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

[fuzzi]

Fixed it!

The feral cats have been sleeping on top of my rainbarrels. Unfortunately it's weakened the rivets holding the screen. In this particular case the lid cracked, and the rivets pulled off.

I found a couple washers to fit the rivets, and reattached them.

I now have an empty coffee "can" lying on its side on top of each rainbarrel to prevent future damage.

 

[fuzzi]

Three out of four!

One chick appears to have hatched recently. Lois left the nest, called the chicks to follow, but they weren't ready. I placed her and the three chicks in the brooder and shut the "door". She settled down. They have water and food, and peace.

One chick is under Lois.

The fourth egg didn't have a pip or any sign of hatching. I slid it under Hannah. If it doesn't show signs of hatching by tomorrow I'll dispose of it.

 

[fuzzi]

I worked a little on the elderberry corner.

I raked up more of the debris, pruned more roots that kept appearing as I raked!

Then I measured 8' from the fence, approximately in the middle of the cleared area, placed a stake. Next I measured 8' diagonally away from that stake and the fence, placed more stakes. I slid plastic pots over each stake, stuffed them with dried mower clippings, then poured water into the pots. Water didn't soak in, flowed away from the pots on the soil surface, so I pushed a mound of dirt around each pot, added more water. It stayed.

The idea is to start hydrating the soil so I can loosen it, as it's pretty hard right now. Then I can add organic matter, but the soil needs some moisture first.

It's not hot, 82°, but I came inside. The sun was intense, and I was feeling it. I know my limitations.

No clouds.

 

[canesisters]

What do elderberries taste like?
I see where people make 'syrup' from it all the time - but to be used like a tincture in tea & such. Do they make good jam???

 

[fuzzi]

What do elderberries taste like?
I see where people make 'syrup' from it all the time - but to be used like a tincture in tea & such. Do they make good jam???

I've never had them except in supplement form.


Learning curve!

 

[farmerjan]

I know that they are used to make wine, so see no reason they would not make decent jelly...

Tom T. Hall... Old dogs , children, and Elderberry wine

 

[fuzzi]

Now I just went back 50 years...

 

[GLENMAR]

I've never had them except in supplement form.


Learning curve!

I have made the jelly and also an infused vinegar which is wonderful on salads mixed with a good olive oil.

 

[GLENMAR]

There was a second chick under Lois, but damp, newly hatched. I left her alone.

But I cleaned and filled the chick waterer and put crumble in the chick feeder base. They're staged in the brooder, door closed until momma and chick(s) make the move.

Hannah was off her eggs, was sitting in the third box on a couple eggs laid today. I removed her and the eggs. She was affronted. Later she was back, sitting on her two. Hope they weren't damaged. Oh well.

It's funny that you name your chickens. I stopped naming mine long ago.

 

[fuzzi]

It's funny that you name your chickens. I stopped naming mine long ago.

I love my chickens' personalities, even though the names don't usually fit.

L-R: Ruth, Boaz, and broody mom Dinah. They will be towering over her, soon.