Only The Good...

New sticker will be ready for Blade.

Life has been off the hook busy with all good things! We started a new company: "Terzuola Tactical." I have been busy designing all sorts of goodies that we will have ready at our Blade Show booth #1046 in June. I'll be posting some of these as we get closer. It's exciting! Many vendors to deal with, such as waterjet cutters, CnC machines, laser etching, and many other talented makers. In fact I realize I live in a world of makers. People who use machines, or their hands to earn a living. It's the best world for me.

Young Walter when his tail was coming in.

I had to share a recent loss with you. I have posted so many photos of my chickens over the years. I started raising the Swedish Flower breed just over 3 years ago. They are excellent layers, and come in a variety of colors. I have about 12 of them. We kept one rooster, and called him Walter.  When we had the Merek's disaster due to ordering other non inoculated birds from Wingshadows Hacienda, none of the Swedish were affected because they had been inoculated. However Walter went blind in one eye.

More young Walter...he would get to be 2 1/2 ft. tall

Roosters can be very difficult. I am sure you have heard stories of them attacking people. Here is the rooster "theory of mind." They want two things: to mate with the hens, and keep all other suiters or roosters away from their women.  My practice has been to bring hand held food with me when I let the birds out every morning. This way even the roosters associate me with food.  There have been a few roosters that saw me as a threat no matter what. But Walter never.

Favorite all time picture. What are these hens saying?!

Last night I found him slumped over in the yard. He'd made his transition to the big hen house somewhere. Roosters don't live as long as hens. Their hearts beat faster. They are basically in fight or flight mode for their entire lives. Walter had about 20 hens in his flock. He made sure all their eggs were fertile. :-) They say only the good die young. He was that. When I go out to feed and water the flock this morning, his crow will be missed. There will be a shake up in the flock. I keep my 2 banty roosters in a smaller coop. We'll see if one of those boys decides to move in with the "big girls."

Walter, I will miss you and your gentle manner with me and your hens. You were not only beautiful, but a great flock master. Thanks for all the joy you brought to us.  I can still see you running to me from across the yard. Long tail feathers bouncing up and down as you ran.  I have several drawings of this photo. This summer I will make an edition of prints of this wonderful moment I captured on film. You will always be in our hearts.


Each day is a gift, open now.


xo,
Suz






NO PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOT MAGPIE.

Chicken Clucks

My friend sent me this photo from a chicken keeper in Slovenia!

Two days ago I posted an add on Craig'slist to sell our two Silkie roosters that were supposed to be hens.  I saw their combs growing about a month ago.  They started stalking the smaller hens.  About a week ago I heard their pitiful attempts at crowing.  Silkies have funny crows to start with. One rooster is the non neurotypical guy, "Bobbles" who has Tourettes ticks, and petit mal seizures.  I have a soft spot in my heart for him.  He beat all the odds of being pecked by the bigger and stronger birds.  I would keep him if I can just sell the other.  Our dog Buddy howls now when he hears them crow. What a symphony!

"Little Missy" a buff cochin banty hops on my lap and coos when I pet her.

Puberty has hit my flock with a vengeance.  The one normal Silkie rooster is trying to hop on the big hens.  They are so much larger, that they just turn their heads backward and pick him off like a bug. :-)
The smaller hens and babies run every time they see him coming.  The combs and waddles are turning from pale pink to red.  Their under belly where the eggs come from are beginning to soften on some.  That means it's time to get those nesting boxes ready, and the final coop made. The other tell tale sound is a "bagawk" call hens make letting the world know they are laying an egg.  There are lots of those...but no eggs yet. Keep your fingers crossed I get an email from someone who wants to broaden their flock...

Morning "mash" of leftover veggies, crackers, and milk.

They looooove my set chair!

Thanks for reading. Each day is a gift. Open now.
xo,
Suz

Granny Smith apples on our tree.

The 3rd of July

Star shaped sugar cookies going in the oven.

It's almost here...and this year I said I wasn't having the gathering here this year because of my broken foot.  But I caved and am having a few guests.  All bringing many things.  Knowing people are alone on a holiday is one of my buttons.  I can't help it.  So here we go.  Cookies baked, peach and green chili chutney will be made today to top the lamb burgers on the grill.  I am threatening to make a blueberry pie. :-)

"Bobbles" all feather out with a big rose comb!

"MysterE" has no comb.

It seems that 2 of our Silkie chicks are roosters.  Their combs have bloomed: one did not.  "Bobbles" the non neurotypical chick with tics has grown a comb.  The other little rooster is posturing, and confronting all hens to show them he is the boss.  Bobbles doesn't care about dominance, just surviving.  "MysterE" has not grown a comb, and appears to be a hen.  She is the most talkative hen of the bunch. Constantly muttering to herself, and anyone who will listen.  The bantam buff Cochins hop on my lap every time I am out feeding. They are the sweetest of the flock.

Kale and chick peas have been a favorite from our garden.

Happy 4th to you all, whatever your plans may be.
Thanks for reading.
Each day is a gift. Open now.
xo,
Suz

The Chickens are Coming !! part 2

Dark Brahma Hen

Here is a link to Dark Brahma Chicks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0osv6-Bgog&feature=player_embedded

This morning I went on a field trip to all the feed stores in our area.  I was comparing feed brands and types.  I am not lover of medicated food. But baby chicks tend to walk on the feeder, and drop feed all over, as well as poop everywhere.  So that the babies don't get Coccidiosis (fatal) I will probably get one bag of medicated feed to start with.  But I did find organic feed at Dan's Boot and Saddle. That was great! I also found a great hardware store that has 6' x 150' rolls of poultry wire. It took 2 guys to load it in the back of the Yukon.  Bob and I are ready to build "Fort Chicken."

A PERFECT Black Cochin Hen  

I have the heat lamp, bulbs, feeders, waterers, and thermometers.  Chicks have to be kept at 95 degrees for the first week, then the temp is decreased 5 degrees every week after that.  Tomorrow I will put the sides up on the "Nursery" and fire up the heat lamp and see what temperature we have.  This is so important. As heat is the number one priority for these chicks. I plan to have this all worked out before they arrive.

Buff Silkie Hen and Rooster  

I got an email from the Hatchery and it looks like they are not sending all hens....oh boy.  When I can determine the roosters, they will have to go to the farmers market.  I am being a chicken sexist and only want hens. I've had enough roosters for a life time.  My neighbors are only an acre away, and would not enjoy crowing at the crack of dawn.  We once had a rooster who crowed at night, and almost drove us mad. Above are some of the breeds we are getting.  The Silkies are Japanese chickens, and the Brahmas and Cochins are Asian.

It feels a bit like Christmas for me! I know this sounds strange. I've had so many emails from chicken lovers here and on Etsy that I know I'm not alone.   I'll take pictures of the nursery when I have it set up.

Thanks for reading!
Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz