fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

Responding to my neighbor's rooster:

Silas is 5 1/2 months old, Zacchaeus is 7 months old. They're getting along at this point.

 

[1muttsfan]

You wouldn't last long up here without socks. I've had my cozy wool ones on for the last few weeks.

Warm enough today (mid 40's) to finish off the front of the house, garage, and parking pad with the power washer. So one more chore for the year.

 

[kcan2]

Lookie what I saw in the store today - barred rock or dominique? I was reminded of your pretty ladies @fuzzi

Warm enough today (mid 40's) to finish off the front of the house, garage, and parking pad with the power washer. So one more chore for the year.

Good job on getting those chores done! Sounds cold for power washing, hope you were well suited up! I think we are getting a mid-fifties day tomorrow downstate, so I hope to follow your example and get some lingering outdoor chores done, too.

 

[fuzzi]

Lookie what I saw in the store today - barred rock or dominique? I was reminded of your pretty ladies @fuzzi
View attachment 3989897


Good job on getting those chores done! Sounds cold for power washing, hope you were well suited up! I think we are getting a mid-fifties day tomorrow downstate, so I hope to follow your example and get some lingering outdoor chores done, too.

Adorable!

Here's another one that was also made by the student I mentioned earlier:

Dominique? Barred Rock? Cuckoo Marans?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What does your winter setup look like? My nipple waterer bucket sprung a leak a few weeks ago. When I inspected it, I found a hairline crack in the plastic in one of the drilled holes, probably from temp fluctuations combined with an imperfectly drilled hope in the first place. I do like the rubber bucket and insulated tire idea!

I gave in...went to the farmers' market this morning, bought two dozen eggs from supposedly free range/no antibiotics chickens. Seller was a Good Ol' Boy, and had great delight in telling me about his chickens, peacocks, and guineas. Those should get me through Thanksgiving.

I need six eggs for the pumpkin pies, alone.

In warm(ish) weather I use a little giant 3 gallon water station for one flock, it's a real pill to clean and heavy to carry, but I like the capacity. I'll be switching to a rubber bowl soon for this flock.

Rubber bowls like @fuzzi uses, I use for another smaller flock year round and in the winter. I haven't tried placing them in tires which is a great idea. I just go change out water if it's frozen. The rubber bowls are tough, so even if frozen solid you can just turn them over, stomp on them and the ice will come out.

@fuzzi you may want to read up on water glassing some eggs. I've found the method to work well. Another thing I've tried and done is freeze eggs for later use. You do want to break them and whisk them up just a bit, then you can portion the eggs into ziplock bags, freezer jars, etc. Both methods work well for baking and scrambled eggs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I do not like socks or shoes. I went barefooted at home all my life until I started getting older.

Now I can not tolerate it as well. Still do not like street shoes. At home you will find me inside with my house slippers or outside in my chicken boots (Sloggers).
The chicken boots wear so good! They have a removable, washable inner sole. Remove it and you can wash the boots inside and out. All types of colors and designs, even chickens.
One day , last minute had to run to Lowes. Walking in the store I looked down and there I was in my chicken boots.
So comfy I forgot I had them on.

I used to have some sloggers with chickens on them! They were comfy.

 

[lightm]

I recently bought myself a comforter, not filled with down because it's too hot for our mild winters, but stuffed with silk. It's lightweight but warm, and I love it. The only problem was I needed a cover ("duvet") to protect it from dirt, pet hair, etc.

I searched all my usual online bedding sources (Land's End, Vermont Country Store, LLBean, etc.), but none had a duvet cover that I liked. Most offered were boring white, or were plaid, or had bold geometric designs, or pretty but boring little flowers. Nope.

Finally I went to Amaz0n...

...I have officially "lost it"...

...my family will shake their heads in concern...

View attachment 3983958

Ohhhh, what is the link?

 

[fuzzi]

Ohhhh, what is the link?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C6Q8RZ8L?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

Try this

 

[fuzzi]

In warm(ish) weather I use a little giant 3 gallon water station for one flock, it's a real pill to clean and heavy to carry, but I like the capacity. I'll be switching to a rubber bowl soon for this flock.

Rubber bowls like @fuzzi uses, I use for another smaller flock year round and in the winter. I haven't tried placing them in tires which is a great idea. I just go change out water if it's frozen. The rubber bowls are tough, so even if frozen solid you can just turn them over, stomp on them and the ice will come out.

@fuzzi you may want to read up on water glassing some eggs. I've found the method to work well. Another thing I've tried and done is freeze eggs for later use. You do want to break them and whisk them up just a bit, then you can portion the eggs into ziplock bags, freezer jars, etc. Both methods work well for baking and scrambled eggs.



View attachment 3989956View attachment 3989957

I have the pickling lime, didn't try water glassing yet. BUT I did pickle a couple dozen eggs, and have been eating those for breakfast.

 

[fuzzi]

I walked outside this morning, fed the ferals, then went over to greet my flock. The boys were upset, making noise while looking at me...then I realized I was wearing my hoodie with the hood up. I said "Good morning chicks!" but they still weren't sure about me, so I slowly lowered the hood, and then all was well.

And they accepted my apology offering of crumbles.