tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74373435100900006892024-02-02T00:28:01.267-05:00News from the CoopThoughts, ideas and fun things about keeping backyard chickens!DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-50186330549495746872014-04-18T08:42:00.000-04:002014-04-18T08:42:15.149-04:00Is it Really Spring???Two years- that is how long it has been since my last post. The chickens are still there, the coops are ready for a good spring cleaning. Life has been busy, busy, busy. But I am looking forward to writing again and sharing those little things that make keeping chickens so entertaining. Now, if I could just find the weather switch that will make warm spring stay!DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-89266092080800456442012-08-28T21:19:00.002-04:002012-08-28T21:19:37.560-04:00It was a Dark and Stormy Night......Thanks to Hurricane Isaac, rain has been steadily falling for a few days along the coast and it does not look to be stopping any time soon. Earlier this evening, Jeff had moved some of our younger hens in with the older flock. Since they had not gone into the coop before dark, after dinner he ventured out into the rain, thunder and lightning to make sure everyone was cooped up and the door shut to keep out the wet. Armed with only a lighter ( who needs a proper light in a chicken coop at night in a thunderstorm?) he stepped inside the coop and bent down to make sure the new girls were no longer huddled outside by the door. As the flame sputtered to life in his right hand, something sleek, long and fast slithered past his left. " Babe! We got a snake in the chicken coop!!", I heard him yell. Now, Keep in mind it is raining, there is constant thunder and lightning- However, myself, Jeff and our 15 yr old son jumped into action, donning important safety gear ( flip flops) and grabbing essential equipment ( smart phones for the flashlight app and camera and umbrella) to fight the -assumed poisonous until proven otherwise- deadly intruder. <br />
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Once at the coop, armed with my flashlight app and Jeff with his real flashlight we leaned in the door carefully keeping an eye on the snake as it climbed ( yes climbed) up over the top of an enclosed nest box and tried to reach the roost where the chickens were. As we are looking we are rather calmly ( I think) discussing the shape of the snakes head and trying to discover what kind it actually is. Our first thought was that it was probably a rat snake, but it chose that particular time to climb its 5 foot plus body down the nest box and head for the door. Jeff made a valiant effort to stop it before it got past, but it slipped by. Dashing around to the side where he saw it headed we waited in united ambush ( Me, smart phone in hand , Our son Allen armed with an ax and Jeff with the shovel. It wasn't more than a few seconds before the beady eyed head emerged followed by a rapidly moving body right towards our position. <br />
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Jeff had seen a newly hatched chick the day before that had mysteriously disappeared...<br />
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Now the snake had returned looking to fill it's belly again. Unfortunately it had the worst possible timing. When it's dark, raining, and there is thunder and lightning this family tends to use the shovel first and ask questions later. <br />
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Not a good night to be a yellow rat snake in a chicken coop...<br />
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<br />DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-66220573793041902132012-06-08T19:18:00.000-04:002012-06-09T13:07:59.983-04:00Braided Egg Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I always enjoy trying out a new recipe, especially one that<br />
will make good use of all the eggs we have around here<br />
from our beloved chickens. That joy doubles when my<br />
desire to cook coincides with someone saying something<br />
along the lines of, " I'll clean if you cook".<br />
Yes! ( Insert mad scientist laugh here)<br />
Because now I can simply concentrate on adding<br />
ingredients and the fine particulars of mixing, kneading,<br />
or greasing and if the kitchen blows up- I don't have to clean it up!<br />
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Unfortunately, today was not one of those stellar days, so I was stuck with cleaning up my own mess.<br />
However, I didn't let that put a damper on my mood as I set my gaze upon a picture of my future creation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyeMnU2XLJEKQqL0DTaxYnAKlC8E-99X2rbtr4INfan4cc_XJ7ui6sY8Qj8rGatjtYppdhLA-YKlK5Im_FM1g0ZLM8Q0yxzHRXxcyarotALrWCc5HHstMnxAEDyopAPPxA1OPcTT319hb/s1600/eggbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyeMnU2XLJEKQqL0DTaxYnAKlC8E-99X2rbtr4INfan4cc_XJ7ui6sY8Qj8rGatjtYppdhLA-YKlK5Im_FM1g0ZLM8Q0yxzHRXxcyarotALrWCc5HHstMnxAEDyopAPPxA1OPcTT319hb/s200/eggbread.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braided Egg Bread</td></tr>
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Braided Egg Bread! Isn't that just gorgeous? No, it's not the one<i> I</i> made, <i>that</i> picture is further down, but I wanted to get you in the frame of mind I was in when I first saw it, and then found the recipe for it. This makes<i><b> 2 regular sized loaves</b></i> or one <i>Huge</i> one which would be great for a family holiday get-together, as I discovered when I tested it. I should read directions better....<br />
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Here is the recipe: <br />
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2 (.25 ounce) packages of active dry yeast (5 teaspoons if it's in a jar)<br />
1/2 cup water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)<br />
2 cups hot milk<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1/2 cup water (yes another one, but room temp will do)<br />
<u><i><b> 5 eggs</b></i></u> (yay!)<br />
11 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 egg (yes, one more for later)<br />
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)<br />
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1) In large mixing bowl, proof yeast by adding to one cup warm water.<br />
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2) In medium bowl, combine hot milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 1/2 cup water and cool to 110 degrees.<br />
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3) In small bowl, slightly beat 5 eggs, then add to cooled mix mixture. Add milk mixture to yeast mixture.<br />
( Feel like a mad scientist yet? Go ahead, laugh, I won't tell...)<br />
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4) Add 2 cups flour and beat until smooth. Slowly add remaining flour until stiff dough forms. Knead on floured surface for 10 minutes, only 5 if you are using a bread hook. ( Wimp!)<br />
