tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87038808952024201372024-03-18T09:25:11.689-07:00Chicken Scratch PoultryFarm Happenings and More!Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-48591026435263973342021-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:002021-10-26T07:38:42.441-07:00Gotland Sheep - Breeding Stock Available<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhKWmA68lc8/YXFx_1YKoaI/AAAAAAAAE48/-R0I04ZyDgM24WrrvQAH1Jzr7NKuVr87ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhKWmA68lc8/YXFx_1YKoaI/AAAAAAAAE48/-R0I04ZyDgM24WrrvQAH1Jzr7NKuVr87ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_6682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Back in 2017, we began our Gotland sheep adventure, and since that time we've learned so much about this amazing breed but also have so much more to learn. We began this adventure with 3 ewes and 1 ram and this last spring we produced 12 lambs. Out of those 12 lambs, 9 of those are ewes, and that is pretty amazing! Fall of 2020 we purchased a new ram from Carol Ronan out in Oregan. This ram is Halvard the first place yearling ram at the OFFF show in OR (the largest Gotland sheep show in the USA) Halvard is a high percentage Gotland with a long line of Swedish genetics. He made the long journey across the US and decided he was ready to meet the girls as soon as he pulled in the driveway. Our plan was to give him a week of rest after his long travel and allow him to adjust to his new surroundings. But Halvard had other ideas, he jumped the fence and went straight for the girls. He has since learned what a hotwire fence is for. Halvard produced some lovely, healthy, fast-growing lambs. Pictured above is one of his beautiful silver ewe lambs from this spring.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uhkHe0Decs/YXF5k-7pNQI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ud-NZmwv_B00yXgLQ-vuMHG_X30qmkbCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6667.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uhkHe0Decs/YXF5k-7pNQI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ud-NZmwv_B00yXgLQ-vuMHG_X30qmkbCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_6667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Gotlands are a multi-purpose breed, growing very quickly they can reach ideal slaughter weight at 5-7 months of age. Their fast-growing fleeces can grow up to 12 inches of fleece per year and are perfect for felting.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0KwCQGS7nY/YXLEJDikDuI/AAAAAAAAE5o/N6m1MsliynoC6l0ACgMSmuXCc_sjUZ-0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/sheep%2Bpelt.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0KwCQGS7nY/YXLEJDikDuI/AAAAAAAAE5o/N6m1MsliynoC6l0ACgMSmuXCc_sjUZ-0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/sheep%2Bpelt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Don't forget they also make the most beautiful pelts I've ever seen! This amazing multi-purpose breed creates very mild meat (tastes nothing like the junk you can purchase in the store) lots of lovely fleece. And soft, shiny, curly pelts. Oh and don't forget the ewe's almost always produce twin lambs and can produce triplets and quads.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlqHj93sS_U/YXLJCsx-fPI/AAAAAAAAE54/Le9Djc3bvNQJyWWuAq-RxpBOQSkr-LNsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/yarn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlqHj93sS_U/YXLJCsx-fPI/AAAAAAAAE54/Le9Djc3bvNQJyWWuAq-RxpBOQSkr-LNsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/yarn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Last year I sent 2 fleeces off to be milled and made into yarn and roving. It took almost a year to get it back, so it is a long process but I was super happy with the results. We used Round Barn Fiber Mill in Durand IL. They're super helpful, prompt at answering all questions, reasonable prices, and produce a nice yarn that I can now sell in my Etsy shop and website or hoard it all for myself.</p><p>Since each sheep is a different color they can produce some beautiful shades of grey. You can also have the yarn-dyed any color you would like. We just had our fall shearing so I have lots of fleece needing milled. If you're interested in purchasing a raw fleece drop me an email. You can also find raw fleeces, yarn, and pelts (when we have them) listed in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChickenScratchStore?ref=shop_sugg">ChickenScratchStore</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7711YprMGSg/YXLWNtgCUWI/AAAAAAAAE6I/yEfzDDkHKLApYhfcAAOX7HDeiP0D2aU8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7711YprMGSg/YXLWNtgCUWI/AAAAAAAAE6I/yEfzDDkHKLApYhfcAAOX7HDeiP0D2aU8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_6569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Does the current state of our nation have you concerned or thinking about a need for becoming more self-sufficient? I can tell you from the phone calls I receive from customers you are not alone. People are moving quickly in a direction to becoming more self-sustainable. Why are sheep a good meat choice? Gotland ewes are easy to lamb (I haven't had a ewe need my help and I've had them 5 years). They almost always have twins. The lambs grow quickly on pasture only. Gotlands are smaller and easy to handle than most meat sheep. So if you might have been thinking, "honey we should get some cattle so we'll have a meat source" did you know it can take 2 years to grow out a calf? Plus they need much more pasture and grain. It might be a good idea to consider Ovine instead of Bovine.</p><p>Although Gotlands do love a little grain from time to time. If you give them a little they'll follow you to the ends of the earth if you just shake the bucket with a little grain in the bottom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeByLsEJ8l4/YXLRQ9GcKdI/AAAAAAAAE6A/E49h4ta2PP8F0P6xtDqotjAzw3kre3x8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1350/ewe%2B1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeByLsEJ8l4/YXLRQ9GcKdI/AAAAAAAAE6A/E49h4ta2PP8F0P6xtDqotjAzw3kre3x8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ewe%2B1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>look at her shine! If you're interested in a small starter flock, drop me an email or give me a call. </p><p>Have a Blessed day!</p><p>Angie</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-56353399050651014282021-10-20T07:12:00.000-07:002021-10-20T07:12:06.150-07:00F2 Olive Egger - Color Scheme Of Green <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hYTBFAsK38/YQQrEO5oZdI/AAAAAAAAE2g/AQLVRpZqxHIs5Vg7adZDGnY8irdnmbxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/F2%2Bhen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hYTBFAsK38/YQQrEO5oZdI/AAAAAAAAE2g/AQLVRpZqxHIs5Vg7adZDGnY8irdnmbxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/F2%2Bhen.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> A couple of years ago we decided to go the next step with our Olive eggers and produce the F2 Olive. Waaaaay back 13 or 14 years ago we produced the first Olive eggers way before the big hatcheries ever dreamed of producing a green egg. We began selling Olive Eggers from our website and at that time we told our breeding strategies. Now fast forward to 2021 and every hatchery big and small in the US has now copied our recipe. We have always produced the 1st generation due to barn space and to be honest I was always really satisfied with the 1st generation so I went no further. A couple of years ago I decided to give it a try and started off small with a couple of well-chosen hens. <p></p><p>The cross doesn't always produce wonderful puffy cheeks but when it does it makes me happy. what I have also discovered is that not all of the F2 will lay the green, some do revert back to the brown egg. I've not yet figured out the percent that will lay the green egg. So when purchasing the F2 Olive it might be best to purchase a good amount of the chicks so that you have a better chance of getting that nice bronzy green egg. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxEGnp67VLg/YQQx30r1elI/AAAAAAAAE2o/gchP3tjs-B8pdSI7DerwLqyxv6kd_gwSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/F2%2Begg%2Bcolage.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxEGnp67VLg/YQQx30r1elI/AAAAAAAAE2o/gchP3tjs-B8pdSI7DerwLqyxv6kd_gwSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F2%2Begg%2Bcolage.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Some of the F2 Olive eggs are a wonderful grey tone but under that wonderful grey bloom is an amazing Army drab green. You military folks will know the color I'm talking about.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>By choosing my darkest green egg layers and those with the certain characteristics that I like to see in an Olive Egger Hen, sacrificing the barn space has paid off. It can take a good couple of years to know if you're heading in the right direction. Probably one of the biggest problems that I have is, I don't hold back enough of the stock that I produced to see what the majority of the egg production will look like. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wil4igH-NAk/YQQ1exXKVPI/AAAAAAAAE2w/hzHIFQpr6DQhn0AYQcjj7E0xjbpj-gnOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/F2%2Begg%2B%25231.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wil4igH-NAk/YQQ1exXKVPI/AAAAAAAAE2w/hzHIFQpr6DQhn0AYQcjj7E0xjbpj-gnOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F2%2Begg%2B%25231.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Although what I've seen I like! And I like it a lot!!</p><p>Check out that chocolate chip coating. Is that not lovely? Chickens can create some amazing shells with their coloring capabilities. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qspqEfw9WJM/YXAfPIiIkOI/AAAAAAAAE4k/6ys1gegYrZYARNMcXH73uJIYWX61APvlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Green%2Beggs%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qspqEfw9WJM/YXAfPIiIkOI/AAAAAAAAE4k/6ys1gegYrZYARNMcXH73uJIYWX61APvlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Green%2Beggs%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsnow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The photos here in the snow are F1 Olives in the front and F2 Olives in the back. No enhancements or filters on any of myphotos. Did you know that you can't trust anyone's photos anymore? It seems no one can share a true un enhanced photo. If they're product must be enhanced is truly worth having? I honestly can not say that every chicken is going to produce exactly what we want, we're manipulating and crossing them in hopes of getting something wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CvBEhP7eUM/YXAfpfAzU3I/AAAAAAAAE4s/u3AsXt-e8uE4E2pesOugjqFA70iiHLbhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1345/bronze%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CvBEhP7eUM/YXAfpfAzU3I/AAAAAAAAE4s/u3AsXt-e8uE4E2pesOugjqFA70iiHLbhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bronze%2Beggs.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /> </div></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This is not a very good photo, I'm trying the capture the bronziness of the F2 Olives compared to the F1 Olives. The F1 is the bottom row of eggs.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful blessed day and bottoms up!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Angie The Chicken Tender</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5niHIb3f9-8/YXAhT3ocvUI/AAAAAAAAE40/V9lxiyhUsCcLyfvwmsWYy1KtWiH75SJzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/bottoms%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5niHIb3f9-8/YXAhT3ocvUI/AAAAAAAAE40/V9lxiyhUsCcLyfvwmsWYy1KtWiH75SJzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/bottoms%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-12038943505730166282021-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:002021-07-29T13:55:07.077-07:00Sour Crop Prevention And Treatment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YRbGAluzMQ/XbyYLyvz5mI/AAAAAAAAEoc/gDnmmdsMkvA6J_IDBnVN2pBQ2miloVyEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YRbGAluzMQ/XbyYLyvz5mI/AAAAAAAAEoc/gDnmmdsMkvA6J_IDBnVN2pBQ2miloVyEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I received a message from a very concerned friend today. He had purchased pullets a few weeks ago and noticed this morning that his Lavender Orpington was not acting normal. She was a bit sluggish and just sitting around. Upon further investigation he picked her up and noticed that her crop was swollen, gurgling and squishy. He inquired as to what I thought might be wrong with her. My first question was, have you fed her a lot of grass lately? He said funny you ask that, I mowed the yard and spread a bunch of grass clippings in their run, I thought they would enjoy that. I knew instantly what was wrong with his little hen, Sour Crop! When you pick grass for your hens or throw a bunch of clippings into their pen, they can over eat on the grass. When you pick or cut the grass for them they eat pieces that are much bigger than if they were nipping it off themselves, it can cause impacted crop or Sour Crop from the grass making gases and fermentation. I've heard from several people over the years who say what's wrong with my hen, she won't eat and her crop is full. Come to find out, their kids love to pick grass to feed her. I know it's fun for kids but it can cause much discomfort for your poultry and in sever cases even death.<br />
Allowing your poultry to free range and pick and nip their own pieces of grass is not a problem and it's good for them. The problem happens when we pick large handfuls of long grass that is tough and fibrous or dump a huge amount in the chicken run when they don't normally have free access to grass.<br /><br /><div>(you can click on the highlighted links to purchase the products from Amazon that we use on our farm)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRZzN85VmRY/YQLqQBDFc3I/AAAAAAAAE2Y/VW7Yg5pr108Tqp7YVibaJqYoVvHAObqbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1324/spitz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRZzN85VmRY/YQLqQBDFc3I/AAAAAAAAE2Y/VW7Yg5pr108Tqp7YVibaJqYoVvHAObqbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/spitz.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><br />So your chicken has Sour Crop now what?? It's a good idea to separate her or him from the flock for a couple of days, take away the food for a day. In one gallon of water put 2 tablespoons of <a href="https://amzn.to/3l5vB4C" target="_blank">Apple Cider Vinegar With Mother</a>.<br />
<br />
