MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

just out of curiosity, and feel free to ignore, but why those breeds? I'm put off Brahmas by their sheer size, and their feathered legs.

Also, a propos RC's question, in my experience (and apparently in that of La Fleche, and I recall some old poultry manuals suggesting the same), typically you'll get more males with an early brood, and more females with a later. Just saying.

For the size - I quite like larger chickens. There's only one bantam in the flock and she's a bit of a terror.

Feathered legs don't seem to be a problem on sand, which doesn't turn into proper mud. Ivy and Peggy both have feathered legs and have never had a problem.

I recall that detail about later broods. Food for thought. I was thinking Ivy could have a few eggs in December.

 

[Grammy60]

Hi Grammy, I'm so sorry to hear Bob is not doing so well. I just wanted to say that, if he's looking to exercise but is worried about balance, I can thoroughly recommend a recumbent tricycle. It strengthens the legs (especially knees), you can get a cardiovascular workout and there are no balance issues because of the three wheels. I have one because I can't ride upright bikes anymore, and my 13 year-old son has one as well because they are fun to ride! They are a bit more pricey than uprights, but hubby found both of ours second-hand on ebay.

Here's a hug for you both.

I will talk to him about it and see if he's willing, once home health stopped coming, he just stopped doing anything . I like idea of this to help him, but of course e has to be willing to put forth the effort.

That seems very challenging. Sending much love to you both.

Thank you

Grammy I am so sorry to hear this. I do hope he can get back to his exercises - maybe including some that specifically help with balance.
I don’t want to pry, so feel free to ignore this, but can’t you get Medicare? Or a low cost ACA plan? I hate to think of you two with no support at all.

I have part a of Medicare, didn't need the other part before and his coverage will happen no later than April next year, hopefully sooner.

 

[BY Bob]

Sunday breakfast outside! It was sunny when I made the choice but it's overclouded now.

View attachment 3958952

The best part is that I can watch the hens from where I'm sitting

No better back drop.

 

[BY Bob]

Grammy I am so sorry to hear this. I do hope he can get back to his exercises - maybe including some that specifically help with balance.
I don’t want to pry, so feel free to ignore this, but can’t you get Medicare? Or a low cost ACA plan? I hate to think of you two with no support at all.

I second this. There should be a health insurance plan for you available on the exchange that is affordable if not free. I can put you I touch with a broker that can help you find a plan at no cost to you. Just PM me if your are interested.

 

[BY Bob]

They'll be euthanised by the vet. It's not fair, but as Mark the vet said, they don't live as though time is running out, they live in the moment and will have a wonderful time at my place, much better than the vast majority of cockerels hatched, and it's a very peaceful end. I'd rather that than give or sell them to someone who'll eat them and may terrorise their last moments. If I were in a rural location, I'd keep them.

It is not always easy to rehome roosters. I have been fortunate 2wice now and this last time drove over 550 miles (885 km) to find Versace a home.

It is one of the reasons I chose the breeds I did for hatching. At least what life they did have would be enjoyable. I appreciate how MJ has thought this through. Many people do not.

 

[Grammy60]

I second this. There should be a health insurance plan for you available on the exchange that is affordable if not free. I can put you I touch with a broker that can help you find a plan at no cost to you. Just PM me if your are interested.

I will talk with Bob and see what he says, thank you

 

[Grammy60]

Happy Birthday @ManueB

 

[MaryJanet]

It is not always easy to rehome roosters. I have been fortunate 2wice now and this last time drove over 550 miles (885 km) to find Versace a home.

It is one of the reasons I chose the breeds I did for hatching. At least what life they did have would be enjoyable. I appreciate how MJ has thought this through. Many people do not.

Thanks Bob. It took me some time to come to terms with it from a moral standpoint and Mark the vet really helped when he pointed out how joyful their lives would be. I daresay it'll be hard for me to face when the time comes but as I live in a forever home, I need to be on good terms with the neighbours.

Like you, if I could be assured of a good home, I would drive a couple of days too. So I may try to find homes on the Aussies thread, but I would hate to go far that only to discover a bad home at the end of the drive.

 

[MaryJanet]

It's labour day and the sun's shining.

 

[Shadrach]

They'll be euthanised by the vet. It's not fair, but as Mark the vet said, they don't live as though time is running out, they live in the moment and will have a wonderful time at my place, much better than the vast majority of cockerels hatched, and it's a very peaceful end. I'd rather that than give or sell them to someone who'll eat them and may terrorise their last moments. If I were in a rural location, I'd keep them.

I hope this isn't a tasteless comment, but would the vet kill the boys in such a manner that they are fit to eat? Even if you wouldn't eat them it seems a waste for somenone not to.