Devonviolet Acres

[Devonviolet]

Well, the peach tree is finally empty. DH picked the last of the peaches yesterday. We had about 3 that were still on the tree, but were over-ripe. When he went to pick them, they splatted on the ground. The birds have figured out that peaches are like ambrosia & when they fall to the ground the finish them off in seconds flat!

After bringing them in the house, i suggested he wash them & cut them to freeze. He ended up with five 1-quart bags. I can see some peach pies & cobblers in our future.

This morning I went out and picked my first zuccini. These are the small, gray zuccini. I sliced it & we ate it raw. Yum, yum yum! Im growing a lot more next year. I'm also staggering the plantings, so i have zuccini all summer.

 

[Southern by choice]

The lavender ones (which have feathered legs and black beaks) were drinking

Those look alot like cochins.

Zucchini looks yum! Birds are so cute.

 

[CntryBoy777]

What has worked for us in the past was growing the squash in hills....3wks apart....and only count on the initual flush for use, then the vine borers seem to get them before the second flush is produced....we quit plabting them because of the trouble....we really like it, but not worth all the trouble..........we buy from others and freeze it.

 

[Devonviolet]

Those look alot like cochins.

Yes, they do.

Are you thinking there was a mixup? I’m 99% sure they came from a farm where they only sell guinea chicks. I got them from Ideal Poultry and they said they were coming from a separate farm, from their chicks.

 

[Devonviolet]

What has worked for us in the past was growing the squash in hills....3wks apart....and only count on the initual flush for use, then the vine borers seem to get them before the second flush is produced

I know I said, in the future we would do successive plantings. I was thinking next year, because we only have the one 4x30 foot bed, and it’s full. However, you got me thinking, CntryBoy. I might see if I can get DH to dig me a couple hills, in another area. He would only have to do an area about 3’ round for each hill. If he just scratches the surface and does the lasagna concept, it shouldn’t take long to get a hill ready. One hill, every three weeks sounds do-able.

 

[Mike CHS]

This is the first year that we haven't had a problem with the vine borers but we our zucchini right next to some melons and had marigolds all around the bed. I don't know if they just didn't find the plants or the mixed planting confused them.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Are you thinking there was a mixup? I’m 99% sure they came from a farm where they only sell guinea chicks. I got them from Ideal Poultry and they said they were coming from a separate farm, from their chicks.

Maybe they threw some chicks in as packing peanuts - to keep the guinea babies warm.

 

[Southern by choice]

Yes, they do.

Are you thinking there was a mixup? I’m 99% sure they came from a farm where they only sell guinea chicks. I got them from Ideal Poultry and they said they were coming from a separate farm, from their chicks.

Often when they put in extras it is for shipping purposes and it can be any breed... usually males. I think you got some freebie cochin bantams. I am not aware of any guineas that are featherfooted.

I have ordered from Ideal and when I had a small order they will fill for shipping... we have had RIR roos fill the box.... whatever they have extra of.

 

[Devonviolet]

I think you got some freebie cochin bantams. I am not aware of any guineas that are featherfooted.

You are so right, SBC!!! I just went to Ideal’s sight. Our birds look like Self Blue Cochin, with one exception. Ours have black beaks and the ones in the drawing shows a yellow/orange beak. So I got it backwards. I think we lost 2 of our 6 guineas. One was DOA and the 2nd one died on day 3.

The description says Cochins aren’t known for good egg laying, but rather make good pets. I wonder if I can sell them as pets, once they are more mature.

 

[Southern by choice]

We bred cochins both standard and bantam. We have only 2 Standards here left from when we bred... they are now going on 6 (the one may be 5... not sure) years old. One is a roo, one is a hen. She still lays.
We have 2 bantams left here as well. The older one is almost 8 and the other 6 or 7. They both still lay. The bantams still lay almost everyday.
I do think free range birds have a better lay rate as their food is so varied. We have had rare birds that are suppose to lay terrible and they laid great. Even our Modern Games thrived in winter- they aren't suppose to do well under 42 degrees. We had MGB's hatching eggs in the woods in 29 degrees and raising 9 chicks at a time. I think birds in general adapt to their environment and IMO thrive in woods, ranged areas. Whenever we have penned birds we have had poorer laying.

I loved my cochins!
Still do. Especially the bantams. Your guys may just be blues and not self blues. Probably coming from a splash background.

Keep them, you'll love them. If roosters then eat them.