This procedure is also a good preventive for Sour Crop. Put 2 tablespoons of <a href="https://amzn.to/3l5vB4C" target="_blank">Apple Cider vinegar</a> in your water everyday. <span face="BrandonText-Regular" style="font-size: 17px;">Sour crop occurs when there is a disruption in the normal microflora in the crop, usually because of a change in the PH of the digestive system. </span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> Offering them an overload of grass clippings when they don't normally have access to free ranging can mess up those delicate PH levels.</span><br />
<span face="BrandonText-Regular" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgfO7dBWvqw/YQLndxo8oWI/AAAAAAAAE1w/AxV4Tux2Rng0WQt9KO39QcbUL3vkm_6egCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/probiotics.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgfO7dBWvqw/YQLndxo8oWI/AAAAAAAAE1w/AxV4Tux2Rng0WQt9KO39QcbUL3vkm_6egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/probiotics.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>Another product that I use and </span>recommend to help prevent Sour Crop is <a href="https://amzn.to/3rPiUwc" target="_blank">UltraCruz Poultry Probiotic</a>. It comes in a large pail and lasts a long time. It's also great to use if you've administered an antibiotic, it has live natural occurring microorganisms. It not only has probiotics but also prebiotics to help maintain a healthy digestive system in your poultry. This product is added to the water. If your using this product in your water don't add the Apple Cider Vinegar. It's probably not a good idea to do both at the same time. <br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br />Yes, that is a lovely grey egg in the photo, courtesy of my F2 Olive egger :)<br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RnyPn_iIIE/XbygfEZYnSI/AAAAAAAAEoo/5YhE0jtOaF4IoQLYU3G6uB-dGgPtMGITgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RnyPn_iIIE/XbygfEZYnSI/AAAAAAAAEoo/5YhE0jtOaF4IoQLYU3G6uB-dGgPtMGITgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">If you have a chicken with Sour Crop and you don't see improvement after two days it's a good idea to seek your vets advise he/she my need to prescribe</span><span face="BrandonText-Regular" style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span face="BrandonText-Regular" style="font-size: 17px;">Nystatin or fluconazole for </span><span face="BrandonText-Regular"><span style="font-size: 17px;">antimicrobial therapy. Use your best judgment, sometimes it's best to start with the Veterinarian first.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span face="BrandonText-Regular"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span face="BrandonText-Regular"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Hope your having a fabulous summer and don't pick grass for your chickens let them pick it themselves :) I hope this is blog is helpful.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span face="BrandonText-Regular"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Blessings!</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">From the Chicken Tender of Chicken Scratch Poultry.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Angie</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-24462632103915534022020-03-21T06:07:00.000-07:002020-03-21T06:07:38.651-07:00Heritage Rhode Island Red - New Breed On The Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-we0qVTQ5QuU/XnUU3GKnXRI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Koa9NDk0niQsabhwlUGrwnkOQk2TCcOiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-we0qVTQ5QuU/XnUU3GKnXRI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Koa9NDk0niQsabhwlUGrwnkOQk2TCcOiwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Hello chicken loving friends, it's been awhile since I've sat down and wrote up a blog but with all that is going on in the world with the Covid-19 virus I just wanted to sit and reach out to whoever might be searching for poultry in this uncertain time we're all experiencing . I can't begin to tell you how many calls I've received from frantic people searching for information and advice. Almost every phone call begins with I'm look for hens that are laying eggs now. Most of the people calling at this time know nothing about chickens but they're feeling the need to be more self sufficient. Anyone can raise chickens, they aren't difficult but you need to know that it's a commitment just like any other animal. If your looking for a heavy egg producer we have, new to the farm this year, the Heritage Rhode Island Red.<br />
<br />
This breed has been a nice addition and fitting into the farm very well. If you don't know much about the Heritage Reds Here's a little background. The first Rhode Island Reds were created back in the second half of the 19th century, not by poultry fanciers but by farmers needing a dual purpose chicken. They used selective breeding from breeds such as Cochin, Java, Malay, Shanghai and Brown Leghorn from Italy. <br />
The first breed standard was drawn up in 1898 and was approved by the American Rhode Island Red Club in Boston in 1901. The Single-comb variety was admitted to the Standard Of Perfection of the American Poultry Association in 1904.<br />
The color of the Rhode Island Red is a lustrous deep mahogany red and the tail is mostly black. The comb may be single or rose comb (we are breeding single comb) it is vivid red and earlobes and wattles are also red. They have red-orange eyes and yellow feet and legs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmnpyOg4u7w/Xm_veUCqLYI/AAAAAAAAEq8/J590T6YYRTMVWGiou_xohjAINGeRWCdfACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmnpyOg4u7w/Xm_veUCqLYI/AAAAAAAAEq8/J590T6YYRTMVWGiou_xohjAINGeRWCdfACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The body shape of the Heritage Rhode Island Red is much like a brick :) They have a long, flat, wide back and broad rounded chest. Hens can weigh 6 pounds and rooster 8 to 9 pounds. <br />
I have found the hens to be very calm, not afraid to be touched, easily handled very friendly not flighty even though I've not really hand raised them. The roosters have not been aggressive and are well mannered while I'm gathering eggs (so far so good).<br />
Did you happen to know that the Heritage Rhode Island Red is on the Livestock Conservancy watch list? The large hatcheries have basically bred them out of existence. The hatcheries today are producing a Rhode Island Red that is aggressive, smaller, wrong color and no longer resemble the true breed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPCEwnzUgjE/Xm_0LP1hq1I/AAAAAAAAErI/Xhj_tB7wMTkjVrJrHaS-aeUUkCK3bb9yACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPCEwnzUgjE/Xm_0LP1hq1I/AAAAAAAAErI/Xhj_tB7wMTkjVrJrHaS-aeUUkCK3bb9yACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Heritage Red hens are very good layers of large brown eggs, they still have their chicken instincts, that means they can go broody and hatch chicks, production Rhode Island Reds can not do this. The Heritage Reds are very hearty, robust gals and produce large, lively chicks. I've read that they can turn meager amounts of feed into lots of eggs. Everyone gets fed really well here and they're producing tons of eggs :) My hens began laying at 5 months of age and each hen will lay one egg per day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBpo1XZa4kE/Xm_21eRztsI/AAAAAAAAErU/8_kwoa0DOGExVlyB284E4yuHsRBpEJFxACEwYBhgL/s1600/RIR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBpo1XZa4kE/Xm_21eRztsI/AAAAAAAAErU/8_kwoa0DOGExVlyB284E4yuHsRBpEJFxACEwYBhgL/s320/RIR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We're just beginning with the Heritage Rhode Island Red, I'm going to be working with two different bloodlines and see what each has to offer. Let's all work together to help this breed it would be a shame to let Americans chicken become lost forever. Breeders of the Heritage Rhode Island Red are difficult to find but there are a few out there.<br />
If your considering having a couple of hens in your backyard and your looking for one that's a good egg producer I recommend giving this breed a try. We sell them as day old chicks and started young pullets.<br />
<br />
Have a great day and stay safe.<br />
AngieChicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-58274384447701538402019-12-02T11:26:00.000-08:002019-12-02T11:33:30.420-08:00Cyber Monday Sale!! - Free Shipping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXw-P6AIQ9Y/XeViYz3q6_I/AAAAAAAAEpk/wDMol8MKnAoImuGN2CmrNmH-i4pd6yU2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/egg%2Bwith%2Bblueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXw-P6AIQ9Y/XeViYz3q6_I/AAAAAAAAEpk/wDMol8MKnAoImuGN2CmrNmH-i4pd6yU2wCEwYBhgL/s400/egg%2Bwith%2Bblueberries.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Cyber Monday!! Orders placed today will receive free shipping. Just order 16 or more day old chicks, place your order today and your chicks will ship to you in the spring with free shipping. Come on over to <a href="http://chickenscratchpoultry.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpoPToNeX5gIVsR-tBh1RbAz2EAAYASAAEgJA6PD_BwE" target="_blank">Chicken Scratch Poultry</a> and make your spring chick wish list. We have several new breeds to offer this year. Chickens are the perfect gift that keep on giving :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-51562015663389683122019-03-26T12:46:00.001-07:002021-07-29T14:25:09.752-07:00Poultry Nutrition - Nutritional Needs For Juvenile Poultry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xBsyRWZ3WM/XHWxssiMCNI/AAAAAAAAEjU/9MOJE2TRf20cFCuBH1nIKvTIdRiKZs6PgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xBsyRWZ3WM/XHWxssiMCNI/AAAAAAAAEjU/9MOJE2TRf20cFCuBH1nIKvTIdRiKZs6PgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Today I'm going to cover the nutritional needs of young juvenile birds. Let's say your chicks are 7 to 8 weeks old and have graduated from the brooder. They no longer have a need for a heat lamp or any source of heat and they're old enough to venture outdoors into the warm sunshine to scratch around in the dirt.<br />
At this age we're still feeding a chick grower feed that is medicated. This is very important if your juveniles were not vaccinated for Coccidiosis as day old chicks. If your chicks were vaccinated then there is no need for medicated chick feed. Coccidiosis is found everywhere just like bacteria is found everywhere. Your chickens can be fine when you put them in the coop for the night and dead by the next morning. Coccidiosis can happen just that quick. Signs to watch for are chicks that are lethargic, puffed up with ruffled feathers, acting cold, loss of appetite and blood or mucus in feces. Keep in mind medicated feed is NOT medicated with an antibiotics. The feed has a medication called amprolium and it prevents and treats a harmful microscopic protozoan parasite. Springtime has the perfect conditions for causing Coccidiosis, lot's of rainy, warm, muddy puddles to slurp from. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PNtW7bAixA/XHX2P4FwNvI/AAAAAAAAEjg/k5AC9586T6kasYs3MHN95znbuG9FT4hkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PNtW7bAixA/XHX2P4FwNvI/AAAAAAAAEjg/k5AC9586T6kasYs3MHN95znbuG9FT4hkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a good idea to keep medication on hand to treat Coccidiosis, because when you need it you need it now not two days from now. Corid is something we keep on hand at all times. After treating with Corid it's a good idea to give a good source of Probiotics and we have used Gro2Max for many years now. It's best to sprinkle it in their food. Gro2Max can also help your poultry feather out faster and grow quicker.<br />
<br />
<br />
While feeding a chick grower feed do not add grit or calcium to their diet. There is no need, just check your feed bag and it will have all the ingredients listed on the bag and contains everything they need nutritionally. If you go and add more calcium to their diet it can be detrimental to their health, too much calcium can cause kidney failure.<br />
<br />
Around 7 to 9 weeks of age is a great time to introduce chick treats and one thing we really recommend are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFZLWWY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00GFZLWWY&linkId=cb7f12fa0c5561805a7610503580a859" target="_blank">Chubby Mealworms</a>, they will almost do back flips for a meal worm. They also enjoy table scraps and those leftovers in the fridge you hate to throw away. The only thing I found that they don't like would be onions, lemons and potato skins.<br />
During these first 8 weeks or so of your chickens life they have already set up the pecking order and they know who the boss of the flock is. Make sure your flock has plenty of room to roam and keep the boredom at bay to prevent pecking problems. A couple of good boredom breakers are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KGRD9S/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002KGRD9S&linkId=cc9a8f0e8379a7d8ceabeebcdf385357" target="_blank">Forage Cake </a>and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IQ7H9HQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00IQ7H9HQ&linkId=ee9f1c5dd6edd1836f2e032b75a513ae" target="_blank">Veggie Treat Balls</a>, I really like the Veggie treat ball and have also had several customers say how much their flock enjoys it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdkfADctS0I/XJqAEKvi6JI/AAAAAAAAEmk/l8EkWfcr4uAzUnH-Q_UaoneQnDd-4M1zQCLcBGAs/s1600/%25234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdkfADctS0I/XJqAEKvi6JI/AAAAAAAAEmk/l8EkWfcr4uAzUnH-Q_UaoneQnDd-4M1zQCLcBGAs/s320/%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you have questions about Coccidiosis or questions about using Corid your welcome to email me at larry_angie@chickenscratcpoultry.com<br />
<br />
Have A Wonderful Day!<br />
Angie<br />
<br />
<br />
When you purchase from the Amazon items listed on our blog a very small portion of the proceeds goes to our farm. We appreciate your support!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-64775221825887204012019-03-21T09:51:00.001-07:002019-03-21T09:51:30.940-07:00Colorful Egg Basket - Farmers Choice Of Chicks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sVJcmoM3Kc/XJO7KmqlytI/AAAAAAAAElc/CHZqw0jRj9kI_BfcffhLzl7U7XJMT7MpACEwYBhgL/s1600/chicken%2Bwire%2Begg%2Bbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sVJcmoM3Kc/XJO7KmqlytI/AAAAAAAAElc/CHZqw0jRj9kI_BfcffhLzl7U7XJMT7MpACEwYBhgL/s400/chicken%2Bwire%2Begg%2Bbasket.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;">Looking
for chicks that will produce you a colorful egg basket, let the farmher (that's
me Angie) choose your chicks. For a short time we will be offering this special
deal, $160 gets you 16 chicks, <span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><strong>shorter wait time</strong></span>,
price includes shipping. If you need them vaccinated it will be an extra $2 per
chick. Each week we have a variety of chicks remaining after filling orders,
these chicks a lot of times are some of our most rare and expensive breeds.