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5) Place in a lightly greased large glass or plastic bowl. Turn dough over to grease both sides. Cover and let rise in warm dark place until doubled in size, about 60 minutes. <br />
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6) Punch down, cover and let rise again until double, about 30 minutes.<br />
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7) Punch down again, and form into six equal parts (or three for a loaf big enough for Shrek). Form each part into 20 inch long roll. Braid rolls on a large greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled.<br />
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8) Lightly beat remaining egg and brush over loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in preheated 350 degree F ( 175C) oven for about 55 minutes until nicely browned.<br />
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I wasn't paying attention to that part of the directions that stated this was for making 2 loaves and ended up making one large Shrek size one. See that picture above?<br />
That is a regular 16 inch long cookie sheet. That picture is BEFORE it was left to double in size the last time... <br />
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This is after it is done cooking. Ahhhh smells wonderful!! However, notice<br />
you can no longer see the cookie sheet. And it is sitting on top of the stove. It takes up one WHOLE side of the stove. Which is why I said it's perfect for Holiday family gatherings as one large loaf.<br />
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It does taste wonderful, and now my guys can cut off a braided section and make a monster sandwich. Let me know how it comes out for you!!<br />
<br />DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-31918021336134626352012-06-05T15:58:00.001-04:002012-06-05T15:58:18.464-04:00Chicken CoopsI love new ideas for Chicken coops and I am always searching the web for fun ideas! <br />
Here are a few I have found lately that I thought were great for inspiration. What does your coop look like??<br />
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Very Modern and fun! <br />
More info @ : <a href="http://www.nogg.co/">www.Nogg.co</a><br />
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Don't think you have room in your backyard for chickens? How about under the slide of your kids' jungle gym? If you are just wanting a few hens this is a GREAT idea!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdkFpA07tOPWVCjQLVliqzXEQqHdxJjCJ7pCch3vv2AelpC8GZd-B5jwZICnla1B3jFOUqwpDNsQlFX1Jec-3ubuMoeeENZMMrkAGoAL9Ue-CSj9V9ZV7BYpdIS7YXLIRmF4AQBRwmecI/s1600/Image241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdkFpA07tOPWVCjQLVliqzXEQqHdxJjCJ7pCch3vv2AelpC8GZd-B5jwZICnla1B3jFOUqwpDNsQlFX1Jec-3ubuMoeeENZMMrkAGoAL9Ue-CSj9V9ZV7BYpdIS7YXLIRmF4AQBRwmecI/s320/Image241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Got an old vehicle sitting around taking up space? With a little elbow grease, a few cans of spray paint and a little wood and walla! A great coop that has been made out of recycled materials !DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-45784166987940966902012-05-26T19:30:00.002-04:002012-05-26T19:30:36.986-04:00It's getting warmerIt is getting warmer! Summer is just around the corner and even though it will be easy enough for us to head to the beach, it won't be quite so easy for the chickens. Already the 3 month old chicks are finding ways to cool off and relax. Sometimes that means digging in the dirt early in the morning, and then slipping underneath the cool of the coop for the hottest part of the day.<br />
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No matter what the weather is there is always at least one character finding a unique way to relax and let it all hang out... For example, today's award for " Letting it all hang out" goes to...<br />
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<br />DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-83439800344355951072012-05-17T16:24:00.000-04:002012-05-17T16:25:11.629-04:00Colored Cochins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmckh2qkgLPCN-wUw2EYBr_R5XGTy0dzYPs7xkFxLWlxQZXzWwNwTbXdwdHQkeG4eXunp_GOegVqrNG7zsjBKwW8JMKGKjK_ViimMBHEMD4NwWwxrquNGBKoQD_dovRyUwO3-3BJrhkoK6/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmckh2qkgLPCN-wUw2EYBr_R5XGTy0dzYPs7xkFxLWlxQZXzWwNwTbXdwdHQkeG4eXunp_GOegVqrNG7zsjBKwW8JMKGKjK_ViimMBHEMD4NwWwxrquNGBKoQD_dovRyUwO3-3BJrhkoK6/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Though you can only see the one cuddled up to mom<br />
in this photo, we have 6 little guys running around in<br />
our big coop with the adults. As their feathers come in we are seeing some very strange but interesting markings and colors develop. Once they get a bit older I will post some pictures to document the feather patterns. But already I'm wondering what is in the genetic background....<br />
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Speaking of surprise genetics, this blue mottled cochin chick is growing and doing well. I"m curious to see if the mottling will continue or if it will disappear with the next molt and leave us a solid blue bird. <br />
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Likewise with the black mottled cochin chick. Will the white feathers become black? I"m hoping not. I"m really loving the look of the mottling and would love to see this carried on to further generations.<br />
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We have our eyes on a few others that are becoming increasingly interesting as they grow......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5n58pi9wNqu9PXSFowr9A-JNPO79C0xfayd1uOnH1ZEH6IXhkvkp1bYpZB8FIaZ2yFlfwrSxPMZpGZoOdAID8DDjMVLLlk5nJEHpSKxBw0rXQ7S0RQDghrzOxs97g3LtICUIgcwpljHF/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5n58pi9wNqu9PXSFowr9A-JNPO79C0xfayd1uOnH1ZEH6IXhkvkp1bYpZB8FIaZ2yFlfwrSxPMZpGZoOdAID8DDjMVLLlk5nJEHpSKxBw0rXQ7S0RQDghrzOxs97g3LtICUIgcwpljHF/s200/photo-3.JPG" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks Exactly like his daddy Big Bo </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiNlw-V482EO3ayxx0fNxys7OJtpI162kc1QljvQLSTiIb6STB-B8RWnWXwHI7L69rQJQvwRbu0H6QZVZTyQvRJXYGPJrudI9XJDpI47i9LZgUbxf_YqUjPJ6Jc3s7ibsz9AnYdTtZU_f/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiNlw-V482EO3ayxx0fNxys7OJtpI162kc1QljvQLSTiIb6STB-B8RWnWXwHI7L69rQJQvwRbu0H6QZVZTyQvRJXYGPJrudI9XJDpI47i9LZgUbxf_YqUjPJ6Jc3s7ibsz9AnYdTtZU_f/s200/photo-6.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful color, hoping it stays.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAQnkzs6R_R_V7mkMFP_mENFRM8l4a4OiOwPIbZq8HC2Or0bq1GeD-2DuzhWYaoQo7y7gkCNtnaJ4a7UyqtdkjOL6_aQ6iv4yUF3NY_qdNL7-IFHNyMpXcoWVK_D8TqT6DchZRdiWb90/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yAQnkzs6R_R_V7mkMFP_mENFRM8l4a4OiOwPIbZq8HC2Or0bq1GeD-2DuzhWYaoQo7y7gkCNtnaJ4a7UyqtdkjOL6_aQ6iv4yUF3NY_qdNL7-IFHNyMpXcoWVK_D8TqT6DchZRdiWb90/s200/photo-5.JPG" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These barred feathers are going to be interesting when this chick is grown!</td></tr>
