What did you do with your flock today?

[ChicksnMore]

I just love your pea coop. So big and airy and functional. I'm such a sucker for function.
That is a lot of #s and juggling you are planning to do. I personally think you should give tours I'd go!

I was happy to hear you are making a little cha-ching! I charge mostly so the person who buys them puts value and takes better care of. Many times I lessen my price ridiculously or gift, always asking to see their set up if I do not know them as the better the set up the less $ for the bird. Good intentions only go so far with me though I do try to be understanding. I was there, I lost a few birds when I started out too ☹ some people are just habitual and I would rather cull than they have a bad plight. Ok. Off into the weeds with that. I had an extra cup of Joe as I had to get up early this morning and went to bed late
I actually have a back order on my eggs today ! (Speaking of cha-ching!) It is nice to make a little feed money to not feel so bad about my chicken budget/hobby/addiction. Unfortunately my girls had 2 slow days already. Yesterday was icky. I tried to make it up to the flock with frozen mango pieces and sprinklers. I'm sure these next few weeks will be motivating for me.
This week I will study for my motorcycle written test so I can get my permit! Just so I can go in and ace it and not have to take a second time because I did not see a trick question. Cool to be almost 60 and still be having adventures. Sounds weird to think about that #/age cuz I still feel 18 (till I look in the mirror ).
Well, it is a laundry/meal worm/seal mosaic pots day for me too so I had better get. Look forward to popping in to see new posts (and chicky/pea/lavender/coop progress photos).

Thats wonderful that you're adventurous!

I spent the weekend upgrading the pigeon aviary. I reorganized their stuff, cleaned the walls, painted and installed more shelves, added another nest for them. They haven't been fond of the toys I've tried giving them in the past, but they were all super excited to run, fly, and play in my stuff while I was working on things. They thought the dirty paper towels placed neatly in a little basket were the best, and all six of them repeatedly scattered them everywhere. They thought I was playing with them every time I put the trash back in the basket. XD

The babies are full size now. I still don't know what gender they are, and probably won't for a while still, but I'm 90% sure Big Bird is a boy. He's a little more aggressive than Frittata, and by that I mean I've seen him chomp the parents a few times.
Both babies are super sweet. They both love sitting on me and preening me, but Frito especially loves me. She's flown on my should many times already, and just hangs out while I clean up. If I'm hanging out on the outside of the aviary, she'll get as close to me as she can and just watch me until I go in and she can sit on my hand. It's so cute.

Ever since Frito started flying on me, I've noticed a pretty dramatic change in Egg and Bert's behavior. They still don't like me petting or holding them, but they tolerate it now. Before, they'd throw a fit and fly away. They must trust me more after seeing me with their children. Now if only I can get King Louis and Ernie to do the same. XD

Speaking of Louis, I've been looking into the possibility of getting another fantail for her. She's been pretty lonely, and while Ernie is just now starting his courting rituals, she hasn't been interested. She tried to pair up with him when the two of them were first introduced, but he was pretty mean to her.
I found a pigeon breeder on craigslist that looks pretty good. He's got all kind of pigeons, like homers, rollers, owls, racers, fans, etc. I haven't contacted him yet because I don't want to rush into anything, but maybe soon.

Something I found really interesting about this guy, is that he's located pretty close to the HS I got my birds from. While looking at his stuff, I found he sells some birds that look exactly like Ernie. I've never seen anything like him, so I'm pretty sure Ernie is one of his. Ernie is banded, so I'd be interested to see if his bands match any of the others. Although I can't really ask without the possibility of him wanting Ernie back. XD

Frito and BB:
View attachment 3147113
Frito, with Ernie in the back:
View attachment 3147118
Egg in his new nest, Bert, BB, and Frittata:
View attachment 3147115
The King:
View attachment 3147114

I love the posture on that last bird and Frito looks so friendly and curious.

I also got the spare coop cleaned out. I didn't do a full scrub down since I left it open so the chickens could clean out any bugs, and I scrubbed it out at the beginning of the year, but I replaced all the bedding and put new dirt in the run. I moved my chicks out here full time, and they've taken to it shockingly well. Last night was their second night, and there was only a little bit of fussing after I put them to bed.
Feather's is definitely a boy. It's such a bummer, because he's starting to get so pretty. Rehoming them always sucks, but I'm betting it'll be especially difficult with the bird flu, even though it's not here yet. :/

The babies are little monsters who don't like their pictures taken, so instead I'm substituting with some other random pics. : P
View attachment 3147136View attachment 3147137View attachment 3147139View attachment 3147140View attachment 3147141View attachment 3147142View attachment 3147143View attachment 3147144View attachment 3147145View attachment 3147146View attachment 3147147

I can't pick a favorite from these. You take some gorgeous photos

 

[pennyJo1960]

So Sorry you lost the the rooter @TropicalBabies
Still wet here.

