Here a Chick, There a Chick, Everywhere a Chick, Chick

When raising laying hens, it becomes an issue at some point to think about replacing them after they reach their peak productive years. It has been suggested by the "people in the know" to seek replacements after the hens reach 3 years old. Seems kinda of young for burn-out to me, but I guess if you are cranking one out a day it wouldn't take long to wear you down. We have 44 hens laying at different times right now, blessing us a whopping 3 plus dozen eggs a day! Most of them are under the one year mark, with only a dozen or so going into their third year. They are not a spring chicken,but not a slacker either. With the abundance of eggs we have found ourselves with at present we had decided to wait about raising any replacement chicks this year. Or so we thought . . . .

I had a dear friend call just the other day to inquire if we had interest or room for a couple of baby chicks. Her son and fiancee had purchased them for her daughter's two girls for Easter. Not knowing the amount of care they would require. Rene's granddaughters were thrilled, but their mommy wasn't too sure. For she works full time as a nurse and often at night. Caring for two peeping fuzz balls didn't quite factor into their lives right now. So knowing the country girl that I am and that we are already raising chickens ~ the call was placed. Lon agreed to take in the two, as we have a hen trying to go broody on us. The peeping package was delivered to him after work the next morning and made the ride to Alabama without a problem.

The problem came up when he took off to the feed store to buy them some chick starter feed. I then get another call, this time it takes on a different but familiar ring. Our favorite feed store has gotten in some baby chicks, Rhode Island Reds. Yep! He was calling to see if we needed to get some, since they were just sitting there in the store. Stating, "we are going to be raising 2, it wouldn't be any more work to add a few more, don't you think?' "I'm thinking a couple will do." Which by this time I've been bitten by the same bug and I'm not even in the store looking at them. To which I replied, "might as well get four so it will be an even half dozen." Now what is it about the number 2 that is not even? And how did we make the jump from no baby chicks, to 2 baby chicks, to 6 baby chicks? I understand the Easter chick thing and I admit that they are the cutest little things when first born, but what makes two grown adults do the very thing that they decided not to do? I can only suspect that the "farmer genes" are coming out in us. At every feed store around the country USA right now, these little temptations sit waiting for us to come in to buy our feed and supplies. And if by some chance you happen to miss out on these cuties, there are the ever present hatchery catalogs sitting in your mailbox to order from. It appears that they are just as much a part of Spring passage as the flower & veggies plants, seeds, fertilizers, gardening gloves and such. It is part of the Country life. Just mention their name and there will sure to be someone telling about the new chicks they just got. Then asking you if you've gotten yours yet. YEP, got that one covered.

We had our first April shower today. The old rhyme I've heard for years goes like this ~ April showers, bring May flowers. After the dry spell last year, we truly can't complain. Even though we have had more than our share of rain the past few months. When I see it coming, I keep reminding myself of this little jingle and that we are storing up water for our vegetable garden to come. All those little tomatoes and peppers will need plenty to drink. I had been using the two rain barrels we had set up to water the transplants and the fruit trees we've planted. Their level dropping almost to low for me to reach. Now they are topped off and I can use this abundance on more things around the yard. I love flowers and knowing that the rain helps them to bloom makes it easier to watch it fall to the ground. Especially when I rather be out digging in the dirt. I've been shut up in the house for too long this Winter and have a serious need to be out in the sunshine. But rains will come and rains will go and we will be the better because of their appearance.

Our Bourbon Red Turkeys are reaching their prime this Spring and the mating calls have been sounding. Thomas has been waiting for his girls to get old enough to breed. From all the activity it appears that all 4 may be laying. We have found one egg in a hen's nest in the silo and one in a brush pile by the creek. But the biggest mystery was the location of a nest that belongs to the hen who keeps disappearing for days on end. We were afraid that she had stayed out of the pen too long and has become a dinner for something. We are hoping that she has a nest that she is watching over, but where? And if we find it, then how are we going to move her to a safe location to raise her young? We lost Pearl, a Royal Palm hen last year when she made her nest too close to the creek. It would be great if this one could hatch out and raise her brood for us. There would be young birds ready for Thanksgiving this Fall. But in the meantime we've decided to try hatching out a few turkey eggs ourselves. A family friend has said we could use his incubator to hatch them in. We haven't done this type of hatching before and will be curious about it's outcome.

I have been keeping a list of first sightings this year.
Like the first time I saw~

~the Canadian geese return, a sure sign in my book that Spring is on it's way

~the first butterflies in the yard (they were Spring Azures), a lovely lavender blue

~first daffodil to bloom, usually showing up around my birthday in March

~first bat in the evening sky, sweeping around to catch the newly hatching insects

~our first Whip-poor-will call of the season, a spotted brown bird with a name sure to have a story attached to it

~first pair of Mourning doves, I love their cooing calls to each other and it always reminds me of my granny.

