Stormcrow's Hobby Farm

[U_Stormcrow]

Cross posting from my culling thread, but this really belongs here. Walking the electric fence this morning, feels like about 80% humidity, we have storms coming late tonight / early tomorrow, yes I'll be safe thank you for your thoughts. Anyhow, in addition to pulling down branches off the electric line, I have found that something has absconded with two duck eggs, and a chicken egg, in differing directions. Meaning I likely have two small Critters defeating the electric fence to grab a meal of eggs. Unfortunately I also found evidence that a larger critter managed to snatch one of my injured ducks, so count is now 10 plus the four from the last two hatchings. Duck seems to have fed someone really well. I was hoping that someone would be me, was culling this weekend.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

 

[U_Stormcrow]

 

[Sally PB]

Still 8 little fluff balls! They're looking good.

 

[Sally PB]

Is that storm damage by the duck pond, or had you cut those down?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Is that storm damage by the duck pond, or had you cut those down?

Old fallen timbers. I lay them out around the pond, plant things in front of them, then let the rains wash down sand and clays into them. Helps slow erosion/run off and helps establish new plantings.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Still 8 little fluff balls! They're looking good.

Not displeased. Will set another dozen this week, I think. and cull out another half dozen of the older birds. Want to take out two more roosters, and the last three of the silver laced, plus one almost entirely black hen.

Then maybe make another go at hatching ducks - but not until AFTER I remove all but one of the males.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

View attachment 3830297

Pleased with initial coloration on most. Not looking good for little black bird. Maybe not the soft yellow in back. All the others have chipmunk to varying degree and/or wing markings. That's a good sign for them.

 

[Sally PB]

Not looking good for little black bird.

A few weeks, you can invite him/her to dinner.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

A few weeks, you can invite him/her to dinner.

Months, but yes