Mini Horses
Herd Master
@Baymule, I love my broodies for their great mothering. Couple are NINJA moms, RIRs less aggressive. I dislike so many at one time as it can be fun & a work in progress. Again this year, they decided it was "time" at my busiest work schedule. With all the rains, I did not (again!!) get their separations from others set up in time. Good side is this year two are actually in the coop, so hoping chicks will become part of the flock easily.
I have 3 RIR, 2 Marans, 2 barn yard mix...on nests. 4 are last yr broodies, 2 from last yr hatches, one? I have a lot Of course, that's 7 eggs a day not being laid for customers. On the other hand, it's a flock of new hens to begin lay in Fall -- a good thing. Roos will be freezer camp candidates. I have had new flock roos added each year. Plan to buy a few BOs & BR soon. I like the heavy breeds. I hope to get an area finished soon for all the new moms & chicks. Some older hens will need to be culled as non producing this year The new ones will become the layers, etc. You know the drill. Didn't cull in Fall/Winter as I knew this would happen and I wanted the chicks.
Considered taking all chicks to group raise but, I like them learning to be chickens from the hens. PLUS no heat lamps, etc. I have the shelters done, fence is here...just need to put all together. SOON! Hoping one late day this week I can have those in the chicken area and "together". Once they feather, fence can come down around them & they expand the free range area (which is already fenced)
Now, coffee #2, then out to chores, then to work. Yep busy, busy work week and that makes my days very long.
Hope all have a good week out there -- I have 60 this AM and only going to 70ish, overcast, no rain/wind. Upper 70s rest of week -- sunshine -- will be nice. I will get the darned garden in or collapse trying! If I don't transplant tomatoes soon I will be container gardening!!!
I have 3 RIR, 2 Marans, 2 barn yard mix...on nests. 4 are last yr broodies, 2 from last yr hatches, one? I have a lot Of course, that's 7 eggs a day not being laid for customers. On the other hand, it's a flock of new hens to begin lay in Fall -- a good thing. Roos will be freezer camp candidates. I have had new flock roos added each year. Plan to buy a few BOs & BR soon. I like the heavy breeds. I hope to get an area finished soon for all the new moms & chicks. Some older hens will need to be culled as non producing this year The new ones will become the layers, etc. You know the drill. Didn't cull in Fall/Winter as I knew this would happen and I wanted the chicks.
Considered taking all chicks to group raise but, I like them learning to be chickens from the hens. PLUS no heat lamps, etc. I have the shelters done, fence is here...just need to put all together. SOON! Hoping one late day this week I can have those in the chicken area and "together". Once they feather, fence can come down around them & they expand the free range area (which is already fenced)
Now, coffee #2, then out to chores, then to work. Yep busy, busy work week and that makes my days very long.
Hope all have a good week out there -- I have 60 this AM and only going to 70ish, overcast, no rain/wind. Upper 70s rest of week -- sunshine -- will be nice. I will get the darned garden in or collapse trying! If I don't transplant tomatoes soon I will be container gardening!!!