The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[speckledhen]

I have GREAT news! Sammie Jo is 100% fine! She laid an egg today! Just yesterday, I was telling my DH and Cetawin that I didn't remember how close to a year old she was, maybe she was going through a particularly hard 9 month mini molt, or usually it's "mini". She didn't seem to be getting worse, but maybe a little more energetic even. I recalled that an occasional bird had a harder than usual one at that age, even losing weight and ceasing to lay entirely. Ellie, my Delaware, was one such gal. She was bone thin and I thought she was dying, but nope, super bad 9 month molt was all. And today, Sammie Jo is back in business. Whew! Thank goodness. Poor Deacon would have been beside himself to lose his very first ever hen of his very own.

 

[1muttsfan]

I have GREAT news! Sammie Jo is 100% fine! She laid an egg today! Just yesterday,

Yay!

Atlas lost two more hens today, but not to anything tragic (though Atlas might think so).

 

[drumstick diva]

yay Sammie Jo is okay

 

[holm25]

I'm so sorry for all the losses!!!!! Glad SJ i doing good!

 

[speckledhen]

I'm so sorry for all the losses!!!!! Glad SJ i doing good!

Thanks. I was happy for one good thing to happen at least! Sammie may not be a breeder due to the chicks she produces but she is a layer and I sure need those about now.

 

[1muttsfan]

I really appreciate a good laying hen, certainly they pull their weight in the flock.

Had a bad day yesterday. Met with my sister at my Mom's house to give her the chicks hatched for her this spring, now 4 weeks old. We put them out in a dog crate in a fenced back yard, and warned Mom (repeatedly) not to put her dog out, as he is a Schnauzer and not reliable with small animals. I even said, "He could get hold of one and bite it's head off". So of course, Mom left the back door open, and finding it I rushed out find a chick in the crate WITH IT'S HEAD BITTEN OFF. Oh boy. And of course it really is my own fault, as I Knew there could be a problem. Poor little thing, but it was very quick.

 

[speckledhen]

I really appreciate a good laying hen, certainly they pull their weight in the flock.

Had a bad day yesterday. Met with my sister at my Mom's house to give her the chicks hatched for her this spring, now 4 weeks old. We put them out in a dog crate in a fenced back yard, and warned Mom (repeatedly) not to put her dog out, as he is a Schnauzer and not reliable with small animals. I even said, "He could get hold of one and bite it's head off". So of course, Mom left the back door open, and finding it I rushed out find a chick in the crate WITH IT'S HEAD BITTEN OFF. Oh boy. And of course it really is my own fault, as I Knew there could be a problem. Poor little thing, but it was very quick.

oh, gawd, I hate that. Some dog breeds I just do not like. I can't stand Jack Russels. And I've never liked Schnauzers. Serious lesson for your mother.

 

[speckledhen]

Gardens are doing well, except for the cabbage (different location, too much bug damage). Getting ready to make cabbage relish (chow chow), salsa, stewed tomatoes and this year, pickles, both bread & butter and dill.




Sandwich tomatoes on huge plants on left, salsa tomatoes the other rows.

Cucumbers seem to like this soil.





Tom's extra corn patch. We don't eat much corn but he insists on growing it every year.



Cabbage, flat leaf parsley and Mexican oregano.

See? They're all like this, no real heads, lots of insect damage.

wekiva bird, this oregano is not as pretty as the Cuban oregano you sent me, but hope it tastes as good in the salsa.

 

[MistyMountain]

Oh I wish I could peek over your shoulder while you can all those wonderful things! I have all of the equipment and books, but I am a very visual person (blame the artist in me… yet another reason I could never "do" math, I just can't see it with all those variables!). I need to find a neighbor that I can hang out with and help can. All those little tricks that reading a book or online can't teach you! Best of luck with your harvest! I only have about 10 scrawny tomato plants in a makeshift garden this year. Next year I will have a HUGE garden, very excited about that. I suppose I will start with some freezer applesauce this fall. The apple trees are looking pretty heavy!

 

[speckledhen]

Oh I wish I could peek over your shoulder while you can all those wonderful things! I have all of the equipment and books, but I am a very visual person (blame the artist in me… yet another reason I could never "do" math, I just can't see it with all those variables!). I need to find a neighbor that I can hang out with and help can. All those little tricks that reading a book or online can't teach you! Best of luck with your harvest! I only have about 10 scrawny tomato plants in a makeshift garden this year. Next year I will have a HUGE garden, very excited about that. I suppose I will start with some freezer applesauce this fall. The apple trees are looking pretty heavy!

I grew up eating home canned food, but never paid much attention when they were doing it, typical kid. My grandfather had a 50 acre farm with chickens, pigs, cows and gardens. My parents made jellies, preserves, canned veggies, relishes, pickles, etc. I got my cabbage relish and salsa recipes from wekiva bird here on BYC and I must say, that chow chow is better than any my Dad ever made.