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<br />DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-55233207850452475562012-05-01T11:27:00.000-04:002012-05-02T15:14:53.056-04:00Mr. Bo BlueLast September, I had shared a couple pictures of Bo Blue, one of our Large Fowl Cochin, also called Giant /Standard to distinguish from the smaller sized bantam cochins.. We had no idea what to expect when the buff colored feathers started appearing on his chest. Now in his adult plumage, I thought I would put the pictures all together here so others could enjoy watching him grow and see the changes as we have. Obviously my favorite Roo with his wonderfully sweet personality, and beautiful coloration I am even more excited to watch Bo pass along these great traits to future generations. So far, I have spotted at least 3 chicks that will have the same type of coloring. Pictures of them will be posted soon.<br />
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Here is Bo Blue at 2 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hard to believe he started out completely blue, but soon he started to
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Here is Bo blue at 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amazing what a change in only 4 months makes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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Bo Blue at one year old, enjoying an evening stroll with the ladies through the back yard. He has kept his amazing feathering on his feet and legs. Already we are seeing his coloring and feathering passed down to future generations.DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-6025656410739169892012-04-27T14:15:00.000-04:002012-04-27T14:15:05.857-04:00Growing up Cochin!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM2unOviBeDtmfNaxaJaj5GgryW209s5XWKVzqG39VCZqHQAr5gHhOCwMrtHwdIlIKEsO96OkxBHDn6W_q7wdHnzohI5lHpkZO7a-h6DcGROo0DxCMnRuT-AVikOOM6FDOkUAinmrmEqz/s1600/Spring2012+%2826%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM2unOviBeDtmfNaxaJaj5GgryW209s5XWKVzqG39VCZqHQAr5gHhOCwMrtHwdIlIKEsO96OkxBHDn6W_q7wdHnzohI5lHpkZO7a-h6DcGROo0DxCMnRuT-AVikOOM6FDOkUAinmrmEqz/s320/Spring2012+%2826%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black mottled Cochin chick and blue Cochin chick</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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One of the fun things when hatching chicks is that<br />
sometimes you can look at the parents and know <br />
exactly what to expect. For instance, the blue Cochin chick on the right is a perfect copy of it's mother just like we hoped for. But the mottled on the left, was a surprise!! We LOVE surprises!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue mottled Cochin chick on left, partridge mix on right</td></tr>
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Add to that surprise a blue mottled chick too! None of the parents are mottled, and though I had seen hints it was in the genetics somewhere, I hadn't expected to have any mottled ourselves. These two are definitely keepers for the future!<br />
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We also ended up with some Wyandotte X Brahma crosses. Although, I have to admit some of them are showing some interesting coloring and feather patterns themselves.<br />
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This one and the one to the right are the same and has already been dubbed the moniker<br />
"Pretty Boy Floyd" We are pretty sure it's a future rooster, but he is our #1 favorite for color and patterns at this time out of our crosses.<br />
Though he looks headless from this angle, it's a better picture to see the barring in his feathers. We can't wait to see what he looks like once his adult plumage comes in!<br />
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This little partridge colored one also has some interesting barring on it's feathers as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the others</td></tr>
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<br />DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-43566088385083535732012-04-14T09:25:00.000-04:002012-04-14T10:37:26.256-04:00Relaxing Evenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our favorite things this time of year is sitting outside in the evening enjoying our gardens, chickens, dogs and the wonderful weather. Of course, we are not the only ones who enjoy this time, all the animals seem to look forward to it and enjoy it as well. <br />
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Bailey is a Yorkie rescue that we adopted a couple of months ago. Though she is used to running around the pens full of chickens, this was her first night out lounging with the chickens. Only slightly curious, she was content to simply lay around and watch them until one would wander close then she would jump up and come running to me LOL.<br />
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Big Bo, our Cochin rooster, is bigger than our small dogs, but he has the sweetest nature and makes for an awesome rooster ambassador. <br />
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After a late afternoon spent in the yard, even the chickens are so relaxed they are ready to go to bed early.DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-60966368422026511082012-04-09T13:17:00.000-04:002012-04-09T13:17:19.555-04:00Got Broodies??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwFxrj-iKHlXZARLJklkm72oGxRiiMKRUqSltSo34icBbCauDidpw0zt3ms1-7-llExANplZ1rX1Wx-rDxq_0weUi0s5hQpNJTVDTa0xAF74o_zlZWcAD3PoS1ut1cQw9cX-FvKamo-AO/s1600/IMG_20120306_070352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwFxrj-iKHlXZARLJklkm72oGxRiiMKRUqSltSo34icBbCauDidpw0zt3ms1-7-llExANplZ1rX1Wx-rDxq_0weUi0s5hQpNJTVDTa0xAF74o_zlZWcAD3PoS1ut1cQw9cX-FvKamo-AO/s320/IMG_20120306_070352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Things don't always go according to plans, especially with chickens. For instance, last year none of our hens felt the need to go broody and hatch out chicks. So, we decided earlier this year to use the incubator to hatch around 40 chicks thinking we would use some to replace older stock, some to expand our flock, and the others would be placed in the freezer. All 40 chicks are filling out beautifully and growing well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxxrJoDppejPd_-YhuDH_DXZppyvzJvebTjfPUPdLuCiwBdWKG3Co-1C9RbOgH2fP-_z4wlnC2x5L3DwlvsnL2-ohTsaCOqyoVoXxso2x85fMItevmAYvBwPCAxQu4_oaPZYTh6IkqvNp/s1600/IMG_20120405_081343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxxrJoDppejPd_-YhuDH_DXZppyvzJvebTjfPUPdLuCiwBdWKG3Co-1C9RbOgH2fP-_z4wlnC2x5L3DwlvsnL2-ohTsaCOqyoVoXxso2x85fMItevmAYvBwPCAxQu4_oaPZYTh6IkqvNp/s320/IMG_20120405_081343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