We're giving you the opportunity to allow the farmher (that's me Angie) to fill
your box with the breeds she would pick for her own colorful flock :) and you
know how I love a beautiful egg and pretty bird!</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;">Several years ago we did a farm mix of chicks and the customers loved getting the mystery box and guessing what breeds they had acquired as the chicks matured. I've had several people ask when we might offer a mixed box again.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cRWZDdd-To/XJO72Z1sRrI/AAAAAAAAElw/PE9FsncUvbooEgKKfb3kkHBcwyqvxqMVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/valintine%2B%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cRWZDdd-To/XJO72Z1sRrI/AAAAAAAAElw/PE9FsncUvbooEgKKfb3kkHBcwyqvxqMVQCEwYBhgL/s320/valintine%2B%25232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt;">Just think of all the color combinations and beautiful birds you could have shipped to your door!! </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;">They will all be our pure bred heritage stock and yes we can give you a list of the breeds we put in your box once the chicks ship out.</span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkGGHy5W9Io/XJO9PSjyHrI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vVlSTjBuYDAH9pRzC3gQBP8oCKfftOW8wCLcBGAs/s1600/pink%2Band%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkGGHy5W9Io/XJO9PSjyHrI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vVlSTjBuYDAH9pRzC3gQBP8oCKfftOW8wCLcBGAs/s320/pink%2Band%2Bblue.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Pretty pastels...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiAIstN5ers/XJO9cYHFQ7I/AAAAAAAAEmE/vuit0-HrcZkWUyw1laCXSernpHFbxTsDwCLcBGAs/s1600/marans%2Bon%2Bhearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiAIstN5ers/XJO9cYHFQ7I/AAAAAAAAEmE/vuit0-HrcZkWUyw1laCXSernpHFbxTsDwCLcBGAs/s320/marans%2Bon%2Bhearts.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Rich mahogany reds...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Not sure how long we'll offer the Colorful Egg Basket so don't miss out on this great deal. Head over to the <a href="http://chickenscratchpoultry.com/colorful_egg_basket_-_farmers_choice" target="_blank">Website</a> and place your order now. We look forward to sharing some beautiful chicks with you and just imagine how colorful your egg basket will look in 6 months time.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Have a great day!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: teal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Angie</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #008080; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;" style="color: teal; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-69628027982211615282019-02-27T11:13:00.001-08:002021-07-29T14:39:33.435-07:00Raising Baby Chicks - Give Your Chicks A Healthy Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUtB5hSTrF4/XEDaejCLD1I/AAAAAAAAEhg/clDIxHNBayQYGE4UpogL7o6vr1S2ofzawCLcBGAs/s1600/blue%2Bcopper%2Bchicks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUtB5hSTrF4/XEDaejCLD1I/AAAAAAAAEhg/clDIxHNBayQYGE4UpogL7o6vr1S2ofzawCLcBGAs/s640/blue%2Bcopper%2Bchicks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite part of my job is calling customers and letting them know their baby chicks are shipping out. It makes my day listening to adults squeal with delight when they hear their baby's are on the way! Our goal is to produce healthy top of the line chicks that grow into productive poultry. Our customers often tell me, "those are the most active, vibrant chicks I've ever received through the mail." That's exactly what I like to hear and I want to give my customers the opportunity to keep them healthy and thriving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xigoo76x1nQ/XF84iSlPsbI/AAAAAAAAEiM/ejB3ewSXXNoLJ-Uttt1Jn-drS3aCGq1WwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6986.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xigoo76x1nQ/XF84iSlPsbI/AAAAAAAAEiM/ejB3ewSXXNoLJ-Uttt1Jn-drS3aCGq1WwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6986.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
There is nothing more exciting than receiving a box of baby chicks in the mail, but I often forget that sometimes this is likely a persons first time raising chicks and they don't have years of experience under their belt. So I'm going to pretend that your a chicken newbie, you just received your first box of chicks in the mail, or you just hatched your first chicks in an incubator.<br />
<br />
To be prepared for your chicks arrival, the five most important things you will need are Brooder, food, heat, chick feeder and chick waterer. Let's begin with the brooder, it doesn't need to be fancy but chicks grow fast so they do need ample space. I recommend 6 inches per bird. Your brooder needs a heat source. For years we used tubs with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9IY6US/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01E9IY6US&linkId=5311d9ad10dd82cdbfc20948331ea3dc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">heat lamp</a>. I personally don't recommend those high powered heat bulbs, they get too hot. It's much better to just use a 100 watt bulb. Hang your light on one end of the brooder so that there is a heat zone and a cool zone. If the chicks are too warm they can move to the cool zone. The temp should be 100 degrees under the light. Another option for a heat source is a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018ZUHR2U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B018ZUHR2U&linkId=08be357470d041675557dc6b0a663e0b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">heat plate</a> that the chicks can get under. Heat lamps can be a fire hazard so the heat plates are a better option.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y1D0mJRLRI/XF85cUo59LI/AAAAAAAAEiU/y4vwohkwyGoy72Vh8M7vlNZtSz3eIEa8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y1D0mJRLRI/XF85cUo59LI/AAAAAAAAEiU/y4vwohkwyGoy72Vh8M7vlNZtSz3eIEa8gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6903.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
If you plan to raise chicks every year I totally recommend the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QUSWXA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001QUSWXA&linkId=9931c80b5ffa4123abdd10d668016e73" target="_blank">GQF brooder</a>, it's equipped with heat, water and wire floors. You can purchase one level or several stacking levels. With this brooder, the food and water hang on the outside so there is no contamination. The number one cause of chick mortality is Coccidiosis and that happens when food, water, shavings and poo all become a toxic stew. If you plan on raising chicks every year it's totally worth the cost to invest in a good brooder. We found that we have a much, much lower mortality rate when we switched to a brooder with a wire floor and stopped using pine shavings. If a wire bottom brooder isn't possible for you then only use pine shavings, no newspapers ever and the shaving really needs to be changed out daily. Waterers must be on platforms to prevent shavings from being kicked into the water but chicks still need to be able to reach the water, this is tricky.<br />
<br />
Now let's talk about food. MEDICATED chick grower starter food is a MUST, you want it to have at least 19% protein. Why did I put medicated in big bold letters, because this is very important! If your chicks are not vaccinated for Coccidiosis then you must get medicated food. Our farm at this time is not set up to vaccinate for Coccidiosis, but we're working on it. I can't tell you how many times over the years people have called and said my chicks are three weeks old, they've been great until now and suddenly they're dropping like flies. I ask what kind of food are you feeding, guess what they all say? They all say "it's an Organic top of the line brand." Once they get switched to medicated food the problem is solved. The medication in chick feed is not an antibiotic, it is medicated with Amprolium.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJB0nd_rc0c/XF86n2AkX2I/AAAAAAAAEig/y4lRBtvqxgQU7xKkZ7TVenCErVuv0x-0QCLcBGAs/s1600/handfuls%2Bof%2Blavender.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJB0nd_rc0c/XF86n2AkX2I/AAAAAAAAEig/y4lRBtvqxgQU7xKkZ7TVenCErVuv0x-0QCLcBGAs/s320/handfuls%2Bof%2Blavender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We begin our shipping season each year in April and in every box during the month of April we put in a heat pack and two cups of Boost A Chick hydrating gel. If a chick gets cold and dehydrated in the mail the first thing that will happen is pasty butt. That is a condition where the chicks vent is glued shut with poo, it can become a lot of work cleaning those little butts several times a day for the next week or two. If you've hatched your own chicks and you notice that suddenly some have developed pasty butt it's a sign they have gotten cold in the brooder. As soon as your chicks arrive in the mail or hatch from your incubator start them on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHLUBO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=chickenscra02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000HHLUBO&linkId=6a035d3f402f7ae724a00d89ec2c755f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">electrolytes</a> in the water. Also cook them a hard boiled egg, chop it up real fine and feed it to the chicks as a preventative. If your chicks do develop a case of pasty butt, clean the vent area with warm water. I also trim as much fluff away from the vent as possible (so the poo has nothing to stick to) and apply a bit of mineral oil to the vent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VmlXm_k4Uc/XGgimn9N6oI/AAAAAAAAEi8/7-6tmdouMI44jPyN4NrBHcces6qi81U9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VmlXm_k4Uc/XGgimn9N6oI/AAAAAAAAEi8/7-6tmdouMI44jPyN4NrBHcces6qi81U9ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Raising chicks is not difficult and they don't need much other than heat, shelter and food. Never feed your chicks grit or oyster shell (calcium). There is no need for grit until they are eating something other than chicken food.<br />
As your chicks graduate from chick food to a layer feed they will have everything they need in the layer feed. Grit and oyster shell (calcium) is already mixed into your layer feed. There is no need to purchase bags of grit or oyster shell. Just read the label on your feed bag, you will see that it has everything they need all in one bag.<br />
<br />
Spring is just around the corner, so let the hatching and peeping begin!! Come and join us on our new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/chickenscratchpoultrychickchat/" target="_blank">Chicken Chick Chat</a> group where all of our friends are sharing photos and chicken information. Feel free to ask questions or share your experience raising chicks.<br />
Have a great day and hope to see you over at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/chickenscratchpoultrychickchat/" target="_blank">Chicken Chick Chat</a> group!<br />
<br />
Angie<br />
<br />
We've linked several of our favorite products throughout this post for your convenience. These are products we use ourselves and highly recommend. Purchasing from those links helps with funds to run our farm. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-10970992133004444172019-01-17T11:28:00.000-08:002019-02-11T13:05:20.825-08:00Game Camera - What's Lurking Around Your Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> What's lurking around the farm? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYo_K30u7L0/XDkIBDibxSI/AAAAAAAAEf0/RrAVPlUKwu8jB7bC87xslQd7S-FnKQ1KACLcBGAs/s1600/WGI_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYo_K30u7L0/XDkIBDibxSI/AAAAAAAAEf0/RrAVPlUKwu8jB7bC87xslQd7S-FnKQ1KACLcBGAs/s400/WGI_0134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Doe getting up close and personal with the camera :)</div>
<br />
We like to keep a game camera and move it every few weeks to a new spot on the farm. We find this beneficial in knowing what kind of varmints are hanging around. The camera is checked daily and if we see a large amount of raccoons, foxes, skunks, opossum or coyotes hanging around then we know it's time to take measures to insure the safety of our live stock.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
From the photos that the camera has taken over the last couple of months, I feel pretty confident that at this time we aren't seeing a huge problem. The only threat right now is a hawk hanging around, which can turn into a problem in a hurry, so we are keeping an eye on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gZ253R-PaU/XDkSFj9YCnI/AAAAAAAAEhA/Hs8UH5DSQ1EglUBLQVbCuRK8hPFQ-AaYgCLcBGAs/s1600/WGI_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gZ253R-PaU/XDkSFj9YCnI/AAAAAAAAEhA/Hs8UH5DSQ1EglUBLQVbCuRK8hPFQ-AaYgCLcBGAs/s640/WGI_0131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nouvZy3gBCM/XDkGm92elYI/AAAAAAAAEfI/l2yIhkUgDEUDJxWZdpOWNgeyyDlPAl3-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/WGI_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nouvZy3gBCM/XDkGm92elYI/AAAAAAAAEfI/l2yIhkUgDEUDJxWZdpOWNgeyyDlPAl3-ACEwYBhgL/s400/WGI_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is the only opossum that we've seen, so we've set a live trap to see if we can't catch him before he becomes a problem. Opossum's love to sneak into the barn just at the time we're shutting up the farm for the night, we really have to watch for them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tV159d2GR28/XDkGz-oaNqI/AAAAAAAAEfM/QfZDAIsFzPk9k-uhmYxSob-S-umeB0tlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/WGI_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tV159d2GR28/XDkGz-oaNqI/AAAAAAAAEfM/QfZDAIsFzPk9k-uhmYxSob-S-umeB0tlQCEwYBhgL/s640/WGI_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Very nice Buck, who wouldn't love to see this guy from your deer stand?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJjy7V8TUf8/XDkHUHnN-_I/AAAAAAAAEfg/UXRGJLIwqM8yETRrM1Hvxx5McD_zEIyUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/WGI_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJjy7V8TUf8/XDkHUHnN-_I/AAAAAAAAEfg/UXRGJLIwqM8yETRrM1Hvxx5McD_zEIyUQCEwYBhgL/s640/WGI_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRTcWgqCu_Y/XDkHZ73yr6I/AAAAAAAAEfk/8aiEMKQ_VtoxBOShlrbSXNU64RvJMEIgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/WGI_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRTcWgqCu_Y/XDkHZ73yr6I/AAAAAAAAEfk/8aiEMKQ_VtoxBOShlrbSXNU64RvJMEIgwCEwYBhgL/s640/WGI_0056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have lots of deer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYP-1RVX6kU/XDkNtq5beYI/AAAAAAAAEgU/tbnw0Gr_g8g2uCqCoomfRO19rFXKksUCwCLcBGAs/s1600/WGI_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYP-1RVX6kU/XDkNtq5beYI/AAAAAAAAEgU/tbnw0Gr_g8g2uCqCoomfRO19rFXKksUCwCLcBGAs/s640/WGI_0099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes you can catch a tall slender guy fishing without permission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzUd31RZ2MM/XDkOruXLMfI/AAAAAAAAEgk/CppaquPSYwAz4i6K1REW-rVeYS3Vo1wsACLcBGAs/s1600/WGI_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzUd31RZ2MM/XDkOruXLMfI/AAAAAAAAEgk/CppaquPSYwAz4i6K1REW-rVeYS3Vo1wsACLcBGAs/s400/WGI_0102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes you don't know that your sheep have been out running around until you see them on the game camera, imagine our surprise :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOX1DQtBeWs/XDkOdfwi7rI/AAAAAAAAEgg/Ck21G65IQ6kF_rd8hoa1rrAaxsP6Mjm1QCLcBGAs/s1600/WGI_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOX1DQtBeWs/XDkOdfwi7rI/AAAAAAAAEgg/Ck21G65IQ6kF_rd8hoa1rrAaxsP6Mjm1QCLcBGAs/s640/WGI_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And sometimes you just catch your family making memories and a crazy cat flying through the air.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
