ldawntaylor - bits and pieces

[Mike CHS]

You are getting a ton of views so there is an interest in what you have going.

Have you tried Mechanix gloves? They are what I use for most things I'm doing including pulling weeds but I have this nifty hoe called the Hook n Crooke hoe that makes pulling the novelty anymore.

When you get a chance, post some pictures of your coop.

 

[ldawntaylor]

Thanks. I haven't tried those. I'll have to keep the name in mind. Are they something Atwoods or Wal-mart carries? Or would I have to order them?

If you look at the previous page you can see the pictures I've already taken of the coop. Those were taken the day before I posted them, I think.

 

[Latestarter]

Good morning. As Mike stated, you ARE getting quite a few views (1204 & counting), and obviously have followers. I personally haven't commented because most of the time you're just stating what you've been doing and how and haven't really solicited responses or asked questions requiring advice/comments... Glad the coop project is coming along as intended, even if slow going... I understand that all to well!

 

[Mike CHS]

Now that I went back I did see your pictures before. I haven't been on much since last week and somehow missed them.

Walmart and Home Depot carry the gloves. I'm not a Harbor Freight fan but they also have a decent set that works well.

 

[ldawntaylor]

Was I sounding a bit sorry for my self? I sure didn't mean to. I am aware that others are reading what I write. I am also bad about reading what others write without adding a comment. So I guess I figure that others do the same especially when they are busy.

I got a few pictures I want to share. I fear my three Cherry Egger (a type of Production Red) are all male. They were marked at the hatchery as being female. Oh well, the size coop and run I have is looking more and more like it will be enough space on the days I work after all.

When I refer to the adult hen being under "her step" or "her shelf" here is what I mean:



It should be pretty obvious she is the big white hen in the back. The tarp is part of how I tried to help her stay warm enough when it was cold. I really need to put it away now though.

Another I just happened to catch. These birds move so fast my camera just can't keep up.



And another:



One of the black and white birds did venture out and made a beeline for the gate. She wasn't quite able to get through the chainlink. I'm glad it wasn't one of the bantams that got so brave.

I have 10 birds all together right now. But soon the ones that are getting red in the combs and wattles will be going elsewhere. That means as many as 7 may be moved before long.

I will remove the water bowl before long since I have seen the hen drink from the other. Blue container - white lid, hanging on the wall.

For now I better get the poultry netting fastened to the gate so that any other adventerous souls cannot get out before they are really ready.

Until next time....

 

[ldawntaylor]

Well, the last bit of poultry netting is in place. I have a bit more to do on that side but it will stay unless something tries to get in. As for the chicks getting out unplanned...that depends on my own actions now. You know, how much attention I pay opening and closing the gate.

I have to work tomorrow and my hands are so sore already I better call it quits for now. I will do things like fold the tarp so no one gets tangled up in it. Then as long as it isn't raining tomorrow I will spend an hour or some more wiring (having cut the wires tonight). If I can manage that then I can spend Saturday reinforcing/finishing the top of the run.

For working so sporadically on it I've managed to do quite a bit.

As hard as it was to dig the post holes I doubt I will have any trouble with anything trying to dig in. I will have to keep an eye on my mom's dog though. If I let her close to the chicken run. Rusty digs, but nowhere close to the fences. Lady doesn't get the chance. Mom's dog, Kjasa, is the one most likely to try.

The ground itself is a mixture of clay and shale. As well as a lot of rocks. When I was first putting in my bird feeder - finch - my dad had to drill a hole for the pole. Planting directly in the ground for my garden has been impossible because there is little or no topsoil. Most of it washes down hill when it rains I think.

I may spend some time in my garden maybe I can get some squash planted. I would like to plant some green beans and okra too. My tomato and pepper plants are moved outside. They will be in their containers for a week or so before I try to transplant them. Going from being in a container inside to being in a raised bed outside may be too much to survive. So I plan to take that part in stages.

My cousin has a baby shower on Saturday. I have very mixed feelings about going. I really need to catch up on some stuff around the place. Those things have been neglected a bit in trying to get the coop and run finished for the chickens. Taking care of them today really isn't an option either. Those activities are ones that leave me rather sore as well. And being able to function at work tomorrow is a must.

A big part of not wanting to go has to do with not having any gift. And not enough money to buy something that they will find okay. Remember the child's book "City Mouse, Country Mouse"? Well, I find myself feeling like that country mouse. Out of place and nothing in terms of material gifts being good enough.

My cousins are well known for saying that the only things they buy at Wal-mart are groceries. Or maybe craft supplies...if nothing else is open.

As far as local shopping goes Wal-mart or Atwoods is my only choice. Or the dollar store type places.

I need to make up my mind soon.

Well, on to some things I can do.

Until next time....

 

[norseofcourse]

Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your 'bits and pieces' and ramblings, too.

 

[Ferguson K]

Me too. Finally caught up. I enjoy following you on your journey.

 

[ldawntaylor]

Well, my dad saw the work I got done today and said he is impressed.

I forget what his warning was, but he was saying I should be careful about buying from anyone outside of a feed store or hatchery. I guess he is worried that I will get scammed. He used his experience with meat goats as an example.

I bit my tongue. I didn't want to remind him that having animals for profit is different from having them as a sideline or hobby. Of course my mother thinks I should sell the excess males in the flock. I really haven't decide which direction I will go. I don't even know how many are roosters in the lot. As for buying more...I have been doing my research. My first mention of the Welsummer breed was just a few days ago on BYC. But, I have been researching them for a while. I have even found one breeder within driving distance.

We'll see what happens on that. For now my focus is on getting that run finished.

At the moment I am exhausted. So I'll close for now.

Until next time....

 

[Poka_Doodle]

Good luck