Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[Stumpfarmer]

This is why every one of my long-term chicken containment plans includes a dog-proof fence. I don't trust rat terriers much if any, though, being as how we once had one just bigger than a chihuahua kill a four month old lamb.

Good to know.  Although, I mentioned getting a rat terrier to DH and he told me if I built a dog house for one I better plan on living in it.    Somehow I don't think he's very fond of the idea at all.

He's probably met one. I have kown OK Ratties, but they're mostly all-hunt, and 90% of the ones on the rescue website have warnings about not going to houses with cats, birds, or small children. They are little dogs, with smaller bodies than Jack Russells but much longer legs, an used to be kept in packs for controlling rats on farms.

All terriers need a lot of socializing and preferably formal obedience training and they're happier if they aren't left alone, but Rat Terriers often just don't much like people. IN my experience, of which I've had a lot, unfortunately.

 

[Stumpfarmer]

Anyway, eggs: I'm averaging just over two a day, with five chickens laying (all three Hamburgs, one EE, and the properly rose combed SSH pullet); no artificial light, and the heaviest lays are coming two days after clear days, so it's definitely light that's key.

Tertia, the EE, is laying extra-large eggs, really impressive, in her usual mid sage green.

 

[BantyChickenLuv]

I'm getting one a day, just started getting one a day on Saturday. I have 5 layers now with the death of Rhodie. One SLW (who's laying the eggs I'm getting). A Delaware, Dominique, EE, and a GSL.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Anyway, eggs: I'm averaging just over two a day, with five chickens laying (all three Hamburgs, one EE, and the properly rose combed SSH pullet); no artificial light, and the heaviest lays are coming two days after clear days, so it's definitely light that's key.

Tertia, the EE, is laying extra-large eggs, really impressive, in her usual mid sage green.

I noticed this too! I have been getting 7 eggs a day and suddenly it started raining again and today I got a whole 4 eggs. Doh!

 

[CarolynF]

I noticed this too! I have been getting 7 eggs a day and suddenly it started raining again and today I got a whole 4 eggs. Doh!

VERY interesting, I'm going to start watching that! Another thing to write on the calendar.

 

[LaughingFeather]

Only got 4 eggs out of 5 hens today. My old RIR didn't lay. Still better than your guys average. Is it because my hens are under a year? or is it because I am giving round the clock light.

 

[Hinotori]

My five Brahma pullets have started laying in the last week. Makes me very happy. Much better than the single Rock who is still laying and the older Brahma who did her molt at the end of summer. One of the two Ameraucana hens I picked up at the Chehalis has been laying this last week as well. Most eggs I've gotten lately is 6 in one day. Much better than the days of 0, I was getting. Hopefully the other pullets start laying soon.

The 12 EEs haven't started laying again. 3 of the 4 rocks just started molting two weeks ago and I know the 4th will start soon.

 

[FirewifeJess]

We've yet to go through a molt with my flock of 12. I kinda can't wait to see all my hens naked! Though I'm sure it'll be a bit discouraging when I need eggs and am feeding a buncha good for nothing molters.

 

[SandBsmom]

Ok, I just gotta vent to some of my fellow washingtonians. Is it just me or did the sun NEVER come up today???? I swear it was dusk all day! I couldn't figure out why my chickens wanted to go out so badly when all I wanted to do was hibernate. Its tough to homeschool your kids from a coma! I am desperately praying for an early summer. I am so jealous of people in warmer areas or with bigger barns who are hatching already. I want me some peeps! And I need the sunshine for that so come on spring. Let's get on with it!!!!

(yes I do realize that I live in the Seattle area and spring won't actually be here for another 5 months but seriously, today was ugly!)

Thank you for letting me vent. I feel better now.

 

[JennS]

I have two white silkies left, after losing the smallest one while we were on vacation. These are the two that Sheryl thought would be boys. I'm crossing my fingers that she was wrong, since it's so hard to sex silkies! Would you all mind taking a look and telling me what you think?

#1




#2




I really hope I've got at least one pullet to add to my flock. I need to get the other birds used to silkies before they grow up!

ETA: I think these are about 14 weeks old?

Jennifer