What's lurking around your farm?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping in!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-37266840743923746972019-01-11T12:09:00.001-08:002019-02-11T13:07:59.586-08:00Chickens - How To Integrate New Hens Into Your Flock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6vI_iS23mk/XDeQlfF4kKI/AAAAAAAAEeU/09Mm4dswno8_k9Q7RZw8g2tgSkl5armqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6vI_iS23mk/XDeQlfF4kKI/AAAAAAAAEeU/09Mm4dswno8_k9Q7RZw8g2tgSkl5armqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0363.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's that time of year when folks are thinking about spring and adding some new chickens to their existing flock. Maybe you have an old flock of girls and they're getting to the age where they just do not produce as many eggs or maybe your just dreaming of adding some new egg color to your basket. Well, integrating young pullets into a flock of older hens can be tricky, but not totally impossible.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
The most important thing to think about when you've decided you're adding newbies to the flock is, where are you going to keep them until they're ready to be integrated. You will need a small coop, or partition off an area in your existing coop for the newbies to live until they meet the criteria of the paragraphs below. It's best to grow them up in close proximity to the old existing flock so that they can see each other and visit through the wire.<br />
<br />
When adding new pullets into your flock you need to take into consideration the age, size and number of pullets you are going to ingrate. Let's begin with the number of pullets. It's never a good idea to introduce one pullet to your flock. I fill lots of orders every year where people order one lonely pullet to integrate into the flock. Usually within about a months time (or sooner) they're calling me back asking for a bird of that same age to be shipped out ASAP. The best number when integrating is four, the more the better, one is never a good idea. Now let's talk about the age. If you're ordering pullets from our farm that will be shipped to you in the spring, they're usually around seven weeks of age when we ship them out. A pullet of this age should never be added to a flock of older hens. You will need to let the new little girls mature to around four or five months of age, preferably five months, before you begin the integration process. This is where size comes into factor, you want the new girls to be comparable in size to the old girls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je1AH2KaQHs/XDeZT1Lk0aI/AAAAAAAAEeg/Lb7kH-Uqb5c52o30IXrcIU7jUbSIl0gHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je1AH2KaQHs/XDeZT1Lk0aI/AAAAAAAAEeg/Lb7kH-Uqb5c52o30IXrcIU7jUbSIl0gHACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So your finally to the point you think the newbies are old enough and large enough to begin the integration process. Only begin this process over a course of several days where you will be home to watch. Over the years I've gotten several phone calls from distraught customers saying, I put my new little hens in with my old hens today to integrate them and when I got home from work three had bloody tails and one is dead. So please make sure you will be home to watch the process, it can turn ugly in a hurry.<br />
Begin the process slowly, if your outside cleaning the coop, gathering eggs or just visiting with the girls, that is a great time to let everyone mingle together while your there to watch. You can also get them use to free range time in the evenings. One hour before dark let them all out while you watch. That gives them a short time to forge right before they roost. Short spans of visiting time helps them to get acquainted.<br />
If you have successfully integrated them, but you see one old gal that is just a real bully, and let me tell you there is always one. You can take her and one of her close friends out of the flock for about a week and then bring them back in. Sometimes that helps the pecking order to shift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzcyCWSUIZM/XDeeIGTZT0I/AAAAAAAAEes/Jbl-qehDpqAThHXMeRwGTAwbEGj0cdnOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9226_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzcyCWSUIZM/XDeeIGTZT0I/AAAAAAAAEes/Jbl-qehDpqAThHXMeRwGTAwbEGj0cdnOgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9226_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that you have them all living as one happy flock don't allow boredom to creep in. Keep them busy. Give them a flake of straw every so often to scatter around. They absolutely love this! Each day scatter scratch grains, cracked corn or meal worms in the straw for them to scratch around and find.<br />
If you have some good advise on integrating newbies into the flock leave a comment below. It might be just what someone needs to know.<br />
Head on over to the <a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/">website</a> and let us help you fulfill your pullet wish list. Plan early so you're fully equipped and ready when your pullets arrive.<br />
Have a Great Day!<br />
Angie<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-5356772092840410262019-01-03T07:25:00.001-08:002019-02-11T13:09:08.532-08:00Lavender Wyandotte - New Chicken Breed On The Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7RfCMAO79I/XC4g2eoEsoI/AAAAAAAAEdk/ogpUfStg_U0Fi6rabZI6MYNU0C9DK4ESQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7RfCMAO79I/XC4g2eoEsoI/AAAAAAAAEdk/ogpUfStg_U0Fi6rabZI6MYNU0C9DK4ESQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"> </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">We have a new breed of poultry here on the farm that we're excited to finally share. We have actually had them since the spring of 2016 when we drove down to Greenfire farm and picked them up, but just as we got them raised up to egg production age, we had an opossum get in their pen and kill all of my hens except for one. </span></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> So it's been a long time recovering form that disaster. We will only be able to fill small orders of chicks on this breeds since we're working with such a small flock. We also will only sell day old chicks for now and no started pullets on the Lavender Wyandottes. Now let me tell you all about this beautiful bird. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QYbbclYn-4/XC4g_JjxWJI/AAAAAAAAEd8/_vPRT0w8WewM5MOv04SAgAzPqrmUbmo2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7QYbbclYn-4/XC4g_JjxWJI/AAAAAAAAEd8/_vPRT0w8WewM5MOv04SAgAzPqrmUbmo2ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavender
Wyandottes have taken an interesting route to arrive in your backyard coop.
They have an Indian name but they're an American chicken that get many of their
genetics from Europe. Wyandottes have been in America since 1870 and got their
beginning in New York and Massachusetts, no one to this day knows what mix of
breeds created the Wyandotte but some debate that the Hamburg contributed to the
neat rose comb that is evident in the breed. The Wyandotte name comes from the
Northeastern tribe of Native Americans, the Wyandotte Nation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM9YJSvEwow/XC4hDJxUMuI/AAAAAAAAEd8/wws9JQwFcOQ4fWNOLnfjgdtckErVdIvFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM9YJSvEwow/XC4hDJxUMuI/AAAAAAAAEd8/wws9JQwFcOQ4fWNOLnfjgdtckErVdIvFwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">In the
21st Century a new wonderful color was added to the Wyandotte gene pool, Allan
Brooker, a Briton spent a decade breeding Wyandottes and was able to create the
most convincing lavender chicken anyone had ever seen. Even at hatch the chicks
are deep lavender in color.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXyxxAlU8Xs/XC4hOptV9eI/AAAAAAAAEeA/XkBsKIp34RgEOwtU_1YD-Cn_xSL-x4jKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXyxxAlU8Xs/XC4hOptV9eI/AAAAAAAAEeA/XkBsKIp34RgEOwtU_1YD-Cn_xSL-x4jKQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; color: #666699;" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">The
beautiful lavender color is set off with the bright red comb and yellow legs,
which make for a stunning appearance.</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; color: #666699;" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavender
Wyandottes are slow to mature and lay a light pastel pinkish colored egg. The young juvenile roosters are a bit aggressive but as they mature into adults they're
very gentile and sociable. The hens are also a very docile bird. </span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; color: #666699;" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_YQ-PxjggY/XC4hLedp-9I/AAAAAAAAEeA/QHzW506d_-EDpnTT-RVI7gbr4WmsPpQMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_YQ-PxjggY/XC4hLedp-9I/AAAAAAAAEeA/QHzW506d_-EDpnTT-RVI7gbr4WmsPpQMgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; color: #666699;" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">I want to take a moment to thank all of our customers for making 2018 such a great year, we appreciate everyone of you! We look forward to what 2019 will bring!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Have a blessed day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Angie</span>Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-4969133590286075892018-11-16T06:49:00.000-08:002019-02-11T13:09:44.006-08:00Birds & The Bees / Hens & Hives / Chickens And Honey Bees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week we tackled some much needed bee hive maintenance. Our hives have always sat back behind the house under some spindly trees. If you know anything about hives, shade and bee hives aren't a good mix, so we began the task of moving them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlB0mfw9voI/W-xe_fyj9-I/AAAAAAAAEcc/p_fr95jdKuAzKmIOuDWFT7J5RsdIjk66QCLcBGAs/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlB0mfw9voI/W-xe_fyj9-I/AAAAAAAAEcc/p_fr95jdKuAzKmIOuDWFT7J5RsdIjk66QCLcBGAs/s640/move%2Bhive%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a><a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If your wondering why bee hives and shade don't work well together, it's because of hive beetles. Hive beetles love a cool comfy hive. Even though our spindly trees didn't provide a lot of shade, it seemed to be enough that the hive beetles were taking complete advantage of the hives. So I came up with the idea to put the hives in with my hens. I believe they'll help to keep out beetles, roaches and wax moths. These pests love to wreak havoc on hives and the hens will not bother the bees. It's worth a try. We are down to two hives now and I don't plan on losing anymore. If bees are using all of there time and energy chasing around hive beetles, that is less time for making honey.<br />
<br />
Our cold, long, wet springs that we have here in Southern IL make it difficult to keep bees.<br />
Last February I checked my hives, at that time I had 4 hives. The bees had plenty of honey and seemed to be doing well, by April two hives died. What happened in that two<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
month time period? Well I think it was the fact that it was warm in February and winter again all through March and April. The bees died with a full box of honey. I think it was possibly too cold for them to move from frame to frame to access the honey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQElFRNlwg/W-xfGw1BgdI/AAAAAAAAEc8/f_5DNJVnxxszWIGOfFn9PGc6fUTeoFtfACEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQElFRNlwg/W-xfGw1BgdI/AAAAAAAAEc8/f_5DNJVnxxszWIGOfFn9PGc6fUTeoFtfACEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When moving hives, make a plan of where you will sit them. You want them sitting in full sun (which makes it miserable for us to tend the hives) and fairly close to a water source.<br />
The night before you're going to move them you need to block the hive entrance. This is probably needles to say but if you move the hive in the middle of the day and you've not blocked the hive entrance, the bees that are out foraging will come back to where the hive was sitting and it will be gone.<br />
They will not just find the hive.<br />