 

[kurby22]

Goodness, I don’t feel like I was gone that long but there has been a lot of posts since I was last here!

@TropicalBabies I'm sorry about your rooster boy :-( it’s always so sad but does sound like it made things a bit easier for your main flock. Silver linings are always good to find! Can’t wait to see your motorcycle when it’s all finished getting fixed up! I’ve always been afraid of them for some reason haha. Love ATVs but take two tires away and I’m afraid

@pennyJo1960 i can’t wait to see the finished coop! The chickens are gonna love it! Your lavender boy was a pretty guy! I just love my lavenders! Maybe a bit too much I’m getting a rather monochromatic flock haha. The blue ODs from @ChicksnMore will bring some nice different colors I think!

@FrankieDoodle i love all your pigeons!! And your pictures of trees and flowers and bees! I need to get out and do some nature walks…I used to take so many plant pictures until I got chickens

@ChicksnMore i love your pea aviary! It looks well built and perfect for them! Sounds like you have caught the hatching bug I caught it back in February and it won’t stop Wish I had a man from the Mountains that came to take my extra chicks too! Hehe. I am probably going to take a couple three boys up to a rescue farm if they don’t sell. Once they have names it’s a struggle for me to let them go!

Hello to all the new folks that have been posting! I love hearing your stories and seeing your chickens!

 

[kurby22]

Now for my quick update! It got super hot on Friday and Saturday so I spent most of those two days keeping myself and the chickens cool. Saturday I sold some hatching eggs for a broody chicken and since we were out aways from home, we went for a drive to an area that’s still sort of rural and i daydreamed about buying property. I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but property like that around here is NOT cheap…so it’s not something we can do at the moment (need a plan) and the school my kids go to is really good for my son who tested at super high levels for the rapid learner program they have. But I’m looking out towards 6th grade for him (5 years out) and maybe moving them then! Chickens have been my gateway drug haha. I wanna leave this suburban world and embrace the rural kid I never got to be growing up! So I’m looking into small ag loans for women and beginning farmers as well as grant funds. I would like to have enough land to build some pollinator habitat, improve some wet areas with more native species, and provide some wildlife habitat. But I also want ag animals and may have opted out of goats in favor of miniature zebus instead. They are more my speed and will handle the miserable heat here well! Anywho…that’s where my brain has been all weekend! Learning about what it would take and how much I’d have to make to qualify for loans and such!

As for the flock! They got stressed out by the heat and it triggered some more broodies! My big English Orpington Elinor is now a broody and I’m trying to gently break her but so far not succeeding. So I am checking on her and the silkies that are brooding to make sure they aren’t overheating! Besides that I have just been spending time with all the babies and game planning where to put the newest coop so I can get the teenage d’Anver babies out of my living room. Squeakers was being mean to the baby chicks so he and his girlfriend Pip Pip are inside…he crows now and it’s the MOST hilarious crow

Other pics are just for fun! Caught Bruno looking super handsome and all the others being “loved on” by my daughter haha. I think it’s clear Elinor was displeased to be pulled from her nest box (see if you can tell which one she is by the expression on her face!) And the eggs I sold on Saturday with their fancy stamp cuz I’m extra like that

 

[TropicalBabies]

Good morning all!
Oh gosh @kurby love the squeak! Your husband- the saint lol, has come a long way. You are a juggler extraordinary.
What kind of coop are you getting now?
Birds look great, child is beautiful ♡ and love your look to the future. I have gone to our land leasing state dept and inquired but came across so many road blocks. One being you needed to lease 64 acres min. I'd just like a few thank you. And we have all kinds of no animal rules because we are so close to the ocean except a gal is leasing about 10 acres ocean front and raising hundreds of goats. I guess my best bet would be to sublease but no one wants chickens... hoping the pandemic and gas would and will change some minds on how the island does business.

Anywho, it is a beautiful day if you are going to the beach. For the rest of us in Kekaka it will be 90° w/70% humidity and single digit trades aka miserable like yesterday and the day b4.

Teens blending in beautiful. Went straight to bed in mini coop last eve and now hanging with coop mates.