We were sitting on the porch last night and Lon spotted another first. Surprised by it's appearance as it is only April. I couldn't recall ever seeing one this early in the year. The first lightening bug of the season had arrived. I know we have been having some hot days lately and I wonder if the temperatures have called it out of hiding to seek a mate. Do you know that it is only the females that flash? Creating a sparkly seductive dance in an effort to find a mate.

Now when I stop to think about it, we've had baby chicks of some sort for the past 2 years every Spring. The first 16 arriving as my birthday present in 2008. Another batch last year before moving to the farm. So why break tradition? Hadn't realized we had one but it appears we do.

This chick is loving Spring and all it has to offer. Hope you are taking time to enjoy yours.

Deborah

EASTER Chase

Easter dawned clear, cool, sunny and beautiful! We started our new schedule change this morning. Rising at 5 am. so we can start morning chores at 6. Though this morning it was actually 6:30 before we got started. Even with the late start we were eating breakfast on the front porch by 7:30. Just sitting and soaking up the peaceful day as it unfolded before us. With little effort I was sitting, dressed and ready fo leave for Sunday School with time to spare on my hands ~Wonderful! I even managed to get our lunch meal ready with some advance meal preps yesterday. Knowing it would be warm and waiting on us when we got home.

We attended a Gospel concert last evening in a nearby town. Featuring a friend's daughter's group and another young adult gospel group from nearby. Both groups did an excellent job and provided an inspiring concert for our enjoyment. Afterwards we spent time visiting with neighbors and talking with friends. Then before leaving ran into some new neighbors that live on the same road as we do. Chatting with them for another half hour or so left us to being one of the last few to leave the parking lot. Getting in so late, cause us to loose some sleep because of our "night out on the town." But it was worth it, as we hadn't had the chance to recreate much since moving last year.

Our afternoon though was spent in a pursuit that I don't believe many if anyone else encountered today. Most families gathered together to have a meal or cook out with their love ones. Hosting egg hunts and fun outside activities for the adults, who weren't napping in a chair somewhere. Ours prove to be quite interesting and didn't favor the norm at all. Starting the moment we pulled into the driveway from Church and spotted a large black object in our yard. Not being able to guess it's identity till getting almost to the carport. Then and there we determined that we had a new visitor to the farm. A black potbellied pig!

The one that actually belonged to the new neighbors we had met just last night. It had earlier escaped from it's yard down the road and came to visit ours. My first thoughts were, "OH, no the garden!" But running to a window revealed all was well with out little garden, but for how long? A quick call alerted them to the location of their wayward swine, which they had been out looking for. Who promptly disappeared while we were on the phone discussing him. Searching through our woods, they finally located "Mr. Porky." Who at this point had no notion of going back to his pen. Began running in circles through the yard, then down to the creek, up by the barn, close to the garden and around again just in spite it seemed. Lures of his favorite feed were met with up turned nose and a faster pace. He was infatuated with Sassie, who in turn was alarmed at his presence. He wanted to get inside the pasture area with her and she was intent on keeping him out.

It took all afternoon, about 4 hours to catch the fast footed fella. While others were chasing the Easter bunnyand looking for eggs, we were hot on the trail of the Easter pig. Only living in the country would you find this kinda of opportunity. And I bet you it would still only happen to us even if you did.

All in all we had a wonderful day just the two of us, minus our porky friend. Enjoyed eating a good lunch, Lon finally got a nap and I talked with family and friends by phone. Heating up leftovers from lunch made for an easy prep supper. Then we retired to the front porch in the cool of the evening to review our fun for the day. I love the sounds the "nite critters" make down by the creek. It sounds so country with the pair of doves in the distance cooing their "good nites."Knowing we had a porky friend down the road that led two neighbors to get to know each other a little better today.

Peace, Beauty and Thankfulness reigns,

Deborah

Good Friday ~

Yesterday had it's trying moments, but all in all it was a good day. I was able to get my car tag, purchased groceries, had a pleasant drive through the countryside, found lots of garden goodies, ran a few errands and enjoyed 75* weather. You can read the whole scoop here.

Today I am sure will hold a new set of challenges all of its own. Somehow we need to get a roll of hay from someone close by, as all of our stock pile is gone. Planting in the garden will be a sure activity as well with everything I've bought this week. I would like to wash my car, start my flower garden, ride through the woods with Lon on the 4-wheeler and grill out. Just your normal Friday activities. Of course there are the everyday chores of house & barn to do too. All of the bee hive boxes need a coat of paint in preparation for their arrival soon. Lon went with our bee mentor, Clyde on Wednesday this week to pick up some additional bee supplies that need some attention too. I have been waiting for warm, dry weather to come so I could start staining the porch chairs, not sure the day has enough hours for my list of have-tos and want-tos. What do you think?

Lon came home with another load of free pallets this morning. They will go a long way in constructing some usable items for the farm, maybe even a shelter or two. We have put many to use over the past year in the shape of goat shelters, hay feeders, gates, milking stand, etc. The projects can be read about through out the posts on this site. If you have special interest in one let me know in the comment section and I will find the link for you.