However, sometime last week between the warmer temperatures, the sound of morning irrigation, and pollen swirling through the air, there came a mystical shift in the attitudes of my hens and suddenly almost half of them have decided now is the time for motherhood. These are three who share one nest of around 21 eggs, and they will take turns getting something to eat and drink before returning to keep the eggs warm.<br />
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These two are in the same coop as those above, but sharing another nest as they couldn't fit into the first one. I"m not sure how many eggs are in there, somewhere around 12 last time I could get a peek to check.<br />
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The madness has spread to another coop where at last check, 8 eggs were being safely guarded by squawking and feather puffing by this mom to be. <br />
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Luckily, the chicks 'we' hatched have a coop all to themselves to go to so all the new chicks hatched by the hens will get to stay with them. Phew! Anybody need some chicks? DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-38910104834506261432012-04-03T08:32:00.000-04:002012-04-03T08:34:39.547-04:00Gotta Love Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyBXdz0BEQ82bWEieLTGNWh900GjPpLdIqZUnuFCIpEJ3YZd1grzD5-JPRGZqfDzHf45AI6rShaFtrvCOrEAN4KasEJ-boo0I-CL7r9Kj8bLWkUMIpNtYWDhC8oSnx6h0P_RefkyWJnCj/s1600/eggsallinonebasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyBXdz0BEQ82bWEieLTGNWh900GjPpLdIqZUnuFCIpEJ3YZd1grzD5-JPRGZqfDzHf45AI6rShaFtrvCOrEAN4KasEJ-boo0I-CL7r9Kj8bLWkUMIpNtYWDhC8oSnx6h0P_RefkyWJnCj/s320/eggsallinonebasket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some days I am simply amazed at the amount of eggs we get from our hens. Matter of fact, we get so many we simply can't eat them all. Those that don't get eaten or sold end up getting cooked and fed back to the hens and any new chicks we have running about.<br />
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This basket has been filled a few times recently and for fun I asked some friends how many eggs they thought it was. There were many guesses and one person even got within 3 eggs of being right. How many do you suppose there are?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-plb8HKLqU0y1WsJ9rBuhwcEmcSFII_RHKxVH-YRhyi53VvWiF8oDKo2cFH7iLjWvNnvnd3zuOdLD63ylbv_VOQKHroLtFuGcZo3rLkbeEEFFyDxKzgtVJUxS2DWA8ZCiidDz4fq_qdzB/s1600/deviled+chick+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-plb8HKLqU0y1WsJ9rBuhwcEmcSFII_RHKxVH-YRhyi53VvWiF8oDKo2cFH7iLjWvNnvnd3zuOdLD63ylbv_VOQKHroLtFuGcZo3rLkbeEEFFyDxKzgtVJUxS2DWA8ZCiidDz4fq_qdzB/s1600/deviled+chick+eggs.jpg" /></a></div>
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Is this not the CUTEST idea? I couldn't resist it when I saw it and I plan on making this for my table for our Easter dinner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9vLlKwwJe-fSlvC5cFYSOkLTcy-lGrDSqbDpwGH-TAq1jEbI8J5ZjHqxV4SBCQXbtkkr-Ng15utVnNuyfqxVg9i1bpg3j75096yrVfHJNoPLQ-1Uac0SBxrMJh8jr_A6gGK-tlf2vUAB/s1600/chickenhandbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9vLlKwwJe-fSlvC5cFYSOkLTcy-lGrDSqbDpwGH-TAq1jEbI8J5ZjHqxV4SBCQXbtkkr-Ng15utVnNuyfqxVg9i1bpg3j75096yrVfHJNoPLQ-1Uac0SBxrMJh8jr_A6gGK-tlf2vUAB/s1600/chickenhandbag.jpg" /></a></div>
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I thought this purse was too cute! Though I am not the type that collects purses, I might be willing to carry this one around. How can you not look at it and smile? Definitely one of those things that make life a little more fun!DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-21433127463233049052012-03-20T09:12:00.000-04:002012-03-20T09:12:17.361-04:00Chicken Fashion for Southern Belles in Georgia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Though Chicken Saddles are a practical part of keeping hens healthy during breeding season by protecting them from feather loss from roosters claws, that does not mean they can't be colorful and fun! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not only do I enjoy making and selling them, but it is even more enjoyable when customers send in pictures of their chickens wearing them !!! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Suzanne Bailey of Sandy Creek Farm in Brooklet,Ga. sent a few pictures of her girls wearing our chicken saddles while hard at work :)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOLsHd68ijopICcdpYblez2lyu1QVQkvJp2LNc4Ilh6SoQ1DeSetYV3RYL17M04JShNI-dI0Hq46HlKe-j1Ubv4RgKIUPBrP4ip1iG_ou8Esea7itKnoA9G01qz18LJ3DD5A12P1KNwlq/s1600/suzanne+bailey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOLsHd68ijopICcdpYblez2lyu1QVQkvJp2LNc4Ilh6SoQ1DeSetYV3RYL17M04JShNI-dI0Hq46HlKe-j1Ubv4RgKIUPBrP4ip1iG_ou8Esea7itKnoA9G01qz18LJ3DD5A12P1KNwlq/s320/suzanne+bailey3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Level Management</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQSzGsQWngwBoYToWILcL85dVAKCnz7kPsJFhQlqhwZZRYoxHDboac3RxQx6vBvZ1v4DkxWXmkkCu84jBx3Tw1qVQOH3jmMyLaXoSq9jM7LdpPAcjynuGGglQV2A5kF-txtxA_eKKBKhL/s1600/suzann+Bailey%27s+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQSzGsQWngwBoYToWILcL85dVAKCnz7kPsJFhQlqhwZZRYoxHDboac3RxQx6vBvZ1v4DkxWXmkkCu84jBx3Tw1qVQOH3jmMyLaXoSq9jM7LdpPAcjynuGGglQV2A5kF-txtxA_eKKBKhL/s320/suzann+Bailey%27s+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the office, gossiping around the water cooler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh6tDMou9kHBu7I-yYwwtJjMOwxbxFajOa5Z6t6TkfPfk_cd5iXzjB-ZDbuy3JC4FJBNNJif3AaRqbxCL75kirAdcBkKzXu1I_rZjna8dvYdDlBCoQN9FvyZ35UMKuQLSaMwlLAo7l8uN/s1600/Suzanne+Bailey%27s+chickens+in+my+saddles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh6tDMou9kHBu7I-yYwwtJjMOwxbxFajOa5Z6t6TkfPfk_cd5iXzjB-ZDbuy3JC4FJBNNJif3AaRqbxCL75kirAdcBkKzXu1I_rZjna8dvYdDlBCoQN9FvyZ35UMKuQLSaMwlLAo7l8uN/s320/Suzanne+Bailey%27s+chickens+in+my+saddles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the corporate ladder.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-21438606884275863342012-03-12T12:08:00.004-04:002012-03-13T16:41:57.795-04:00Chicken Saddle Give Away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwJspFmA0lr-KXUsR2PXh4f3myIDqICKUHqB8AoZB6VGRpn7dxf3UhvdOIiqnmrz_6_cH5gaw1OHpbviwbrIUpgnVuNgajPrTseb485QMvjdBlTg70g_B0bi1-JRY-8n9D3NjDw3dI_YD/s1600/IMG_20120311_173025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwJspFmA0lr-KXUsR2PXh4f3myIDqICKUHqB8AoZB6VGRpn7dxf3UhvdOIiqnmrz_6_cH5gaw1OHpbviwbrIUpgnVuNgajPrTseb485QMvjdBlTg70g_B0bi1-JRY-8n9D3NjDw3dI_YD/s320/IMG_20120311_173025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is the well dressed chicken wearing this spring?</b></span></i><br />
