The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Yeah, I think I might be done with the FF thread. It was useful for a long time, but has changed in the information it's now providing. I'll stick with how I've been doing the FF, but will be trying out the buttermilk starter for the ducks.

This thread has such a good personality. I think we all enjoy learning from each other and have a mutual level of respect.

 

[Ashdoes]

This thread has such a good personality.  I think we all enjoy learning from each other and have a mutual level of respect. 

I agree. The great thing is I don't need the FF thread for questions, when I can just come here.

 

[delisha]

Quote: Sorry i missed this Sue!

Yes..give her the eggs! She will appreciate it. I would give her all she can handle.(I would give her some of the important ones too..hens hatch better than an incubator.

 

[delisha]

Your FSH are growing so fast!! They are beautiful


This is my finished Easter Hatch
I hatched out 28 early yesterday and put them in the big brooder
I hatched out two more later and one this morning. The three are still upstairs in the small brooder

 

[Eggcessive]

Delisha, congratulations on your Easter hatch--nice looking healthy chicks.

 

[aoxa]

I read the series, and thought I was (and had been for a while) understanding, but the FF thread is really pushing the alcohol thing.
I'm keeping my two batches going, and starting a third for the ducks. I just wanted to experiment a little and start this one with the buttermilk. But you're right, I could just start it with a scoop of one of my other FF.

I don't like the new people there. That's all I'm saying.

 

[delisha]

Fresh eggs get a bad rap when it comes to using them as hard boiled eggs. The reason is because the albumen, or the egg white, will stick to the shell of a fresh egg. Often you see advice to let the eggs age, because then it doesn’t stick as much to the shell. It is possible to use even an egg that has been laid the same day.

There seem to be many different ways of cooking (boiling) fresh eggs in their shell so that they peel. The method I use is as follows: bring the eggs up to room temperature. Bring your water to a slow boil, add salt, and ladle in the eggs. Cook at a slow boil for 15 minutes, then ladle out into a pan of cold water. Let sit in the water for awhile to cool, then the eggs can be stored in the fridge until you want to peel them. I use this method. It works and I am not going to fix it. I do need to use a timer or I over cook them every time.

Other methods I have seen but not used include adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water, and using the traditional method of starting with cold water. Another idea that deserves merit is adding vinegar. I’ve also seen people suggest using olive oil. If your hard cooked eggs have a green tinge to the yolk, they are overcooked. Leave them in the hot water less the next time.

Another method is to use a push pin on the fat end of the egg. Slowly lower into soft boiling water. Soft boil for 15 minutes.

 

[aoxa]

I busted out laughing when I read that Justine

They make my blood pressure rise, so I refuse to go back.

 

[aoxa]

Fresh eggs get a bad rap when it comes to using them as hard boiled eggs. The reason is because the albumen, or the egg white, will stick to the shell of a fresh egg. Often you see advice to let the eggs age, because then it doesn’t stick as much to the shell. It is possible to use even an egg that has been laid the same day.

There seem to be many different ways of cooking (boiling) fresh eggs in their shell so that they peel. The method I use is as follows: bring the eggs up to room temperature. Bring your water to a slow boil, add salt, and ladle in the eggs. Cook at a slow boil for 15 minutes, then ladle out into a pan of cold water. Let sit in the water for awhile to cool, then the eggs can be stored in the fridge until you want to peel them. I use this method. It works and I am not going to fix it. I do need to use a timer or I over cook them every time.

Other methods I have seen but not used include adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water, and using the traditional method of starting with cold water. Another idea that deserves merit is adding vinegar. I’ve also seen people suggest using olive oil. If your hard cooked eggs have a green tinge to the yolk, they are overcooked. Leave them in the hot water less the next time.

Another method is to use a push pin on the fat end of the egg. Slowly lower into soft boiling water. Soft boil for 15 minutes.

We have used the vinegar and I don't find it works all that well. Your first method does work for us.

 

[Toast n Jelly]

Time for some "kiddo" photos!

13 weeks and they just got the courage to venture out to the free-range area yesterday when several of us were out doing yard work. Burned some wood brush right in their range area to see if they'd use the ash pile it leaves.

Anyhow - here are some photos.

These SFH have GREAT CAMOFLAGE! Here's a couple of camo photos:

The CAMMO Kids - All 4 (Where's Waldo?)







Black



Gray:




Gray Cammo




Orange:


Orange Cammo



Rooster Boy

So pretty! and camo'ed until they hit the grass lol!