Also if you try to move the hive and the entrance is not blocked you will have some pretty angry bees by they time your finished.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-im-mEvtTncs/W-xfE_J6yuI/AAAAAAAAEdI/VHPNjv2StloFlgVnvITiFNtviRS9SR1SQCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-im-mEvtTncs/W-xfE_J6yuI/AAAAAAAAEdI/VHPNjv2StloFlgVnvITiFNtviRS9SR1SQCEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Larry strapped the hive boxes together. It's surprising how heavy the boxes are when they're full of honey and they can easily tip and that would be a disaster. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I-kXXiwJU7s/W-xfC4YzJuI/AAAAAAAAEdI/TpYA9MvtASIn2ubEBMTO1FRkSEH2wRjPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I-kXXiwJU7s/W-xfC4YzJuI/AAAAAAAAEdI/TpYA9MvtASIn2ubEBMTO1FRkSEH2wRjPwCEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next he loaded them one at a time into the tractor dirt scoop and heading for the barn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L9bBmZMmUw/W-xfMEd8PiI/AAAAAAAAEdA/sWdB95pTBVcwOOLg8lmpvs9cEgq_VcM4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L9bBmZMmUw/W-xfMEd8PiI/AAAAAAAAEdA/sWdB95pTBVcwOOLg8lmpvs9cEgq_VcM4wCEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We prepared the platform and the ground that the hives will sit on. It's a good idea to sit them high enough that your not bending over when your tending the hives and if they're elevated skunks are less likely to bother them.<br />
The hives will be sitting in the Lavender Orpington pen, with hopes that they will help with beetle battle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xm-HnYSTx-g/W-xfJTxEPcI/AAAAAAAAEdA/zZW_w-4LXQwqfV9A53h-hxQuaGbvZJgUACEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xm-HnYSTx-g/W-xfJTxEPcI/AAAAAAAAEdA/zZW_w-4LXQwqfV9A53h-hxQuaGbvZJgUACEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We spread several bags of barn lime under the hive platform. This is also suppose to help control hive beetles. We'll see, it's very inexpensive so it can't hurt to try. I'm sure the hens will love scratching around in it also.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-am_qdtDowks/W-xfOru11rI/AAAAAAAAEdE/qjBqoRXvhmQvHdPRdMxHgdxXAEHLZSiDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-am_qdtDowks/W-xfOru11rI/AAAAAAAAEdE/qjBqoRXvhmQvHdPRdMxHgdxXAEHLZSiDgCEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He sat the hives on the platform. Two hives are a good number for us. When we had more it felt a bit over whelming. I don't have a lot of time to spend tending to them, so two is perfect for now. Plus we get a hole lot more honey than we can ever use.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyZw83cKsbk/W-xfQ2fwkHI/AAAAAAAAEdI/HCAp9PsitZsFYer0eNaO_escUAEL465AgCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2Bhive%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyZw83cKsbk/W-xfQ2fwkHI/AAAAAAAAEdI/HCAp9PsitZsFYer0eNaO_escUAEL465AgCEwYBhgL/s320/move%2Bhive%2B8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't forget to unblock the hive entrance when your finished. Might want to do this part with your bee suit on. Since it is now November, we only give them a very small entrance hole to keep mice out and put on a bottom board to keep the wind out of the hive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP24E_jE67o/W-x3MdrET6I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/Ny_etpoodvwlsUQ2Bs0qDVbpUB2jJGhnwCLcBGAs/s1600/honey%2Bcomb%2B%25232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="760" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP24E_jE67o/W-x3MdrET6I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/Ny_etpoodvwlsUQ2Bs0qDVbpUB2jJGhnwCLcBGAs/s320/honey%2Bcomb%2B%25232.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvwMC8tKB4/W-x3l4r_RYI/AAAAAAAAEdY/EHrVYr6zqDU_DW6gM0-fd35qMdLOMVhBACLcBGAs/s1600/comb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvwMC8tKB4/W-x3l4r_RYI/AAAAAAAAEdY/EHrVYr6zqDU_DW6gM0-fd35qMdLOMVhBACLcBGAs/s320/comb%2B1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I shared this photo a couple of weeks ago and someone asked the question, why does it look grey and fuzzy? Each frame can have a different color of honey and a different color of wax. It just depends on what the bees are gathering from. This grey fuzzy looking one is really dark brown honey, almost the color of molasses and the wax cappings are almost white, giving it a grey fuzzy appearance.<br />
Another person wanted to know how much honey can you get from two hives. We harvested around two five gallon buckets of honey plus around 7 or 8 frames that we used as cut comb. That's a lot of honey and if we had spent more time working the hives we probably could have gotten more.<br />
<br />
Hopefully our moves help to cut down on beetles and wax moths. I'll give you an up date sometime in the summer.<br />
Have a blessed day!<br />
Angie<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-91777307898344387242018-09-15T09:04:00.000-07:002019-02-11T13:10:18.523-08:00Fall Mushroom Season - Edible Mushrooms Of Illinois As the poultry season begins to slow down a little, Larry and I find time to sneak off and do something that we love, forage for fungi. There is nothing more relaxing than getting into the woods and just start walking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljiALicEAhE/W50O-FU9Q5I/AAAAAAAAEbA/Fj5zNctvw5Mw_l5jgS5HNdlAZzK8_l1pQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljiALicEAhE/W50O-FU9Q5I/AAAAAAAAEbA/Fj5zNctvw5Mw_l5jgS5HNdlAZzK8_l1pQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday morning, I headed out on the four wheeler to cut Bittersweet to fill orders for my Etsy shop, what a great time to also do a little mushroom hunting.<br />
If you love Bittersweet for fall decor head over to the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/553008796/bittersweet-bundle-of-twigs-and-berries?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=bittersweet&ref=sr_gallery-1-16&organic_search_click=1"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chicken Scratch Store</span></a> and get yourself a bouquet.<br />
While cutting the Bittersweet I noticed all around me growing right in the grass was big beautiful Puffball Mushrooms.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClWnCJATjYg/W50TSZ0k7iI/AAAAAAAAEbg/HAHuG2y_z-MvbTv--Y-BIxP2aLnl6pkCwCLcBGAs/s1600/shrooms%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClWnCJATjYg/W50TSZ0k7iI/AAAAAAAAEbg/HAHuG2y_z-MvbTv--Y-BIxP2aLnl6pkCwCLcBGAs/s320/shrooms%2B6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Puffballs are easy to find and great if your a beginner in wild mushroom foraging. The purple spored Calvatia Cyathiformis Puffball pictured to the left are easily found in Illinois. The only thing to check before cooking is the inside of the Puffball. Slice it open, if the inside is completely white like a marshmallow it's safe to eat. If there is any color other than white discard it.<br />
If you find one Puffball there is very likely many more close by so keep searching. You can find Puffballs growing beside wooded areas in the grass.<br />
If you find Puffballs that have reached the puff stage, go ahead and give them a stomp, this is how the spores are released and you'll very likely be able to find more Puffballs in this are the next season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htJVsvaLIGA/W50YLyXLa-I/AAAAAAAAEcI/ih-L9Bgurm8v6EzQuLQ4dh5dXSMeXagHACEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htJVsvaLIGA/W50YLyXLa-I/AAAAAAAAEcI/ih-L9Bgurm8v6EzQuLQ4dh5dXSMeXagHACEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another type of Puffball easily found in Illinois is the pear shaped Puffball. They're very small but on the good side, if you come across pear shaped Puffballs they always grow in huge clusters and usually never alone. Same rule goes for this Puffball, the inside must be pure white if you plan to eat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEZ_UTOwNxU/W50arM2l2tI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/U3Sf0mEDc6w6LS4b0Ep41-eo9G4N2rQFgCLcBGAs/s1600/shrooms%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEZ_UTOwNxU/W50arM2l2tI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/U3Sf0mEDc6w6LS4b0Ep41-eo9G4N2rQFgCLcBGAs/s320/shrooms%2B9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a nice cluster of pear shaped Puffballs. It's fun when you come across a bunch of these little guys.<br />
Pear shaped Puffballs are found in the forest along side dead trees or growing on dead trees. September and October is a great time to start looking for this type of shroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PP20VNxz90/W50TF9OI2MI/AAAAAAAAEbo/LGX-7d86LJsstSOBL6t7LtY1BjpVV67MQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PP20VNxz90/W50TF9OI2MI/AAAAAAAAEbo/LGX-7d86LJsstSOBL6t7LtY1BjpVV67MQCEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B2.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
One of my favorite fungi to find is the Wood Ear. Wood Ear grows on dead tress or live trees that have dead areas on them. There is a look alike for Wood Ear that is poisonous but is easy to identify as not edible. The look alike is bright orange, smelly, and easy to smear. Wood ear is rubbery and can not smear. The orange look alike is call Witch's Butter, yuck!!<br />
You've probably eaten Wood Ear before if you've had Hot And Sour Soup in an Asian restaurant. Wood Ear has no flavor, it is really more about the texture with this mushroom. Wood Ear fungi can be dehydrated for storage and easily reconstituted in water.<br />
I cooked these lovely ears in a vegetable stir fry, yum!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DPt8IIo58g/W50TNThz_kI/AAAAAAAAEbw/wAH8M8ntBjAox8FeoxXyJBrK2o95iP0vQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DPt8IIo58g/W50TNThz_kI/AAAAAAAAEbw/wAH8M8ntBjAox8FeoxXyJBrK2o95iP0vQCEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Hen Of The Woods, another one of my favorites! September is a good time to start hunting for this delicious shroom. They're a little difficult to find, they're very camouflaged and look just like a pile of leaves but if you do find one they're usually as big as a basket ball or bigger, so they're a nice find! I've even heard of people finding enough to fill a pickup truck bed.<br />
Hen Of The Woods does have a look alike but they're also easy to identify so do your homework before eating.<br />
It's a good idea to soak this mushroom in salt water before cooking, the overlapping lobes hide many Beatles and bugs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgjfpyEMhE/W50TCx31GrI/AAAAAAAAEbs/DhMApAf3JzcYgNa6dKvMV8mk0gt8yJttQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgjfpyEMhE/W50TCx31GrI/AAAAAAAAEbs/DhMApAf3JzcYgNa6dKvMV8mk0gt8yJttQCEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Chicken Mushroom, also easily found in Illinois. It can be found growing on dead hardwood logs in the forest and will be spotted a long distance away by it's very bright yellowish orange huge.<br />
The Chicken Mushroom grows in huge clusters. If you find this shroom you will likely fill a bushel basket in one location. Chicken Mushroom also has a look alike but can also be easily identify, so just do a little research before eating.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNey1k-YrPg/W50TQAxGFQI/AAAAAAAAEb0/BylAB0u5I7EhpGMUOBMXPbs7x1T646vKACEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNey1k-YrPg/W50TQAxGFQI/AAAAAAAAEb0/BylAB0u5I7EhpGMUOBMXPbs7x1T646vKACEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On this particular foraging day we found baskets of Chicken Mushrooms.<br />
I have found that Chicken mushroom doesn't agree with me for some reason. It causes stomach upset, not sure why, it didn't have that effect on anyone else in our family. I have even tried it a second time with the same effect, so I no longer eat this fungi.<br />
Chicken Mushroom freezes well for storage if you happen to find a bounty of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_QXNo97jXE/W50TKac3xWI/AAAAAAAAEbs/et7UYuApNmsnlaSA7mjH-oCryPL2BlHzwCEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_QXNo97jXE/W50TKac3xWI/AAAAAAAAEbs/et7UYuApNmsnlaSA7mjH-oCryPL2BlHzwCEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the most unique mushrooms we've ever found is the beautiful Lion's Mane. We went on a hunt just as the leaves were beginning to turn, just so happens this is the prime time to find a Lion's Mane. My daughter found this one growing on the inside of a fallen dead tree. They looked just like snowballs!<br />
The taste was amazing!! Sauteed in butter they taste just like lobster. Very sweet!<br />
I'm ready to check this particular log again this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wHJL0WTaCk/W50TUIW52iI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Kq70iw1x234sWqlXCg3PnrO39uYZYAYaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shrooms%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wHJL0WTaCk/W50TUIW52iI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Kq70iw1x234sWqlXCg3PnrO39uYZYAYaQCEwYBhgL/s320/shrooms%2B7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This week we fried up some Puffball mushrooms. They're dipped in egg then Parmesan cheese and fried golden brown, I served them with pasta and marinara sauce. Super yummy!<br />
They tasted very much like fried mozzarella cheese sticks.<br />
<br />
Get outdoors and do some foraging, even if you don't feel confident enough to eat what you find, it's still fun to hunt. If you keep researching the mushrooms that you come across, you will soon begin to recognize what is good and what is not good. When in doubt throw it out. Only eat if you're completely sure of what you have.<br />
<br />
Happy Foraging!!<br />
AngieChicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-22841450987807148812018-06-01T10:16:00.000-07:002019-02-11T13:11:17.348-08:00Worming, Ear Tags & Vaccinations - Gotland Lambs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e603dab2rHs/Ww6z-FxGGlI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/BkH_dYM0cZMSkBYHAW3dVhtwM1JUbt-bgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e603dab2rHs/Ww6z-FxGGlI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/BkH_dYM0cZMSkBYHAW3dVhtwM1JUbt-bgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last week we began the process of vaccinations, worming and ear tags for our little lambs. We have five Gotland lambs so it wasn't a huge job but it was a learning experience for all of us. We began the process by fencing off a corner of the paddock with a cattle panel and luring the lambs to the corner so that they were easy to catch up.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlGC_kepyIg/Ww613cvDBHI/AAAAAAAAEaE/0jw5VJQm4TYXrX-jYvsh6ZGgiwbfRF2iACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlGC_kepyIg/Ww613cvDBHI/AAAAAAAAEaE/0jw5VJQm4TYXrX-jYvsh6ZGgiwbfRF2iACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The first ear tag was nerve racking to say the least. After the first one was tagged, I took over the tagging, it was easier for Larry to hold them while I tagged the ear. It wasn't so bad once we got going. The lambs seemed fine with the whole process.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1I6PLqfxwQ/Ww63LbwTgJI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/B70BpdWdzI8cF770ICTNG-51hRRfEzRpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1I6PLqfxwQ/Ww63LbwTgJI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/B70BpdWdzI8cF770ICTNG-51hRRfEzRpgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the lambs have a new ear ring and Larry and I have a new skill of piercing ears. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IczUB-WRTU/Ww64Ug1Q3gI/AAAAAAAAEac/DIH-WWTcIqQ6v6dOUd_OHIpw4GNjFIUFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IczUB-WRTU/Ww64Ug1Q3gI/AAAAAAAAEac/DIH-WWTcIqQ6v6dOUd_OHIpw4GNjFIUFQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next we caught up the ram for his vaccination and worming. That is the ram's</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
therapy goat in the background, the calming goat :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5saZzqCGEo/Ww65iBpFL9I/AAAAAAAAEao/IyKSW43TLxIrwAyuM7RAWa67jHNY4aLpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5saZzqCGEo/Ww65iBpFL9I/AAAAAAAAEao/IyKSW43TLxIrwAyuM7RAWa67jHNY4aLpgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next hurdle will be weaning lambs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a Blessed Day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-71564499680010104672018-05-22T07:13:00.004-07:002019-02-11T13:11:39.598-08:00Coronation Sussex - The Poultry For Royalty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2sLHn-No1g/WwQZoigCVCI/AAAAAAAAEZM/bU-dLRXfpf0Q5jvp4Is6nNWZGyuypFUCQCLcBGAs/s1600/coronation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1530" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2sLHn-No1g/WwQZoigCVCI/AAAAAAAAEZM/bU-dLRXfpf0Q5jvp4Is6nNWZGyuypFUCQCLcBGAs/s400/coronation.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
What better way to commemorate the royal wedding than to offer a 30% off sale on the chicken created for royalty so many years ago? The beautiful Coronation Sussex was created to honor the Coronation of King George. I like poultry with a history and I think you will too.<br />
This past weekend we watched as the Royal couple Prince Harry and Megan were given the title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTo8PQ5W2tI/WwQeV36ERHI/AAAAAAAAEZY/KneC-EqilkgUrWuIzABEs_avZWoH0_4vwCEwYBhgL/s1600/100_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="376" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTo8PQ5W2tI/WwQeV36ERHI/AAAAAAAAEZY/KneC-EqilkgUrWuIzABEs_avZWoH0_4vwCEwYBhgL/s320/100_0892.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Coronation Sussex are a large heavy breed, they're impressive in size but even much more impressive in color. They have a lavender mane and tail on a porcelain white body.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRwoiNBomCc/WwQfTULQZUI/AAAAAAAAEZg/IY9VV8vOfEo6eBr94eMqVO0ULJjPhUzrACLcBGAs/s1600/100_1419_269153045_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRwoiNBomCc/WwQfTULQZUI/AAAAAAAAEZg/IY9VV8vOfEo6eBr94eMqVO0ULJjPhUzrACLcBGAs/s320/100_1419_269153045_std.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The roosters are non aggressive and hens are friendly.<br />
They're a good winter time layer and have down like a goose that helps them thrive in cool climates.<br />
Our summers are very hot and humid here in Southern IL and we find that they need a fan during the hottest weeks. It is quite a sight to watch them stand in front of the fan with wings spread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dF3kj0fCqE/WwQhv-hXzFI/AAAAAAAAEZs/SenJgOXsg0o3FioxqwYZ7Na2UvmA698ywCLcBGAs/s1600/coronation%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dF3kj0fCqE/WwQhv-hXzFI/AAAAAAAAEZs/SenJgOXsg0o3FioxqwYZ7Na2UvmA698ywCLcBGAs/s320/coronation%2Beggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coronation Sussex eggs have a pinkish hue. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've had the Coronation Sussex breed for around 8 years now and I still find them fascinating!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come on over and check out <a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/coronation_sussex">The royal Coronation Sussex.</a> We're offering 30% off of Coronation Sussex started pullets and roosters this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-77640158289149024142018-05-19T07:24:00.000-07:002018-05-19T07:24:42.976-07:00Hive Maintenance - Spring Hive Inspection <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MMgNgRrWVg/WvymRpjQ4vI/AAAAAAAAEXY/TKqoHmdNQZwHV2yfZJZRwUHSDUSHsnUpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MMgNgRrWVg/WvymRpjQ4vI/AAAAAAAAEXY/TKqoHmdNQZwHV2yfZJZRwUHSDUSHsnUpgCEwYBhgL/s400/hive%2Bcheck%25231.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I always try and do a quick hive inspection in February just to check and see if all the hives have survived the winter. To my great disappointment this February I discovered that we had lost two hives over the winter months. We had a very harsh winter this year but I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the hives collapse. Our spring came really late and from February until May we lost another hive and back in February this hive looked to be healthy. <br />
<br />
We've now had bee hives for about four years, I think, and we're still learning so much about the bees. Probably one of the hardest lessons learned last summer was don't add a super (or box) onto the hive too far in advance of them needing it. It's such a fine line, if you wait too long they feel out of space and they'll swarm. Last year I'm pretty sure I gave a hive a super before they were ready for it and it gave them too much territory to patrol and it allowed wax months to get the upper hand and take over the hive. That was my fault and I felt terrible about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgj-yQnvvRs/WvyotMa_KoI/AAAAAAAAEXk/NctSzn7EqVYP8RF5ZQQop2tzKNRLZfCZACEwYBhgL/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgj-yQnvvRs/WvyotMa_KoI/AAAAAAAAEXk/NctSzn7EqVYP8RF5ZQQop2tzKNRLZfCZACEwYBhgL/s320/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We opened our remaining two hives today. It's always necessary to smoke the hive before you begin. Start by puffing smoke into the hive entrance and wait a couple of minuets before opening the hive. Once you open the hive then give a few puffs of smoke from the top of the open hive. Maybe you already know all of this information but there could be someone who doesn't know this. It's taken a lot of painful bee stings before I was able to convenience my husband of this procedure. It's much less stressful on the hive and the husband if you use smoke.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmfBvznQzU/WvyrGPb7m_I/AAAAAAAAEXw/cbinbLzYJD8JCZQixZ971LtCyeE0NEc8QCLcBGAs/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmfBvznQzU/WvyrGPb7m_I/AAAAAAAAEXw/cbinbLzYJD8JCZQixZ971LtCyeE0NEc8QCLcBGAs/s320/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25233.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The hives seemed to be healthy, they're foraging, capping honey and raising brood. I did see some queen cells being produced in one hive, so it's looking like they will swarm soon. I need to keep an eye on them, I would like to catch the swarm and start a new hive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyM_bAy2eN8/WvytBW9BZrI/AAAAAAAAEX8/4NaWw895eAY-b2Oqc_Ef80iDsgynW7uVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyM_bAy2eN8/WvytBW9BZrI/AAAAAAAAEX8/4NaWw895eAY-b2Oqc_Ef80iDsgynW7uVwCEwYBhgL/s320/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We added new beetle traps to the hives. I put 2 in each hive, they work very well. Fill with oil, I use vegetable, or mineral oil. The bees chase the beetles around and they run to hid in the holes of the trap and drown in the oil. Hive beetles are probably our worst problem. Our hives are sitting in a slightly shaded area and really need to be moved into the direct sun, no shade. Beetles don't like a hot hive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We opened the hives that collapsed over the winter just to take a look and see if we could tell what had happened. Each hive had a full box of uneaten honey, so that tells me that they didn't starve. Some of you more experienced bee keepers, if you have any ideas for us to check for let us know. We would love to hear what you have to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNRkVhWk8X0/WvyvVPpKDSI/AAAAAAAAEYI/MuJMd9yG51kejzoZ5t-mkYgbodLsYNaWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNRkVhWk8X0/WvyvVPpKDSI/AAAAAAAAEYI/MuJMd9yG51kejzoZ5t-mkYgbodLsYNaWwCEwYBhgL/s320/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25235.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hive collapse is a serious problem here in the US and we need to do all that we can to help the bees. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-100jiTL_2rA/WvywXABufgI/AAAAAAAAEYU/oy3QLQb1jjANLmmG3t8-zexZAY0lcO_2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-100jiTL_2rA/WvywXABufgI/AAAAAAAAEYU/oy3QLQb1jjANLmmG3t8-zexZAY0lcO_2ACEwYBhgL/s320/hive%2Bcheck%2B%25236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Share your words of wisdom about bee keeping with us, we would love to hear from you. I'll leave you with these words that I know to be true.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 25:16</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you find honey, eat just enough - too much of it, and you will vomit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-74400551377296135562018-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:002018-05-17T13:48:37.979-07:00Southern Illinois Water Emergency - Rend Lake Water Crisis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E82-Y1vb5lU/Wv3YXihv2VI/AAAAAAAAEYg/Ylwd5gH0elcYptwALAd0Nl2KRcs4koF2wCLcBGAs/s1600/water%2Bmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E82-Y1vb5lU/Wv3YXihv2VI/AAAAAAAAEYg/Ylwd5gH0elcYptwALAd0Nl2KRcs4koF2wCLcBGAs/s320/water%2Bmain.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo credit, Chris Kays for the Southern</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A breach in a 36 inch water pipe yesterday evening has shut down water to several cities and towns across Southern IL. Residents have been asked to conserve water. Many business, restaurants, hair salons and schools have been closed until workers can create a bypass for one of the three pumps that service our area. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you can imagine this has caused much panic and ciaos through our area as people scramble to the stores to purchase every last bottle and jug of water on the store shelves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tiny town of Dahlgren IL, where two of our children live, will have it's water turned off within the next 2 hours and they aren't sure when it will be up and running again. Would you be prepared in your home if something like this happened? It hasn't taken much to shut down half of the water in Southern IL. We've found that we're not very prepared. We do have a pond for watering the livestock if needed and I suppose we can boil the water for ourselves. We can use pond water for flushing toilets also. What would you do, have you even considered it? I hadn't until now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZFNqEoK48/Wv3dRajGCtI/AAAAAAAAEYs/nt_M9nfkt6M30WCejRvfFhosJrcWZUh5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZFNqEoK48/Wv3dRajGCtI/AAAAAAAAEYs/nt_M9nfkt6M30WCejRvfFhosJrcWZUh5gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we sat and thought about how to plan for the next couple of days with the water issue, we know that we must make preparation for our two incubators and hatchers that have a couple thousand eggs in them. Our incubators and hatchers require a lot of water to keep the humidity at a constant level. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRJD6kzuO-g/Wv3iNx32PgI/AAAAAAAAEZA/df6ZQrLITSsHgOv8LzVBq5Se11e3Nq3VwCLcBGAs/s1600/incubator%2B%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRJD6kzuO-g/Wv3iNx32PgI/AAAAAAAAEZA/df6ZQrLITSsHgOv8LzVBq5Se11e3Nq3VwCLcBGAs/s320/incubator%2B%25232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This might not seem very important to some flocks but these eggs will be chicks and young pullets that will be shipped out for several weeks and months. So it's important to us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We'll be setting large pans of warm water in the bottoms of each unit which should keep the humidity at the correct level but will need to be checked often. Hopefully they'll get the water back up and running before we need to test this theory but it's not sounding like it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a moment and make a plan today about what you would do if you wake up in the morning and there is no running water. If you have a pond, do you have a way to filter that water to make it safe for drinking? If you don't have a pond where will you get water, it's not as easy as just going to the store, keep in mind the shelves will be bare.