 |
 |
| Nugget the Buff Orp Roo and son |
| Howie, the granddaddy duck of the farm. |
| Blessed Birds |
| This year, we are working with Speckled Sussex, and Buff Orpingtons. We've decided we'd like to keep a few of the green/blue eggers around, as their eggs are definately richer, but they aren't much of a meat breed. We've tried a few others so far, but still haven't found that 'Golden Nugget' of a homestead bird. I am quickly thinking the Sussex and Orpingtons may fit our high expectations, though, with the Sussex being a little stronger in the meat department, and the Orps in the egg department. Well see, and keep you posted! |
| Howie now has a purebred harem of his own again. Three lovely Giant Pekin hens from AZ that we hatched this spring. We hope to have some purebreds, as well as some Muscovy/Pekin cross hatches next season. We've found the cross to be an amazing meat animal. They grow out VERY fast, are very meaty, lean, and are very easy to care for. We look forward to raising more of these for our freezer, and offereing them for sale. |
| Our children are quite taken by bantams (okay, I am too). They control bugs with a voracious appetite. We have one cochin hen, and her blue daughter, a granddaughter, two great grandaughters, and little black Frizzle hen, all loved and lorded over by a beautiful Wheaten mixed breed bantam roo. Bantam girls are precious for hatching out eggs for us, as well, whether they be chicken or duck! Several of my ducks in the past were hen hatched! I am trying using an incubator this year (and not doing too bad!), but am still keeping my trusty girls on hand to help me out. |
 |
| We are in the middle of transitioning the flock over to new layers. The Orpingtons just started to lay consistantly last month, but the Sussex are being slow to start. They are being bred, so we expect the egg supply to increase soon. The ducks are just starting to court and breed, so hopefully they will add to the supply soon as well. For now, our girls are giving us just enough for us and a couple friends. Later this year, we expect to be in FULL swing, even through winter (as the ducks start to lay, too)with LOTS of eggs, both for hatching and eating. We will be hatching chicks throughout the season, as well. Contact us to get on the wating list for eggs and chicks! |
 |
| Susan, the great grandmama bantam |