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So glad you asked! With Spring time comes all those bright beautiful garden colors we love: pinks, blues. oranges and purples. That is the inspiration for this years line of Chicken Saddles or Chicken Aprons. Not only do they protect your hens from loosing feathers during breeding season, but they look great and are machine washable. Generally, I make these in assorted colors and patterns for $7 each. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I am going to be giving away a set of three saddles every month for the months of April, May, June and July. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To enter for the give away simply spread the word by linking to <a href="http://cochincoopnews.blogspot.com/">Cochin Coop News</a> and leave a comment letting me know you did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winners will be announced the last day of the month.<b><br />
</b></span>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-3741132750094210362012-03-05T14:18:00.002-05:002012-03-05T14:31:30.567-05:00Rooster Report March 3, 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLwtV1MytdSlhtFzbN5zb-3hYVL2yRPEDHjqQA9kow7mMZz-_3NxS6plhyphenhyphenajF7CzCEv8IZqL-_yrXJZp1DX1I5c36d2j_prVOCrhfBBkZeyFPfciRk8GV9x-oKm7LMnZ_1EFpEZWfw4Gq/s1600/IMG_20120305_123021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLwtV1MytdSlhtFzbN5zb-3hYVL2yRPEDHjqQA9kow7mMZz-_3NxS6plhyphenhyphenajF7CzCEv8IZqL-_yrXJZp1DX1I5c36d2j_prVOCrhfBBkZeyFPfciRk8GV9x-oKm7LMnZ_1EFpEZWfw4Gq/s320/IMG_20120305_123021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jail Bird- Rowdy Boy Tibbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table> A rooster known as Rowdy boy Tibbs has been caught and is being held in the local jail on three charges of aggravated assault. Officials say that according to witnesses, the assaults occurred on three separate days within the last week and involved the same victim each time.<br />
Defense attorneys were said to be scrambling around eggs-citedly as they prepared to go before the judge this afternoon.<br />
Family and friends report that the female victim was uninjured during the violent attacks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First March Arrival</td></tr>
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In other news, the first chicks of the season began arriving today. The front runner was a light Brahma / silver laced mix who was quickly followed by others as well as some giant Cochin. At last report all appeared healthy and were busy jockeying for the most comfortable positions next to the windows with the best views. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking Ground in Backyard Acres</td></tr>
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And finally, after months of stalls and delays caused by finances, labor negotiations and Husband approval, ground was broken yesterday as the Chicken Little Corp. began the clearing and clean up of land slated for a new development in the upscale community of Backyard Acres. Sources said contractors were committed to using recycled materials during construction and hoped revenue would be enough to continue the company's sustainable living adventure.DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-62303965725591421232012-02-13T13:04:00.000-05:002012-02-13T13:04:11.465-05:00Turn on the heat!Despite the chilly temperatures that appeared out of nowhere, the chickens have determined it is time to lay eggs, and indeed they have been. All this Egg-citement has caused incubators to be pulled out of the closet and cleaned in anticipation of many new chicks being added this spring. I also spent some time cleaning out the brooders and making sure we have a place to put them once they arrive. Safely tucked out of the way in the front bedroom, are the two incubators with a small brooder in between. The brooder will make a great place for the eggs to hatch and chicks to dry before being moved to the bigger brooder and will allow me to quickly start new batches of eggs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1py0QANgMiOnjkGkSdrjqhufrk1hWWBRhaivupBO849zGmFQkBjRUdH3OsJB00tjUC54j3Harvo9V7VoUVPS5QGlqJqitFlnr5eCT6u8ogxkO9frpTj127b4QqMFFTNjHleCbul02J9jb/s1600/chickensetup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1py0QANgMiOnjkGkSdrjqhufrk1hWWBRhaivupBO849zGmFQkBjRUdH3OsJB00tjUC54j3Harvo9V7VoUVPS5QGlqJqitFlnr5eCT6u8ogxkO9frpTj127b4QqMFFTNjHleCbul02J9jb/s320/chickensetup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle: brooder without heated top installed at the moment</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now that the first incubator is full, the heat is on and we have 21 days of patiently waiting to see what will arrive. There should be chicks for everyone in the family to enjoy as there are eggs from different varieties of Cochins- Blue, black, splash, and gold laced. We also have eggs from our light Brahma and Silver laced wyandotte.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT1rMLXyw0nu2q6TjGz2SdrD1bGUC2zMdPKUV3Kwkyp9EOMqtImQ_m2N-mMzZ4AKyZnXtDo2jLLEqcoxlS6TFsAPyQusqy6GlwJTTEtV89cXOlVB0rZ2t-f62Ph2SnMiNYv9a7z28i33e/s1600/fullincubator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT1rMLXyw0nu2q6TjGz2SdrD1bGUC2zMdPKUV3Kwkyp9EOMqtImQ_m2N-mMzZ4AKyZnXtDo2jLLEqcoxlS6TFsAPyQusqy6GlwJTTEtV89cXOlVB0rZ2t-f62Ph2SnMiNYv9a7z28i33e/s320/fullincubator.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grow babies, Grow!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-34951205152263737862012-02-06T11:45:00.000-05:002012-02-06T11:47:53.870-05:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I"m not quite sure what happened to winter this year as it seems to have passed us by. Here it is February and my plants are all blooming and green shoots are growing everywhere! We took the opportunity of the great weekend weather and went to work spring cleaning our biggest coop that houses our Standard Cochins.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_q46LeQy4muT90KwVZDC9rERR-O5LYbNan9bgIwI4QCl8Zc8g19g7E89S0ORTIyU7aptyYUWj1bz6Ie2Mj1Od0czBwnz0we53EOyP5Z85S2mPdVMqnr3xx4uC3hSnx-InfKYBZcRi4OT/s1600/jan2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_q46LeQy4muT90KwVZDC9rERR-O5LYbNan9bgIwI4QCl8Zc8g19g7E89S0ORTIyU7aptyYUWj1bz6Ie2Mj1Od0czBwnz0we53EOyP5Z85S2mPdVMqnr3xx4uC3hSnx-InfKYBZcRi4OT/s320/jan2012+004.JPG" width="320" /></a>After a couple hours of shoveling out the old shavings, dusting for any pests, and adding some new bedding the cleaning was almost done. Only thing left was to add some new nesting boxes as our chicks from last spring have finally started laying. I'm excited about using the wire baskets for the new nest boxes as they should last a long time and be extremely easy to clean. Both are huge pluses. The girls seem to really like the new nest boxes too. In less than 12 hours we had 2 eggs waiting on us</div>One coop down, two to go....DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-87550509817913877592011-12-16T11:51:00.000-05:002011-12-16T11:53:41.534-05:00New Quail babies are here!Things have been extremely busy around here since I started college and then the holidays crept up on me! Matter of fact, I have been so busy that I actually forgot I had 6 quail eggs sitting in the incubator until the exact day they should have hatched. Realizing I had not prepared for the quail to hatch ( I forgot to add water to the incubator to up the humidity, and forgot to turn off the automatic turner too!) I was not expecting for any to hatch. However, just in case, I added water, turned off the auto- turner and locked the incubator down with every intention of tossing out the eggs two days later.<br />