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All will be good here on the farm with or without running water, I'm assured of that as I keep this verse in mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-49266523006067723022018-05-16T14:27:00.000-07:002018-05-16T14:27:01.205-07:00Boost A Chick Hydrating Gel - Poultry Shipping Gel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkyHBSFtVRI/Wqk_8y9WChI/AAAAAAAAES4/KXQ3d0tG0fgv2El3UrCSf2TeWAF0SseNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkyHBSFtVRI/Wqk_8y9WChI/AAAAAAAAES4/KXQ3d0tG0fgv2El3UrCSf2TeWAF0SseNwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Out of complete desperation two years ago I began the process of creating a hydrating gel for shipping our poultry. We had used a gel that's been on the market for several years now but it just wasn't performing as we needed and we were experiencing high mortality rates with our chick shipments. We've shipped chicks now for around 10 years and when we first began, the postal system would get them to their destitution in a very timely manner but for the last couple of years that has all changed and now the postal system gives themselves three days to deliver poultry. Well as you can imagine that doesn't work out so well for live animals. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">We needed a product that could stay fresh for several days and provide what the poultry needed in the way of nutrition, hydration and beneficial bacteria no mater the age or size of the bird. I've tested our product for two shipping seasons and made a few changes here and there. Our mortality rates dropped, which was my goal all along.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/farm_store">Boost A Chick Hydrating Gel</a> can be used to ship all bird species, quail, ducks, turkeys...if it needs nutrition and hydration, then you need Boost A Chick Gel.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5R9MfXFRYM/WqlFTpVZDTI/AAAAAAAAETI/4H5xW4NJtAMnUSok0QogTYhTqepm08LowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5R9MfXFRYM/WqlFTpVZDTI/AAAAAAAAETI/4H5xW4NJtAMnUSok0QogTYhTqepm08LowCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The gel product that we used in the past would spoil and smell bad after the first day, I needed a gel that would stay fresh for three to four days in the mail. I finally achieved that goal, I feel totally equipped and ready for this years shipments.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The gel is easy to use, just mix with water. We glue </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">plastic cups in the corners of the boxes and the hatch-lings have easy access to nutrition.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">You can purchase this product from our website or Etsy shop. If I never sell a single package I'll still be completely happy using it for my own shipments. I hate to keep it to myself when I know how well it works and there has to be other small farms that can benefit from this product.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueeL2JzHKD0/WrZW9wuoU-I/AAAAAAAAETY/QY_pRv2eEDE8r3qcQNu93tqbMjWa6SIQACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueeL2JzHKD0/WrZW9wuoU-I/AAAAAAAAETY/QY_pRv2eEDE8r3qcQNu93tqbMjWa6SIQACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/farm_store">Boost A Chick Hydrating Gel</a> is available in 500 dose or 2000 dose packages.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-64174702843786284062018-05-03T10:04:00.002-07:002018-05-03T10:04:56.581-07:00Down On The Farm Photos - Spring On The Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCkLK4Thga0/Wus0ujSMUdI/AAAAAAAAEVs/Tt4w0xCpTBsXGQM3bffpEHMOxP0lJ_xDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCkLK4Thga0/Wus0ujSMUdI/AAAAAAAAEVs/Tt4w0xCpTBsXGQM3bffpEHMOxP0lJ_xDgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvC6ZZrvyuo/Wus1ORUXczI/AAAAAAAAEV0/MaEd-E_OJw8WIVSHp3aej5XtWUmAicKTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvC6ZZrvyuo/Wus1ORUXczI/AAAAAAAAEV0/MaEd-E_OJw8WIVSHp3aej5XtWUmAicKTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejks4tctJEQ/Wus1psYDY0I/AAAAAAAAEV8/2LRrq5syKXYzVzCSbdHtmwkOgQSAXeJlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejks4tctJEQ/Wus1psYDY0I/AAAAAAAAEV8/2LRrq5syKXYzVzCSbdHtmwkOgQSAXeJlACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PPpPaidoZU/Wus2DWgwRTI/AAAAAAAAEWE/zpBMgbS2-Ro5V3R4ammD_7CDhz9nOqauQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PPpPaidoZU/Wus2DWgwRTI/AAAAAAAAEWE/zpBMgbS2-Ro5V3R4ammD_7CDhz9nOqauQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuejmEAp1M/Wus21RlnsTI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/ysLXgEEbMh4KBmHrV7wW_AJz2jjfOkqtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuejmEAp1M/Wus21RlnsTI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/ysLXgEEbMh4KBmHrV7wW_AJz2jjfOkqtQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUfH7MYloKM/Wus3ryNd_tI/AAAAAAAAEWY/l1rWZ5H8iZMHpI3SpBwF2-KhGwphmiUVACLcBGAs/s1600/jubilee%2B%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUfH7MYloKM/Wus3ryNd_tI/AAAAAAAAEWY/l1rWZ5H8iZMHpI3SpBwF2-KhGwphmiUVACLcBGAs/s320/jubilee%2B%25231.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">I have some sweet Jubilee pullets available for shipment now. Isn't she cute!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVa7-KBZQsQ/Wus4mx9eqJI/AAAAAAAAEWg/Y3oYmWNm7BMOYBdoJBGN6b9-vGzu1WPkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVa7-KBZQsQ/Wus4mx9eqJI/AAAAAAAAEWg/Y3oYmWNm7BMOYBdoJBGN6b9-vGzu1WPkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Spring has sprung!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bhx0z1gc2Q/Wus7cMjYmjI/AAAAAAAAEW0/zgT9mPmgrbMockHkEvGFsCPvbCDSfJZ6ACLcBGAs/s1600/lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bhx0z1gc2Q/Wus7cMjYmjI/AAAAAAAAEW0/zgT9mPmgrbMockHkEvGFsCPvbCDSfJZ6ACLcBGAs/s320/lamb.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">If your interested in purchasing Gotland lambs drop me an email. I will have a couple of ram lambs and maybe one little ewe lamb for sale soon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">larry_angie@chickenscratchpoultry.com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l-WxsIZcPQ/Wus5OMawyII/AAAAAAAAEWo/SemS-nVp9pQvAxOHmlRuq6zNVjHsjf8LwCLcBGAs/s1600/eggs%2Bon%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l-WxsIZcPQ/Wus5OMawyII/AAAAAAAAEWo/SemS-nVp9pQvAxOHmlRuq6zNVjHsjf8LwCLcBGAs/s640/eggs%2Bon%2Bdoor.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_ijjPsnQLI/WutAtl9xv_I/AAAAAAAAEXE/5eX7wpRMXNIZ9AWGhU9OoBuCOSmR-1cWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/lamb%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_ijjPsnQLI/WutAtl9xv_I/AAAAAAAAEXE/5eX7wpRMXNIZ9AWGhU9OoBuCOSmR-1cWwCEwYBhgL/s320/lamb%25231.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Happy Spring!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Angie</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-40501514139767927362018-04-18T10:12:00.000-07:002018-04-18T10:12:16.666-07:00Shearing Day - Gotland Sheep ShearingWe finally found a sheep shearer in IL, Hallelujah!! He got us on the calendar for shearing on April 4th. I thought that sounded like a great day since I didn't expect lambing until a little later in April. As we rushed around trying to get everything ready for shearing I noticed Kajsa was hanging off by herself, her back was hunched and she wasn't acting normal. I continued to watch her and pretty soon she is curling her lip. DING, it finally struck me, she's in labor!! As I've told you, we're flying by the seat of our pants with sheep. Lucky us, the sheep shearer showed up just at the right day and time for us and Kajsa. He took one look and said I see two little feet and a nose, you'll have a lamb in a few minutes. Sure enough, within a few minutes we had a lamb on the ground. The shearer took another look and said there's another one coming. How exciting!! A couple of minutes later we had two lambs on the ground, one little ewe and one little ram lamb. We left Kajsa with the job of cleaning up the lambs and the shearing began.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_df6YTMPk/Wsjgoq0M5HI/AAAAAAAAET0/p4j0fmFAKGgn6JDFJSHNzTiTP80c2fqFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_df6YTMPk/Wsjgoq0M5HI/AAAAAAAAET0/p4j0fmFAKGgn6JDFJSHNzTiTP80c2fqFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This photo was taken just before the lambs were born. She has that look of, help I don't feel well on her face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTQQUHcghYc/Wtdn8BjEBMI/AAAAAAAAEUU/w2APusrwpJAO4QHgYefpCYHN6muPkpbVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTQQUHcghYc/Wtdn8BjEBMI/AAAAAAAAEUU/w2APusrwpJAO4QHgYefpCYHN6muPkpbVgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The ram was the first to walk into the shearing corner. He went in looking all woolly and completely black in color. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XchraoO_Fso/WtduEAwpzGI/AAAAAAAAEUk/DtklhkdR3a8JfLggwfgbTC8GhCJhMg-hACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XchraoO_Fso/WtduEAwpzGI/AAAAAAAAEUk/DtklhkdR3a8JfLggwfgbTC8GhCJhMg-hACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He bounced out of the corner nicely shaved, strutting his new Gotland gray coloring. I would have never guessed that he would turn grey. Gotlands are totally amazing with their color changes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yghQRV7pLo/WtdvrtEn9fI/AAAAAAAAEUw/UftwBFV62kkO1flvIO_vFle4NTJDwYQ4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yghQRV7pLo/WtdvrtEn9fI/AAAAAAAAEUw/UftwBFV62kkO1flvIO_vFle4NTJDwYQ4gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As soon as Kajsa had her lambs cleaned up, he went ahead and sheared her also. That made it much easier for the lambs to find the utter. Kajsa also had a major color transformation. When she came to us last summer, she was very brown and black in color, she is now very silver.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00-7eXLW21s/Wtd3f6Q1iDI/AAAAAAAAEVU/PrjMlbcUgjQ36ORJ-twU6wNvE4oIoA_gwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00-7eXLW21s/Wtd3f6Q1iDI/AAAAAAAAEVU/PrjMlbcUgjQ36ORJ-twU6wNvE4oIoA_gwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
When he was finished shearing we had four very large bags of beautiful Gotland fleece. Can't wait to get them skirted and shipped off to the mill. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vccilJ8TJu0/Wtd4fKPo11I/AAAAAAAAEVc/yctVnyOwUkowuYmfazOr8x9Qmiy967CegCLcBGAs/s1600/Lindi%2Blamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vccilJ8TJu0/Wtd4fKPo11I/AAAAAAAAEVc/yctVnyOwUkowuYmfazOr8x9Qmiy967CegCLcBGAs/s320/Lindi%2Blamb.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Shearing is finished, they're good to go until fall. We began with three ewes and one ram. Lambing season is over and we now have two new little ram lambs and three little ewe lambs. Wow a flock can multiply rather quickly :)<br />
<br />
It's been amazing fun beginning our adventures in sheep. I'd like to thank Kim Goodling of <a href="http://www.grandviewfarmvt.com/">Grand View Farm</a> for the beautiful healthy flock of Gotland sheep and the many hours of mentoring through emails.<br />
<br />
Have a Wonderful Day!<br />
Angie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-55537827093283701832018-03-07T12:57:00.000-08:002018-03-07T12:57:45.442-08:00All Natural Rodent Repellent - Rid Your Farm Of Mice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SElVQAlDKI/WpoBCtVM1UI/AAAAAAAAER8/TC9ujZyqqyQxji-ZqLzTQqwlWG6Uqy7gACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SElVQAlDKI/WpoBCtVM1UI/AAAAAAAAER8/TC9ujZyqqyQxji-ZqLzTQqwlWG6Uqy7gACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Larry and I have lived on this farm for 23 years and I must say a lot has changed over those years. For the past 12 years we've operated a poultry breeding farm and hatchery right here in rural Illinois. If you had asked me 23 years ago what we would do on this farm, I would have never said chicken farming but I can honestly say I feel blessed beyond measure!<br />
<br />
Well, down to business now, I want to talk to you about mice and rats. For the past 12 years, the more poultry we've added to the farm the more mice that we also accumulate. Too many mice can become a real problem. Once the mice move into the barns it's not long and you'll see rats and with rats comes a hole different kind of craziness!! Larry makes bait buckets to put mouse poison in so that dogs and chickens aren't able to get to the bait. This works pretty well but we've been using this method for years and it's gotten to the point that it really no longer works. We're tired of spending hundreds of dollars every year just to kill mice. Price a bucket of mouse poison, it's not cheap.<br />
<br />
This is where the all natural mouse repellent comes into the story...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMMcjUGCJHY/WpoHoYtrTfI/AAAAAAAAESM/OTTejGVbyNgYPQ3zSL9erayN23VD8ZiOgCLcBGAs/s1600/missy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMMcjUGCJHY/WpoHoYtrTfI/AAAAAAAAESM/OTTejGVbyNgYPQ3zSL9erayN23VD8ZiOgCLcBGAs/s320/missy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For the past 12 years we had no outdoor cats here on the farm, there wasn't really room in the barns for them to roam around, so we thought...so we just didn't have a cat.<br />
<br />
This is Missy, there's really nothing special about her, she's not really very beautiful BUT she repels mice and rats like crazy!! All Natural, no poison. She is a hunting machine!! She patrols 2 barns, a pullet shed, a brooder shed and a Morton building all by herself.<br />
She climbs the wire pens and goes in and out of places I never thought she could go and she never offers to bother the chickens.<br />
I think within the next month or so she will have eradicated the mice here at the CSP.<br />
Good job Missy you win the Employee of the month award, sorry Lane and Heather :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dtNETvw06M/WqBOklhveZI/AAAAAAAAESo/xfmD3SiKq8A88C3hQJ6PebX9PEV8ZfsqACLcBGAs/s1600/missy%2Bcat%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dtNETvw06M/WqBOklhveZI/AAAAAAAAESo/xfmD3SiKq8A88C3hQJ6PebX9PEV8ZfsqACLcBGAs/s320/missy%2Bcat%2B3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I recommend the all natural rodent repellent, it works great!! She is also very entertaining while gathering eggs :)<br />
<br />