Buffs are smart to get young girls on their team as they will be big girls soon.
Here new motorcycle. Got to replace stickers for looks and get final safety in 2 weeks. Hopefully I'll have my permit by then.

Excuse the messy garage... it is absolutely 1000% my dh's fault. I'm noticing the pattern... can't let him out of my sight
So bike is small enough to not get into too much trouble but big enough to get myself out of. Going up and down the mountain makes me nervous so I had better practice, practice, practice!
July 4th is my target date to take the creatures up while Kekaha proves its IQ and blows itself up. So, lots going on. My girls are struggling with the heat ☹ yesterday's egg collection was 11 but was 8 & 6. Don't mind slow, do mind stress.
K. Lots on my plate so better get.
Have an awesome day all!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hey good morning gang Did these last night stays light but birds go bed at nine. No matter the time of year.
I was out about 5 to collect eggs and scrape tables. Caught one of my sex links bathing.

 

[ChicksnMore]

Now for my quick update! It got super hot on Friday and Saturday so I spent most of those two days keeping myself and the chickens cool. Saturday I sold some hatching eggs for a broody chicken and since we were out aways from home, we went for a drive to an area that’s still sort of rural and i daydreamed about buying property. I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but property like that around here is NOT cheap…so it’s not something we can do at the moment (need a plan) and the school my kids go to is really good for my son who tested at super high levels for the rapid learner program they have. But I’m looking out towards 6th grade for him (5 years out) and maybe moving them then! Chickens have been my gateway drug haha. I wanna leave this suburban world and embrace the rural kid I never got to be growing up! So I’m looking into small ag loans for women and beginning farmers as well as grant funds. I would like to have enough land to build some pollinator habitat, improve some wet areas with more native species, and provide some wildlife habitat. But I also want ag animals and may have opted out of goats in favor of miniature zebus instead. They are more my speed and will handle the miserable heat here well! Anywho…that’s where my brain has been all weekend! Learning about what it would take and how much I’d have to make to qualify for loans and such!

As for the flock! They got stressed out by the heat and it triggered some more broodies! My big English Orpington Elinor is now a broody and I’m trying to gently break her but so far not succeeding. So I am checking on her and the silkies that are brooding to make sure they aren’t overheating! Besides that I have just been spending time with all the babies and game planning where to put the newest coop so I can get the teenage d’Anver babies out of my living room. Squeakers was being mean to the baby chicks so he and his girlfriend Pip Pip are inside…he crows now and it’s the MOST hilarious crow

Other pics are just for fun! Caught Bruno looking super handsome and all the others being “loved on” by my daughter haha. I think it’s clear Elinor was displeased to be pulled from her nest box (see if you can tell which one she is by the expression on her face!) And the eggs I sold on Saturday with their fancy stamp cuz I’m extra like that

Your chickens and kid are all so beautiful! Even grumpy Elinor

I've never heard of zebus...I look at the name and I swear I hear a little kids voice yelling "Look! Ze bus, Ze bus!" I'd love to hear what they really are!

I love your thoughts for the future! Those are some exciting ideas!
I use pond buckets here to attract bees...even the bugs get thirsty here. It's something you might like though and can be done anywhere. The bees swarm any water here and as long as you have plants in it, they usually manage to not drown! This is a 40 gallon tub from the feed store. I add mosquito fish to it but goldfish do well like this too. You can also use altosid instead of fish...kills mosquitos by disrupting their growth but supposed to be safe for other bugs, birds, amphibians, mammals, etc.

Good morning all!
Oh gosh @kurby love the squeak! Your husband- the saint lol, has come a long way. You are a juggler extraordinary.
What kind of coop are you getting now?
Birds look great, child is beautiful ♡ and love your look to the future. I have gone to our land leasing state dept and inquired but came across so many road blocks. One being you needed to lease 64 acres min. I'd just like a few thank you. And we have all kinds of no animal rules because we are so close to the ocean except a gal is leasing about 10 acres ocean front and raising hundreds of goats. I guess my best bet would be to sublease but no one wants chickens... hoping the pandemic and gas would and will change some minds on how the island does business.

Anywho, it is a beautiful day if you are going to the beach. For the rest of us in Kekaka it will be 90° w/70% humidity and single digit trades aka miserable like yesterday and the day b4.

Teens blending in beautiful. Went straight to bed in mini coop last eve and now hanging with coop mates.View attachment 3149484
Buffs are smart to get young girls on their team as they will be big girls soon.
Here new motorcycle. Got to replace stickers for looks and get final safety in 2 weeks. Hopefully I'll have my permit by then.View attachment 3149487
Excuse the messy garage... it is absolutely 1000% my dh's fault. I'm noticing the pattern... can't let him out of my sight
So bike is small enough to not get into too much trouble but big enough to get myself out of. Going up and down the mountain makes me nervous so I had better practice, practice, practice!
July 4th is my target date to take the creatures up while Kekaha proves its IQ and blows itself up. So, lots going on. My girls are struggling with the heat ☹ yesterday's egg collection was 11 but was 8 & 6. Don't mind slow, do mind stress.
K. Lots on my plate so better get.
Have an awesome day all!

Your motorcycle's look fun and island life looks devine, even if Kekaha isn't so bright. Hope you make your target date.

Hey good morning gang Did these last night stays light but birds go bed at nine. No matter the time of year.
I was out about 5 to collect eggs and scrape tables. Caught one of my sex links bathing.
View attachment 3149877View attachment 3149879

Your chickens look like happy little cluckers!

Here's a picture of last night's sunset. Have you ever seen such a hot pink sun?

 

[Ponypoor]

Your chickens and kid are all so beautiful! Even grumpy Elinor

I've never heard of zebus...I look at the name and I swear I hear a little kids voice yelling "Look! Ze bus, Ze bus!" I'd love to hear what they really are!

I love your thoughts for the future! Those are some exciting ideas!
I use pond buckets here to attract bees...even the bugs get thirsty here. It's something you might like though and can be done anywhere. The bees swarm any water here and as long as you have plants in it, they usually manage to not drown! This is a 40 gallon tub from the feed store. I add mosquito fish to it but goldfish do well like this too. You can also use altosid instead of fish...kills mosquitos by disrupting their growth but supposed to be safe for other bugs, birds, amphibians, mammals, etc.View attachment 3150604

Your motorcycle's look fun and island life looks devine, even if Kekaha isn't so bright. Hope you make your target date.

Your chickens look like happy little cluckers!

Here's a picture of last night's sunset. Have you ever seen such a hot pink sun?View attachment 3150621

Awesome sunset!

 

[kurby22]

Your chickens and kid are all so beautiful! Even grumpy Elinor

I've never heard of zebus...I look at the name and I swear I hear a little kids voice yelling "Look! Ze bus, Ze bus!" I'd love to hear what they really are!

I love your thoughts for the future! Those are some exciting ideas!
I use pond buckets here to attract bees...even the bugs get thirsty here. It's something you might like though and can be done anywhere. The bees swarm any water here and as long as you have plants in it, they usually manage to not drown! This is a 40 gallon tub from the feed store. I add mosquito fish to it but goldfish do well like this too. You can also use altosid instead of fish...kills mosquitos by disrupting their growth but supposed to be safe for other bugs, birds, amphibians, mammals, etc.View attachment 3150604

Your motorcycle's look fun and island life looks devine, even if Kekaha isn't so bright. Hope you make your target date.

Your chickens look like happy little cluckers!

Here's a picture of last night's sunset. Have you ever seen such a hot pink sun?View attachment 3150621

Pretty sunset!! Interesting juxtaposition with the dry Acacias?

I've never thought about doing something like that bee pond buckets! We have a pool and so many bees die in it every summer. I am sad every time...maybe this would help!! Thanks for the awesome idea!

Hahaha, Ze bus is pretty funny My husband keeps calling them Zebras...he's annoying

This is a zebu! They are native to India and naturally mini in size! This means they have more natural calving (less assisted and vet required birthing), they are heat tolerant, disease resistant, and only produce A2 milk proteins. They are highly efficient eaters and very docile and easy going, so you can keep them with any other animals without worrying. They have been used as therapy animals and are considered sacred in India and are only used for their milk. My BS degree is from U of Idaho in Rangeland Management, so I have always wanted to someday be able to use all the pasture management, beef cattle science and animal nutrition knowledge but I don't have the fortitude for big cows and the business of normal livestock management, so these little ones are perfect for me! The cows only reach 300-400 lbs. I was actually looking up breeders and there is one in AZ that has nice ones! I think my husband is even on board! I am thinking they would be fun to breed and show, and perhaps dabble in making some milk and other stuff! I am having trouble not wanting to do it right now! But I guess I will have to live with only chickens and daydreaming for now!

 

[Ponypoor]

Today I did morning chores and told the gals to behave til I get home for m work.

Working seriously impacts my quality time with my critters!!