One pallet project today revolved around a small shelter of sorts that we had built a couple of months back. Today we added to it and devise a sheltered place to put the large round hay bales we get for the goats and horse. They eat at them regularly, but often waste a good bit on the ground. Putting our heads together we came up with a plan that looks like a God-send. (Which it is). The new roll is safely tucked under cover, secured on all 4 sides with spaces big enough for everyone to eat through. No more jumping on it (Samson) or pulling it down to lie in (hens). We are hoping that it will last us for awhile at least until everything greens up good. We are quite proud of our ingenuity and gave each other a pat on the back for a job well done.

Picking up this new roll next door to the feed store allowed us to get the chicken feed too in one easy trip. While there I made use of my waiting time to look over the new plants that had just arrived. I don't know about you, but I love to be the first to look over and pick from plants that have their shipping wrappers still attach. It's like picking from the cream of the crop! Needless to say we didn't leave with just what we had came after. There were a couple of packages of vegetable seeds, another tray of tomato seedlings and a few pots of herbs tucked under my feet as we pulled off.

Working outside was hot! Today's temperature soared to 85* the highest yet. Wouldn't you know it the breezes we have been having for weeks just puffed away leaving us with nothing but still air. Lon went over to help a neighbor lady with a tree in her yard. She is expecting company on Easter and wanted it cleaned up. We were given the wood from this old, old oak to add to our wood pile for next year's heating. It should continue to age out perfectly and give us the hot heat that it is known for.

We have decided to leave the kids out around the clock with the rest of the adults. They have reached 7 weeks old this weekend and are learning so much from them. With the night time temperatures staying stable it is a good time to introduce them to sleeping outdoors.

The farmers here abouts say it is good to plant your crops on GOOD FRIDAY. I even over heard two older women at Wmart this week say the same thing, so it must be true. I'm sure the Farmer's Almanac probably speaks of the same success as well. We were not able to get everything in the ground today. But asked the Lord's blessing on what is planted and continue to pray for a good harvest come late Summer.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Deborah

April Begins Anew!

March has literally marched right past us so quickly that it has been somewhat of a blur. It was a busy month with lots of visits and a few new activities. Spring has definitely arrived as we are enjoying beautiful warm, sunny days in the low 70*. For today and tomorrow it is predicted to be in the HIGH 70 - low 80* range. Hard to believe for the first day of April. I may be able to wear short sleeves Sunday. The first time in several years for an Easter Sunday.

It has been fun the past couple of days writing my latest blog posts. Reading back over them while looking for something has been a treat, too. They remind me just how far we've come. Our garden is beginning to take shape. Having cleared almost half of it from rocks. With Brian and Crystal's help we have a couple of early plantings in the ground. Lon and I added 2 rows of thornless blackberry vines to it yesterday. Moving the garlic will fill out another row. All of the fruit trees and grape vines have now been planted. I was thrilled to see new growth on the fig bushes and on one of the plum trees planted last month. Everything will require frequent waterings till they get established. Which translates into lots of trips to the rain barrels. All of the fruit bearing items are part of the foundation for the farm garden we are planning to create. It would be nice to get the structural foundations; buildings built as well. But they will come in time when extra funds are available.

Lon is back at work today, so I am farming alone. I need to buy a few things at the grocery store. So I was thinking a trip to Wedowee to try out a family own store would be a treat. My car tag has expired and needs to be replaced. Which I can pick up in the same town. An Alabama Fire tag will be riding on my car from now on. Making me an official resident of the state. Lon is member of the Volunteer Bethel East Fire department, giving us the priviledge to have them on our vehicles. With all this pretty weather, my car could also use a good bath too!

I stopped by the Wally world in the next town over to check out a couple of items for the house. Anyone who knows me, knows I can't pass up a garden section. . I was not disappoint in what I found. It may be a small store in a small rural town, but it is BIG on gardening! I came away with a buggy filled with vegetable plants, flower, herb and veggie seeds, small pots of herbs for my herb garden and a beautiful ole-timey rose bush. Not to mention what I went into the store for in the first place. Our work is definitely cut out for us now. I can't wait to see it reaching high for the sky while sitting in our garden.

While on the way home I got lost again on the country roads I am trying to learn. Due in part to a wrong turn out of the parking lot. (blushing here). But I must confess that I was also talking to mom as I drove down these country roads, realizing too late of my mistake till after I had travel many miles. A quick call to Lon got me headed back in the right direction before the ice cream melted and the plants began to wilt.

There was an extra choir practice tonight for the Easter music we will be presenting on Sunday. Lon had to miss it due to work, but I was able to get there just a wee bit late. After getting everyone fed and milked. It was a great time of fellowship with people we are loving to be around.

The bird chorus every morning and in the late evenings has been marvelous! Even before the sun rises you can hear them singing out their varied calls. Wake up! Wake up! It is another beautiful day, they sing. It is a melody that only they can create. It blesses my soul to hear them and then having them sing me towards bed at the close of another great day here. Sitting on the porch rockers listiening to them late in the evening is the best tonic for a good night's sleep.

Lifting my praises along with the birds,

Deborah

By the way we reach a hot 75* today!