I have a quick story for you about little Missy, after I got Missy we had several other cats that just showed up (someone so nicely dumped on us) and my grand daughters had just lost a cat so I decided to send Missy and Barny home with my sweet grand daughters. My son told me that when they went to check on Missy the next morning that she had disappeared. Well two weeks later Missy showed back up at our farm, it was about a 15 to 20 mile walk for her and it took her two weeks to get back home. So Missy is hear to stay. I didn't know cats also had an inside compass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MkkXgImxKs/WpoLKzKJlaI/AAAAAAAAESY/Vqd1DMSZDM0BaRXWzMe8ZT4Z5WDI9oXVwCLcBGAs/s1600/missy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MkkXgImxKs/WpoLKzKJlaI/AAAAAAAAESY/Vqd1DMSZDM0BaRXWzMe8ZT4Z5WDI9oXVwCLcBGAs/s320/missy%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a great day and instead of buying a bucket of poison buy a bag of cat food. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
<br />Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-16087005209127253442018-01-24T06:51:00.000-08:002018-01-24T14:13:47.095-08:00New Breed On The Farm - Mint Cream Bar, Green Egg Layer<span style="color: #274e13;">I love colored eggs if you haven't figured that out before now. Eggs and birds in general have always fascinated me. The fact that poultry paint such a lovely palette is very enticing, go ahead and admit it your enchanted by those beautiful colors also. Chickens and their genetics are amazing!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Because of my love for bewitching egg color, I began a year ago messing around with creating a new green age layer. It's been about 10 years now since we created the Olive Egger and it's time to see what more can be achieved in shades of green...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DE0B_eLCpNo/WmeNu_n_UZI/AAAAAAAAERA/79rognBiOxQB5uQzOIO1VcdGDI8p4XJXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DE0B_eLCpNo/WmeNu_n_UZI/AAAAAAAAERA/79rognBiOxQB5uQzOIO1VcdGDI8p4XJXgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Creating a new breed of chicken can take years of work and waiting to see if your efforts have provided what your looking for. Each tweak we make can take up to a year or longer before we know if the change was a success or do we need to head back to the barn and begin again. You must have patience when working with poultry. </span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFZK6Nb-jbY/WmeOAj24VlI/AAAAAAAAERM/T8WLthuTZDIEPqVE8YCe4uYU4gJhORkMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFZK6Nb-jbY/WmeOAj24VlI/AAAAAAAAERM/T8WLthuTZDIEPqVE8YCe4uYU4gJhORkMQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Our
goal is to create beautiful shades of green eggs, including moss
green, mint green and olive green. This takes years of work and we're in the beginning
stages. I'm enjoying what I'm seeing so far and ready to begin sharing
them with our customers but at the same time we've began the next phase
in the process, which will take another year before we know if the
change we made is a success.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1waTrVYy-4/WmeWaRM7wjI/AAAAAAAAERk/CaHUulu_uD4oEyFdyzNsJvpPm6I0F6RcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/egg%2Bhalf%2Bwith%2Bwater%2Bmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1waTrVYy-4/WmeWaRM7wjI/AAAAAAAAERk/CaHUulu_uD4oEyFdyzNsJvpPm6I0F6RcwCEwYBhgL/s320/egg%2Bhalf%2Bwith%2Bwater%2Bmark.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Did
you know poultry that lay colored eggs depending on what breed, they color
their eggs in different ways. Some poultry color the egg by applying
the color to the outside of the shell. While others color the shell all
the way through. Next time you crack a colored egg open go ahead and
peel back the membrane on the inside of the shell and take a look at the
color of the shell from the inside of the egg. If it's a brown egg you
will notice that the inside of the shell is white. Chickens are
amazing!!</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #274e13;">This Army drab green egg is blue on the inside. Marvelous Chickens!</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuBhJe8cBiU/WmeV98n4mTI/AAAAAAAAERo/Ux2bG2jV1fo9YZ5LCV4FJ7LlWZBo9zcxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/eggs%2Bin%2Bwire%2Bbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuBhJe8cBiU/WmeV98n4mTI/AAAAAAAAERo/Ux2bG2jV1fo9YZ5LCV4FJ7LlWZBo9zcxwCEwYBhgL/s320/eggs%2Bin%2Bwire%2Bbasket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">We're
excited about the Mint Cream Bar / Green Egg Layer and can't wait to
share it with others who fancy a colorful basket of eggs.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">We're accepting chick and started pullet orders now for spring</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">shipments. Hope you'll be adding the Mint Cream Bar to your chick wish list. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/home">Head over to the website</a> and begin your chick wish list.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Have a blessed day!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span data-mce-style="color: #339966;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Angie </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="color: #339966;" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-5656818236043267472018-01-18T10:55:00.000-08:002018-01-18T10:55:10.064-08:00From Sheep To Shawl - Gotland Fleece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOGkKEYT7qM/WlkL8j0Mj4I/AAAAAAAAEQI/NlABXVQ3d48VLQ39Cv7zJ-_rHB1bmcbqwCLcBGAs/s1600/ewes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOGkKEYT7qM/WlkL8j0Mj4I/AAAAAAAAEQI/NlABXVQ3d48VLQ39Cv7zJ-_rHB1bmcbqwCLcBGAs/s320/ewes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Last summer we began a fascinating adventure in sheep. I must say I was very nervous at first since we know absolutely nothing about sheep (slowly but surely we're learning). It has been a joy getting to know and work with them and learn new skills.<br />
Last fall I learned that I can't depend upon a sheep shearer in this area, they are very few and hard to find. So I bought myself some hand shears and sheared them myself. I learned to skirt a fleece, wash a fleece, card the wool and through the wonders of YouTube I've learned to use a drop spindle and spin my own yarn. <br />
I'm not a person who enjoys sitting around with nothing to do, I like to stay busy during the day and have a task. Processing fiber this winter has kept me busy during the slow season on the poultry farm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZPA0-WBUVQ/WlkL1tBOplI/AAAAAAAAEQE/8icD7GE9XdMlYBe16SlW_BEAXUmqr6B1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Spindle%2Band%2Bwool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZPA0-WBUVQ/WlkL1tBOplI/AAAAAAAAEQE/8icD7GE9XdMlYBe16SlW_BEAXUmqr6B1QCLcBGAs/s320/Spindle%2Band%2Bwool.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
Gotland sheep have amazing fleece! I love the colors of the sliver, gray, and charcoal gray. I'm not a great spinner but with time I'll improve. I'm sure to an experienced eye this might look like a hunky chunky mess but I love it!!<br />
It has taken many hours of work to get to the stage of sitting down and knitting. There are a whole lot of steps in making yarn...<br />
Once I had the yarn spun, I decided I would make a shoulder wrap or shawl. It's a very simple pattern that I got from Pinterest but also added my own twist to the pattern. Larry made the buttons from deer antlers, wasn't that so sweet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD6HEkKe7n0/WlkSfmMetvI/AAAAAAAAEQY/d5kok5rSmeUKTmbh8mWJOVaq3jG6t5edACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD6HEkKe7n0/WlkSfmMetvI/AAAAAAAAEQY/d5kok5rSmeUKTmbh8mWJOVaq3jG6t5edACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4491.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wore the wrap out to take a few photos with the girls, it was so funny, I'm pretty sure they recognized the wool!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G5lJIj8ijWg/WlkTx8J3fGI/AAAAAAAAEQk/A7TRv-ACr5AagZKbUUonHUFAOseaAQiuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G5lJIj8ijWg/WlkTx8J3fGI/AAAAAAAAEQk/A7TRv-ACr5AagZKbUUonHUFAOseaAQiuwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4495.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They never stopped sniffing. I think they approved of what I had made with their lovely locks.<br />
I still have more fleece, so it's on to the next project, what shall I make next...<br />
Larry would you like a sweater or long underwear???<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWuvZ43iCL0/WlkXZq33hRI/AAAAAAAAEQw/wUfCSmKBiIYkD3bg15zuUKZwQZq09DdGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWuvZ43iCL0/WlkXZq33hRI/AAAAAAAAEQw/wUfCSmKBiIYkD3bg15zuUKZwQZq09DdGwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On to the next adventure, hoping for lambs in the spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-87115302038783414452018-01-12T11:10:00.000-08:002018-01-12T11:10:00.319-08:00Frozen Eggs During Cold Temps - We Have The SolutionDuring these really cold months you probably have noticed that before you can get your eggs safely gathered into they house that most of them have froze and cracked. I really hate it when that happens. But I have a solution for that problem... There is one breeding pen on the farm that the eggs never freeze, take a guess what pen that would be....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4bG7B5O_pY/WlkBvCMEzmI/AAAAAAAAEPY/rdPJvwSpAEAXbfAi5oyIqgG1soLDmrdcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4bG7B5O_pY/WlkBvCMEzmI/AAAAAAAAEPY/rdPJvwSpAEAXbfAi5oyIqgG1soLDmrdcQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The sweet little Chocolate Oprington pen!!! The eggs never freeze in this pen, these little gals take great pride in keeping eggs warm and take the job very seriously. It's their goal each day to check out all egg boxes for abandoned eggs, tuck them under their fluffy little butts and keep them warm until you come and snatch them all up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eQqYL6qP1Y/WlkEqafSgKI/AAAAAAAAEPs/I94DDo3ubs8bpZ54iEjU0mVP92HkEHYhACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eQqYL6qP1Y/WlkEqafSgKI/AAAAAAAAEPs/I94DDo3ubs8bpZ54iEjU0mVP92HkEHYhACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So not only are they cute, they're super functional dual purpose gals. They lay cute small to medium sized eggs, they keep your eggs from freezing during the winter months and they're great incubators as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Nw_UxKi00E/WlkFT6k9UuI/AAAAAAAAEP0/A6RFTpur_GAkaHrlospMzscJdcLiaHQvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Nw_UxKi00E/WlkFT6k9UuI/AAAAAAAAEP0/A6RFTpur_GAkaHrlospMzscJdcLiaHQvgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They're perfectly happy to hatch eggs for you or to adopt babies that don't even belong to them. They make wonderful little mothers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgKNqYtew6s/WlkDrXY4Y4I/AAAAAAAAEPo/OKPrSnZ00VAdnMhW7w9yy0z9X5exBRdhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgKNqYtew6s/WlkDrXY4Y4I/AAAAAAAAEPo/OKPrSnZ00VAdnMhW7w9yy0z9X5exBRdhQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let us help you out with your frozen egg issues. Head on over to the <a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/">Website</a> and place a spring chick order and come next winter you'll never have another frozen egg. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay Warm and have a blessed day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie </div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703880895202420137.post-59172638336331769892017-11-25T11:39:00.002-08:002017-11-25T11:39:20.495-08:00Chickens For Christmas - One Size Fits All Christmas Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E2uPSrCfaM/WhnBzXTm8FI/AAAAAAAAEOw/46qm3PPZDO8gF1S4QiJtIcqkHi_-QVtawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E2uPSrCfaM/WhnBzXTm8FI/AAAAAAAAEOw/46qm3PPZDO8gF1S4QiJtIcqkHi_-QVtawCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a chicken in a red and white box....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqNhb1hwtI8/WhL5EmtLkqI/AAAAAAAAEOg/bXjIZEl-qpQD4L-lc9qPzWNn2odwqeVqQCLcBGAs/s1600/ameraucana%2Bin%2Bwagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqNhb1hwtI8/WhL5EmtLkqI/AAAAAAAAEOg/bXjIZEl-qpQD4L-lc9qPzWNn2odwqeVqQCLcBGAs/s320/ameraucana%2Bin%2Bwagon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know I'm not the only one in this world who would love to get poultry for Christmas. I know that because we shipped out lots of red and white boxes last December loaded with young pullets.<br />
<br />
I have also played Santa in the past by writing a letter from Santa to ship along with the chickens. How funny is that??<br />
<br />
We have lots of pullets ready to ship now, they range in age from about 7 weeks to 9 weeks old. We can fit 4 birds of this age in the big red and white box.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bEFCAqIhid4/WhnDhu7FkGI/AAAAAAAAEO8/xARmnswF0IkzE5Zv2xV3rj7DNgTLERfdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bEFCAqIhid4/WhnDhu7FkGI/AAAAAAAAEO8/xARmnswF0IkzE5Zv2xV3rj7DNgTLERfdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's a list of pullets available now:<br />
<br />
Crested Cream Legbar<br />
Ayam Cemani<br />
Ameraucana<br />
Olive Egger<br />
1 Black Copper Marans<br />
Light Sussex<br />
Coronation Sussex<br />
Black Orpington<br />
Welsummer<br />
Lavender Orpington<br />
Chocolate Orpington (soon, not ready to ship yet)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd-trbr3bOk/WhnEqT8-OMI/AAAAAAAAEPI/cTPceK8HpJoI00MaEPaYPC8eeVGH1PkOACLcBGAs/s1600/coronation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd-trbr3bOk/WhnEqT8-OMI/AAAAAAAAEPI/cTPceK8HpJoI00MaEPaYPC8eeVGH1PkOACLcBGAs/s320/coronation.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give the gift that keeps on giving!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come on over to the <a href="http://www.chickenscratchpoultry.com/contact_us_place_an_order">Website</a> and give me your wish list.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking forward to hear from you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Chicken Scratch Poultryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00269959583886358828noreply@blogger.com0