October 22, 2015

Good morning, it is so fun to watch the chicks grow up. The store bought chicks are nearly full sized. I notice some of their combs to be brightening. I have found this to be a good indication that a hen is laying. Egg production should be picking up soon.

As for the cider bucket gang, they are about 2/3 the size of mom and mom is tiny. That is if you compare her to a full sized hen. Mom has decided they are old enough to be on their own. This transition was a little more dramatic for these guys than the other babies.

There are at least two roosters in the cider gang. Full sized chickens are hilarious when the roosters start to learn to crow, but bantams are like they are inhaling nitrogen as they learn to crow. Hard not to crack a smile.

The silky mom did a great job raising her babies. I think this is the first bunch of hen raised chicks that the young birds don't freak out and run away when I approach. They are relatively calm around me. Nothing like hand raised chicks. On the other hand the cider gang are scared spit less. I think as much as anything, they are picked on by the full sized hens. I find this true with all the bantams. Such is life with a mixed flock.

It does seem that a lot of the molting is over. Or at least not as big of a feather pillow fight is in the works.

It is really quite hilarious to spy into the various wild bird nests. It is like they are in technicolor. Poka dotted, red, black, yellow, black and white , and white feathers. Quite the impact on bird nest building. At least they are comfy.

The ducks got their own little area in the orchard. We did this for a couple reasons. They really do make a dirty mess of the bird drinking water. So they have their own water. And to boot a pool for them to swim in. We were concerned with the chicken flock having to drink “fowled” water. The chicken water is staying much cleaner now. With corralling the ducks I am hoping it will not be the same Easter egg hunt to find their eggs. Or at least it will be a smaller area to search. Sadly the white guineas do not pal around with the ducks now. But poka dot continues to hang with a barred rock. Gotta love fowl!!! 

The greens harvest is increasing and I soon hope to be listing greens. This could happen next week. The fall tomato harvest is still in full swing and I will continue the 5 plus pounds for $2.00 per pound. Up to 5 pounds will be $4 per pound. While supplies last.