fuzzi's "Gardens and Chickens...and Goats? Oh My!" Journal and More Thread

[fuzzi]

The larger egg on top came from Rahab, my broody extraordinaire. She and Hannah are now 3, and the last of my original chicks. Hannah rarely lays, and her eggs have always been smaller. I'm considering taking her with Jacob to auction in a couple weeks.

 

[fuzzi]

Hannah is the whitest/lightest hen.

Hannah on the right.

She's not gone broody since she was a pullet, and then, only briefly. I think I need to make room for 2026 chicks, and not be sentimental.

 

[Baymule]

I always butchered my older hens. They make good soup and lovely broth. I understand if you can't, but to me, it was better than hauling them somewhere to sell them.

 

[fuzzi]

I always butchered my older hens. They make good soup and lovely broth. I understand if you can't, but to me, it was better than hauling them somewhere to sell them.

They're bantams, so for me not really worth the effort. For now.

Jacob was allowed to stay as a backup rooster for Zaccheus. He's stirring things up, so it's time to go. He's a handsome dude, will probably be snatched up by someone at auction.

 

[fuzzi]

I weeded carrots this morning, as the raised bed was full of deadnettle and other assorted natives weeds.

The flocks enjoyed the fruits of my labor.

I thinned out the carrots as well.

Looking much better!

Wisp enjoying the other bed of carrots. I started pulling off the plastic coverings this morning, so she'll be losing her prime nap location later today.

 

[Mini Horses]

Looks like she's healed up

 

[fuzzi]

@canesisters

Obedient plants are back!

Blueberry bushes budding

Elderberry

 

[fuzzi]

Busy day...after doing training with Caleb in the morning I decided to get some stuff done outside. It was in the mid 70s, cloudy, slight breeze.

First I got the pump on my second pond working. The pump filter was clogged, and the hose to the skimmer had come off. Minnows are now very active under the falls.

Cleaned the back of Coop Deux.

"Ooh, dirt!"

Some of what I removed:

I filled two Gorilla Cart loads of manure and straw from just this one area!

This raised bed was weeded (chickens said "yum yum!"). I dug a trench on one side so I could add the chicken coop debris to the bottom. Then I covered it as I dug a trench on the other side, repeat.

It's a variation of double-digging. And I used most of the first cart's manure contents to refresh the bed.

All done!

I'll top off the bed with well rotted compost and dirt before I plant. The chicken manure will be about 6" down. This raised bed structure is actually in good shape, and I won't be rebuilding it with blocks yet.

Yarrow is back! @canesisters

Whew.

 

[fuzzi]

This morning

First iris bud!

Amaryllis are up!

Lots of camellia blossoms, too.

 

[GLENMAR]

Very pretty. I'm so glad that winter is over. My Helobores are blooming too. I'll try to get photos of them.
They are among my favorate.