. Well I was out by the barn and remembered that so I pulled this up a clump and put it in their box.....

I had hung an old cabbage head up for them yesterday so u pulled it up out if the way.

So I'm taking pictures if them enjoying this treat and then .... BOOM...

Photo bomb!!!
One minute they were not there and then boom there they were!! I'm still laughing!

That is so cool! Glad they enjoyed it. I need to do the same for my little ones. Now that they have more room maybe they won't stomp it flat.

 

[ClovisMan]

Quote: What is this grass you speak of? I could through some rocks, cactus, and sticker burrs in the coop. Ah the joys of the Texas Hill Country.

 

[magpiesing]

What is this grass you speak of? I could through some rocks, cactus, and sticker burrs in the coop. Ah the joys of the Texas Hill Country.

Look at the bright side...you don't have to mow the stuff every five days...and water evry few days and fertilze etc...etc...lol

 

[RustedOak]

Glad to hear he's doing well. I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery and for your peace of mind! I understand the hard headed part. My skull is pretty thick! lol