Winners, Freezer Camp, Broodies, and Alpha Roos
September 13th, 2009You 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.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:56 am
WHOOT WHOOT!!! FREE CHICKEN FEED!! I don’t think I could process my babies myself. Do you name all of the chickens or just the ones that you know you are gonna keep?
J
September 13th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Dang right Jamie! Woo hoo!!!! Thanks to YOU!
I only name the ones we will keep. Although this batch included Jethro - he ended up very unfriendly and I never bonded with him. He was also VERY tough on the girls. I never thought I would end up being able to cull my chickens either - but I let so many hatch out this year I was completely over run with roosters. It wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t as hard as I feared. I raised my original flock by hand from 2 day old chicks. I could NEVER eat them. But the roos we culled were very untame and I never bonded with them at all. Although they sure were pretty and I hated doing it. It is nice having fresh chicken in the freezer!
September 13th, 2009 at 9:12 am
You are so brave Penny! Tough job.
Duke is looking so handsome! I can hear the PEEP PEEP of those babies, dang they sure are cute. Pico has some serious booty/beauty going on.
September 13th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I can’t believe she won. That was great. I have never heard of this show, it must be local to you. Anyway, the chickens look great. I only keep one rooster. That’s all I can handle. Have a great week.
September 13th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Jocelyn - Duke really is a handsome boy - but he has serious issues these days…. And I love Pico’s little feathered booty. He’s still a cockerel, and I can’t wait to see what he looks like when he grows up!
Trixi - I know, right?? First time listening, and Jamie kicks butt! But it’s not a local show. Not to me, any way. It’s out of Atlanta - but if you click the link, you can listen to it anywhere because it’s internet based. Noon each day. Monday through Friday. If you have time, it’s worth checking out!
September 14th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
What a great friend you have! I love those baby chicks. I always want to snuggle them but I also know when I do they will poop on me. LOL
September 14th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Wow - you did it….freezer camp. Good for you, Penny. I’ll be interested in hearing whether you can taste the difference between “home grown” and store bought chicken. When I was at Marc’s last month, I had farm fresh, organic chicken for the first time and I was soooo suprised at the taste difference.
I’m still sending all my best healing thoughts to Duke. It’s time for that darn foot to HEAL!!!
Congrats on the chicken feed. Aren’t blog friends the best?!
September 14th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Angie - Jamie truly rocks! And I know what you mean about snuggling with the chicks. I do it anyway and take my chances!
Danni - Culling the roosters was not a pleasant experience, but honestly? I’m happy to know I can actually do it. I’m still not confident in dropping the axe, but I did every single bit of the rest of it - including holding their feet. And I know that the chickens in our freezer were well cared for, well fed, and lived a happy free life. I’m such a dork I actually planned to roast one of the chickens after we finished, but Bernie informed me NO ONE was in the mood to eat chicken. He was right, of course. So we grilled burgers instead. I have one in the frig right now, and plan to roast it tomorrow. I’ll let you know what I think of it. Thanks for the good thoughts for Duke. He needs them! He’s gotten right back to his usual ornery self. And yes - blog friends truly are the best! Absolutely truly the best!
September 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Wow Penny you sure are one tough lady. I know that I will not be able to cull any of my chickens. Kudos to you for being able to do it. But fresh chicken would be extra nice to have without hormones and all that other crap they add to the store bought ones. You go GIRL!!!!
Wow that is sweet to be able to get free food. Sure wish something like that would fall my way to. LOL
Poor poor Duke. I sure hope he gets better soon. Do you not think he will make it from this? I sure hope so.
My Jack is getting ready to go back to the Coop and I am not looking forward to anyone other chicken hurting him. I still don’t think he is ready but my husband wants his garage back. I just hope that the other roos won’t hurt him cause they will be leaving if they go after him.
The little babies are so so sweet. My 3 babies are 1 month old and haven’t looked that cute in a long time. They are so funny looking. they are at that stage when the feathers are coming in and they are like 2 or 3 different colors. they are still sweet and my Momma is doing a bang up job 1st time around. I am not gonna put them out in the coop til they are 4 months old or so. Depends on the weather also.
I still haven’t sent you pictures and when I slow down I will. LOL one day I promise
Hugs to you and Duke
Lisa
September 20th, 2009 at 3:53 am
I LOVE the pretty Hamburger chicken :)…..
How good was that, your matie winning on the radio, and how sweet of her to share her prize…… see, there are good people still around
Happy Sunday dear you….
x
July 4th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Title…
This is my Excerpt…