<br />
24 hours later and we have 6 of the cutest, tiniest valley quail chicks I ever saw. Doesn't matter that they are the first valley quail chicks I ever saw either, I am convinced they are the cutest! All of them are smaller than my thumb! I can't wait to watch them grow into beautiful, mature birds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKowgwAvAFyKlo88AVJhyXmYbw_wh8BkIckaESsDJ7erd_OWOCm__-gYBaRqhpUEgJf2mGxVa8ljcfBA09DTWPyktJH-zYv_8dFa2RPlfhIyZtTcB7ZXrW1aHe4iA4QCasT2JV288nYA2/s1600/quail+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKowgwAvAFyKlo88AVJhyXmYbw_wh8BkIckaESsDJ7erd_OWOCm__-gYBaRqhpUEgJf2mGxVa8ljcfBA09DTWPyktJH-zYv_8dFa2RPlfhIyZtTcB7ZXrW1aHe4iA4QCasT2JV288nYA2/s400/quail+babies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-33398582137637072802011-11-21T19:32:00.000-05:002011-11-21T19:32:02.675-05:00Get connected!In case you didn't know, people who raise chickens are some of the nicest people on earth! <br />
Whether just starting out, or doing it a while- there are tons of places to meet others who have chickens.<br />
<br />
Recently Beth Gollihue started a facebook page Called Chicken Swap of Florida. It was so successful, she then started Chicken Swap of Georgia. You can find it here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/321138357913195/#!/groups/251761151513389/296288450393992/?notif_t=group_activity">Chicken Swap of Georgia</a><br />
<br />
As members started adding up, she started getting request from different places and recently made one for right here in South Carolina! Go ahead, and get connected!<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/bookmarks/groups#!/groups/321138357913195/">Chicken Swap of South Carolina</a>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-77206857205943523322011-09-10T13:17:00.000-04:002011-09-10T13:28:35.090-04:00My First Time Processing Chickens and the things I learned ( No graphic pictures) As nature would have it, we ended up with more roosters than hens this summer. Having chosen the ones that will be my breeders for next year, that left the others to cull. Though the Cochin don't have much meat on them at this age, I hate to waste anything. So this morning I went outside and caught five to put into the freezer. I figured women have been killing, plucking, and gutting chickens for hundreds of years - how hard could it possibly be? I even watched a couple of videos on the computer showing how to do it. Piece of cake!, I thought.<br />
I gathered my knives, got a pot of water heated for scalding, my glass picnic table ready with a trash can- I was set. <br />
<br />
Step 1- Hang chicken by feet and cut it's throat and let the blood drain out. <br />
<br />
Hanging the chicken by its feet was easy enough. I grabbed the knife in one hand and held his head in the other and with one swift motion... nothing..... the knife would not cut. I thought maybe it was because of the feathers so made sure the blade was against the skin.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wMQByv5BsyJ7XkhiaJKnq5q9MLHrUGk4_ddD1kCilQ4dgK30O_ValJrwcXdSa4ABQazK7ehqEEaN4UCPybJ9DulK3_GVowZLEwFNj-20W_5mhnj3o6AKWDpEYTxDAWNB1WJBvwjOlFRA/s1600/planefalling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wMQByv5BsyJ7XkhiaJKnq5q9MLHrUGk4_ddD1kCilQ4dgK30O_ValJrwcXdSa4ABQazK7ehqEEaN4UCPybJ9DulK3_GVowZLEwFNj-20W_5mhnj3o6AKWDpEYTxDAWNB1WJBvwjOlFRA/s200/planefalling.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confidence in Free Fall</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With a deep breath and one swift motion... nothing. Not even a scratch! ( Big Sigh....) The same knife I had tested the night before- on a soft tomato and it slid right through it like it was butter- was not cutting the skin of the chicken. The confidence I had for this adventure suddenly took a nose dive. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKXfvzadHbg0vs9ZuEnVD6I2vl61zu3RI-alWvSWnzxetZdvYxVJQgaM3Z3i7t-ErYC_dg-Bk6vwWj_ndosHI8oziGRLj9WuzJnjfg39KCuCpcZGjVpJCK0GaU5O4yYeYT8ELFLXahVVN/s1600/IMG_20110910_112945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKXfvzadHbg0vs9ZuEnVD6I2vl61zu3RI-alWvSWnzxetZdvYxVJQgaM3Z3i7t-ErYC_dg-Bk6vwWj_ndosHI8oziGRLj9WuzJnjfg39KCuCpcZGjVpJCK0GaU5O4yYeYT8ELFLXahVVN/s200/IMG_20110910_112945.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weapon of mass destruction</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Determined not to give up, I was able to find an old mop. Laying it on the ground, I put the chicken's neck underneath the handle while placing a foot on either side of it's head. Holding the chicken by the feet, one quick jerk upwards and it was all over, the neck was broken. Some of my confidence restored, I moved on to the next step.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmn4ieTNpTs_M2GpgR2VAZetDcotIwHvZFoAaz4qVYmA3jpElsKoUer15BU-hL8dySIO1FYFvapY_pgVki9BD75fLPrLggBzy4Q9w5x6yjHQrkR3aV_Nd2DBmE91Mr4gETnlEL5ldYoeO/s1600/IMG_20110910_113110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmn4ieTNpTs_M2GpgR2VAZetDcotIwHvZFoAaz4qVYmA3jpElsKoUer15BU-hL8dySIO1FYFvapY_pgVki9BD75fLPrLggBzy4Q9w5x6yjHQrkR3aV_Nd2DBmE91Mr4gETnlEL5ldYoeO/s200/IMG_20110910_113110.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scalding pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I needed a large pot of water approximately 145-148 degrees. Having grabbed my largest pot it was sitting on the fish cooker, warming up. Earlier the temperature of the water had been 160 and short of turning off the gas altogether, that was the lowest I could get it. Figuring I could compensate by not leaving the chicken in the water very long, I reached over and lowered it down into the pot- Well most of it anyway. Apparently the pot wasn't quite as big as I thought it was. The chicken fit, if I forced it, but just barely. After, swirling the chicken left and right, then lifting him up and down a few times I was able to easily pull out a wing feather. Hey, this wasn't so bad! <br />
<br />
Pulling the chicken out of the water, I hung it by the feet again and called my 14 year old son to come pluck feathers so I could move on to the next rooster. Now, my son is a little taller than me and can be quite mature at times. This was not one of those times. One look at the soaking wet chicken and he scrunched up his face and started saying " Ewwwww!" And he didn't stop saying it the entire time he plucked the front of the chicken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7SRwfIa9n9_gU85yblcZ-cQZ9zvQR_sUKh-nJzu1ZOFSz_EsQrs4_m2MsEZ6kevOSIOcdqHCRtk7AaH1svPhTRFVpf5F5RX7CohFg0xed6aE8JV4d0zahnsssmA3QgftIy2M6I8F_MnO/s1600/IMG_20110910_113045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7SRwfIa9n9_gU85yblcZ-cQZ9zvQR_sUKh-nJzu1ZOFSz_EsQrs4_m2MsEZ6kevOSIOcdqHCRtk7AaH1svPhTRFVpf5F5RX7CohFg0xed6aE8JV4d0zahnsssmA3QgftIy2M6I8F_MnO/s200/IMG_20110910_113045.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncool Cooler</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the time he got the front of the first chicken done, I had the second chicken scalded, plucked and was ready to drop it into the first cooler of ice.<br />
Opening the lid, I realized that the ice was still in the bag, and I needed to add water. ( DOH!) <i><b>Helpful Hint :</b></i> It is a lot easier to add chicken to a cooler that already has ice free floating in water, than trying to hold a naked chicken in one hand, while trying to open a 20 pound bag of ice, dump it in the cooler then add water using the hose with the other hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGBDgYOqehG3MGI9uMgKNCMCfThtL1mQZEQQ4O3fQ83NS1bULU7BarN7kKjLpkbyo1cnnaNrGke2pzKavULCI157oKnm2mXhkKRr5FX7jQJPkza_tiqB5aJ9Ip51q10YcN10G0CfK-qC/s1600/IMG_20110910_113136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGBDgYOqehG3MGI9uMgKNCMCfThtL1mQZEQQ4O3fQ83NS1bULU7BarN7kKjLpkbyo1cnnaNrGke2pzKavULCI157oKnm2mXhkKRr5FX7jQJPkza_tiqB5aJ9Ip51q10YcN10G0CfK-qC/s200/IMG_20110910_113136.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Once the plucking was finished, it was time to remove the insides of the birds. Surprisingly, this was pretty simple and straight forward.<br />
After gutting, I went on and cut the chicken into pieces. While doing so, I noticed the outside of the breast meat had turned white from being slightly cooked while scalding. Oh well, it's all going to be chicken 'n dumplings anyway. Because of this experience, it will go better next time. Especially since I now know what not to do.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyadH8OJfz8iw0qWdc1W7sQBo0_6nK8KXBaJObyegt-CVFW3X9Biz43opZDYhZFte7575a7QB5LROHMKJSpUWeJFxj6NCIFMUSg1MlVMjVd2IuQ3XFPXV0RfPjoktBUdUyv7eM4SdcTwC/s1600/IMG_20110910_093838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyadH8OJfz8iw0qWdc1W7sQBo0_6nK8KXBaJObyegt-CVFW3X9Biz43opZDYhZFte7575a7QB5LROHMKJSpUWeJFxj6NCIFMUSg1MlVMjVd2IuQ3XFPXV0RfPjoktBUdUyv7eM4SdcTwC/s320/IMG_20110910_093838.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One small cut up chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-550682506865059192011-09-08T14:47:00.000-04:002011-09-08T14:47:46.350-04:00Something new in the Chicken kingdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLjWX-kqOm95B55AAYEt15fqz0wZF3iy8yHv_nM8jMBpn2Rr-Z9Du_27vi-96RDG0Au-Wsg7PMpJstbp8BV2IkUThSVIimqFp6L84dhi01dwZ7khytRnKdgqjgKaoFRkHMGswL45dsTcq/s1600/IMG_20110908_133218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLjWX-kqOm95B55AAYEt15fqz0wZF3iy8yHv_nM8jMBpn2Rr-Z9Du_27vi-96RDG0Au-Wsg7PMpJstbp8BV2IkUThSVIimqFp6L84dhi01dwZ7khytRnKdgqjgKaoFRkHMGswL45dsTcq/s320/IMG_20110908_133218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I am always looking for things that are sustainable and renewable, especially when it comes to feeding the chickens and now quail. Enter the meal worm. Though not actually a 'worm' , it is instead the larval stage of the Darkling beetle.<br />
High in protein and low in fat they are a wonderful<br />
treat to feed to the birds. I had bought some freeze<br />
dried ones before and my birds loved them.<br />
However, buying them freeze dried is a bit expensive. So, after a little research and preparing I placed my order online and got 2,200 of them two days later.<br />
<br />
<b>What do they need at a glance: </b><br />
<b>* </b>Stable Temperatures. Warmer temps for growth, 45-50 to slow down metabolism if needed.<b> </b><br />
* Smooth sided bin, either glass or plastic, deeper is better.<br />
*Wheat bran for bedding about 3 inches or so deep. They also use this for food.<br />
*Something for moisture like a slice of apple, carrot or potato<br />
<br />
<b>What will you see happening:</b> <br />
* Upon setting up and getting your worms, they will eat and shed their exoskeletons as they grow.<br />
*Once they are grown, they will become small white pupa that will become beetles.<br />
*Once the beetles are grown, they will run around mating and laying eggs in the wheat bran which will hatch as teeny tiny baby worms and the cycle begins again. <br />
<br />
<br />
Starting a colony is so very simple and you can easily do this yourselves. All you need is a cheap plastic bin with deep, smooth sides ( to prevent escape). You can get these at the dollar store or walmart very inexpensively. If you use a bin with a lid, then you will need to add a lot of holes for air circulation or you could simply make a top out of screen. I saw where someone had used a 10 gallon aquarium and bought a ready made screen lid that fit it perfectly. Once you get your container, then add wheat bran for the bedding which is also what they eat. You can find this at most health food stores, or grocery stores, even feed and seed stores carry it. For moisture, a slice of apple, carrot, potato, or similar item is placed inside. I put mine on a small plastic lid to keep from getting the bran moldy, as moisture in the bran will cause mold and is a bad thing. Toss in a couple pieces of newspaper and you are set to start your meal worm farm. <br />
<br />
I have mine inside to keep the temperatures warm as I want to be able to feed them year round, especially in the winter when there aren't any bugs to be found and all my chickens will have is feed. Should I ever have too many,(doubtful- have you seen my chickens eat?!) I can then place some wheat bran in a dish, place them inside and cover with lid and put them in the refrigerator for weeks at a time.<br />
DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-61005919097524421402011-09-03T19:37:00.000-04:002011-09-03T19:37:21.185-04:00Then and Now Bo BlueIt is that time of year for us. Time to decide who gets to stay and raise the next generation of Chicken Super Stars and who gets to stay...for dinner. We will be processing our roosters in the next couple of weeks and getting the pens ready for this coming spring breeding season. Funny enough, my first instinct when they were little is still who I am going with now that they have begun to get some size to them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68-L8zA8UnQmJm2k55zc8HkPxtHsF_JBCG5yRT8gjJ8AeEY10eJTHM5AUq-36vt7Z8_rUH2E4Il1yY_st-Fj3qN3dza8TavwfxBF-tNEMvEvuQLJTCO4qNLtAsYmHC5kF94wvJBTJ7nQ8/s1600/Bo+Blue+at+2months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68-L8zA8UnQmJm2k55zc8HkPxtHsF_JBCG5yRT8gjJ8AeEY10eJTHM5AUq-36vt7Z8_rUH2E4Il1yY_st-Fj3qN3dza8TavwfxBF-tNEMvEvuQLJTCO4qNLtAsYmHC5kF94wvJBTJ7nQ8/s320/Bo+Blue+at+2months.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is Bo Blue at 2 months. Hard to believe he started out completely blue, but soon he started to show some buff feathers on his chest, then wings then it just kept going....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM_Rp9Tn1I8KSWT0kdTAA4eG8pmprQIM3XetMNJqzNL1_YQyK74OTAnc9B-fq3Ooo8avgohGks0layjV7pdveQCFS7Uf5CqSi_wMsihdF5k52GYgrSXNBpOKANaCgb3Oyl99fyb15N2h/s1600/Bo+blue+at+6months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM_Rp9Tn1I8KSWT0kdTAA4eG8pmprQIM3XetMNJqzNL1_YQyK74OTAnc9B-fq3Ooo8avgohGks0layjV7pdveQCFS7Uf5CqSi_wMsihdF5k52GYgrSXNBpOKANaCgb3Oyl99fyb15N2h/s320/Bo+blue+at+6months.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is Bo blue at 6 months. Amazing what a change in only 4 months makes! He has the most amazing feathering on his legs and feet and I can't wait to see what kind of babies we get from him.</div>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-81159308728714655022011-09-02T11:24:00.000-04:002011-09-08T14:02:02.003-04:00OH MY Quail!!!I know, I know it's a chicken blog, but.. we got Quail!!!! <br />
We decided to start our adventure with the Georgia Giant Bobwhite quail. Four males, the ones with the white stripes on the head, and 8 females are all together in the cage I brought them home in. Jeff will have the outside pen finished for them tonight and then they will have a lot more room. <br />
Having just bought them last night, they have been sitting on my dining room table ( O.O a foreshadowing of things to come!! Shhhhhh!) making the sweetest sounds!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia Giant Bobwhite<br />
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</div>Of course, my adventure didn't stop there. As I was happily walking back to my truck, I happened to see a different kind of quail. (At this point, my chicken friends are nodding knowingly. For everyone else, well let me just say birds are like potatoe chips... you can't have just one, or two, or three...)<br />
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Valley quail have absolutely beautiful grey and blue plumage. The breeder had two pair and I was able to talk him out of one. As they pair have recently gone through a molt, I can't wait to see them in another couple of week with all new feathers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJdS4Mwrx8Z81RC-SDRKNemfkrZxaB2lXpDr2KIT6L1o5RmSXuq4OFscSkKqvWViamRhmilung-P2dOlmMbNgTC8TfB_0l4DtGlJG7gFn2n856syNIoqIuHmbZmtGCuo4X4Q-iPA3P3dB/s1600/Quail%2521+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJdS4Mwrx8Z81RC-SDRKNemfkrZxaB2lXpDr2KIT6L1o5RmSXuq4OFscSkKqvWViamRhmilung-P2dOlmMbNgTC8TfB_0l4DtGlJG7gFn2n856syNIoqIuHmbZmtGCuo4X4Q-iPA3P3dB/s320/Quail%2521+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Quail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-2318757896772845122011-08-19T13:35:00.000-04:002011-08-19T13:35:40.169-04:00One of these is Not like the Others...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmpkzR0lB1BQ08rcwdwbO36mZ9oc9hVW-4TLeHl0bgRwYJ7OOiqfzlzHLBGwfXq4dHA2OtD_ugx_SYiTvT6tKqoc_1DKaehD4XCRDZb-KD9zVyhchv67QKETrdSvcaECPSmm1qAFj88QJ/s1600/MF+babies+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> As you can see, the Mille Fleur D'uccle chicks have grown quite a bit in the past couple of months. However, today when I went to feed and water, something just struck me as odd. Can you see it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyXR23-7VlAEMQmQGQdXPmMVvb-0ZIOTzJR-7Ts0QE9ALg8SG14kIo1q-Zn502QPitbcR4QHo1xrkBEq9u5AaChmfDY3xEoR4hDNh21bBcm5blq0gdX5nFhiYKgXV0AkYS7PcsPv3sZgo/s1600/IMG_20110819_125018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyXR23-7VlAEMQmQGQdXPmMVvb-0ZIOTzJR-7Ts0QE9ALg8SG14kIo1q-Zn502QPitbcR4QHo1xrkBEq9u5AaChmfDY3xEoR4hDNh21bBcm5blq0gdX5nFhiYKgXV0AkYS7PcsPv3sZgo/s400/IMG_20110819_125018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLc2YPZZT0FB8X6taO4Sk51gmIb2KWwQobcjVZitCHjxz12UacZUrbLbmq-yLEdPbG-s6BmlLqK09jIS_l-r05FGVGCUPO20zpl9mSkgbav8r-8o568Pf0kVFDdtx9Zq8ub1WHS-zqgPR/s1600/IMG_20110819_125018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLc2YPZZT0FB8X6taO4Sk51gmIb2KWwQobcjVZitCHjxz12UacZUrbLbmq-yLEdPbG-s6BmlLqK09jIS_l-r05FGVGCUPO20zpl9mSkgbav8r-8o568Pf0kVFDdtx9Zq8ub1WHS-zqgPR/s1600/IMG_20110819_125018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Some one is missing his spots right in the middle of the picture!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is actually one of two chicks that hatched last month. Obviously too small to put in with the big chickens, he fits in quite well with these guys! I don't think he realizes he is different than the others, and I have decided not to tell him :)</div><br />
DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-92214289729235769252011-08-17T12:45:00.000-04:002011-08-17T12:45:54.832-04:00It's the Simple Joys in Life...No matter how focused I become on life's big projects, some things always bring a smile to face no matter how many times I see or participate in them. Feeding the chickens for example:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/L1hhKHxRXMM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>DeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475722580378642595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437343510090000689.post-1494142551520345272011-08-03T00:23:00.000-04:002011-08-03T00:23:49.933-04:00Nest box Give away!All my hens are Egg-cited at the chance to win a brand new 2 hole nest box from Hen Pals nest boxes made in the wonderful state of Georgia. That's practically local! Matter of fact, my girls are coming up on 5 months of age and will be needing those boxes soon! We don't mind telling everyone how nice it would be to have one, especially since spreading the word gets us 3 more entries into the drawing. You can check them out yourself here-----> <a href="http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/2011/08/henpals-chicken-nest-box-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeOnASouthernFarm+%28Life+on+a+Southern+Farm%29">Hen Pals Nest Boxes</a><br />
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Remember a while back I was dreaming about incubators? Well I stumbled across a deal this past week and actually ended up with one very close to the one I dreamed of. Actually, I ended up with two, the one on the right doubles as a brooder! <br />
Sarcastically, Jeff tabulated the amount of eggs I could hatch at one time with the 3 incubators at almost 100. Oh how the little evil genius on my shoulder laughed with glee at the thought! THEN, Jeff mentioned he would like to raise quail. Oh My Quail! Well how can I possibly refuse?! The search begins.... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brinsea Incubators Go Big Red!!</td></tr>
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