You may know that I listen to the Backyard Poultry radio show fairly regularly. It comes on at noon, Monday – Friday, and I try to tune in while I’m working so I can listen to Andy’s interviews and chicken news. It’s a fun show and full of good info.
Last week I encouraged one of my blog followers, Jamie, to tune in to the show and on the first day she ever listened it, she called in for the Chicken Trivia contest – and won a six month supply of chicken feed! I almost peed my pants when I heard her voice on the radio, and imagine my shock when I heard her ask if she could split her prize with ME! I’m not kidding. So, thanks to Jamie, I will receive three months supply of chicken feed and a coupon for a discount on a future purchase. Woo hoo! Thank you, Jamie! You seriously are a winner in my book!
Yesterday we sent eight of the roosters to freezer camp. I have to give a BIG shout out to our friends, Steve and Louise, who came out to help with this most unpleasant task. While this was NOT something that any of us enjoyed, it went a lot easier than I anticipated and within two hours we had eight chickens processed, cleaned, and in the freezer. I intentionally did not take any pictures of this event, and although Louise did snap a couple, I’m not going to share them on this blog.
One of my broody Hamburgs hatched out four eggs last week – and she has been an amazingly good mama!
The last hatches are all getting so big and fluffy – look at these two cuties
And for the first time in a long time, I have NO broody hens. As much as I love having all the baby chicks around, I think we’re all ready for a break. I recognize a few more cockerels in the last few hatches and I’m really hoping we only have to experience one more culling this year.
Duke’s bumblefoot continues to be an issue. It gets better, then worse, then better, and… well… you get the idea. His position in the flock continues to slip, and I’m not sure how much longer he will hang on. He seems healthy enough and happy enough for now, so we’ll just play it by ear. Just look how happy he is:
Bobby Lee is desperately trying to maintain his Alpha position, but it comes with a cost. His fighting with Pico has left him without his beautiful, long Phoenix tail feathers.
Pico is larger than Bobby Lee. He’s also younger – and determined to take charge.
Never a moment of boredom around here with these chickens. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
