Sent out the last of my EEs today, so both flocks are all Iowa Blues. Have just been setting the eggs from the 100% silver group the past couple weeks and eating the eggs on the other mixed group. I'll start setting the other group again, since it is now pure. Looking forward to finishing my 2 run breeding pen/shed that houses the brooder currently and getting my group split out to 3 or 4 breeding groups for better selection. It's going to be an IB year!
I do have the makings of the next generation for my "Iowacana" project to grow out, too...better get to building more pens.
Anyway, traveling home to Iowa this week for my uncle's funeral (more relieved than sad, he was suffering so much...stupid cancer), boys meet relatives they've never seen, will give the family some happiness on a sad occasion. Also taking a box of chicks to deliver to another veterinarian near Iowa City. Love getting the chance to spread the breed around. The numbers were down to a hundred or so at one point, but we're gaining now. Lots of interest in the breed this year, trying to get enough chicks out there to people wanting to help us save the breed. It's so much fun seeing the excitement and the numbers starting to rebound. A few more generations, gain some size and consistency and the Iowa Blue will be back.
On a happy note, the chooks were all over the place today, hopping from exposed grass patch to exposed grass patch, happy as clams. Good to see them out and about again.
Got all the chicks tagged, now to get dinner on the table!
Hope all are doing well, surviving the cold. Killed a wasp today, if that means anything. Haven't seen any robins yet, but did see one sandhill crane this am.
