Saturday, January 12, 2013

Chickenland 2013

We're enjoying a brief January thaw.  As tempertures slowly rise to the mid 50's, the deep snows from several weeks ago retreat.  The chickens aren't real thrilled about the cold, white stuff.  Besides, who enjoys walking around in one's bare feet in the snow?  The warm ground is a treat as is basking in the sunshine now that the wind has laid.
The chickens get a steady diet of layer chow all through the winter.  Occasionally as a special treat, we warm up a little fresh frozen kahl and set it out for their enjoyment.  Sometimes this is sprinkled with some meal worms for a little protein kick.  The protein helps keep them warm and a warm meal in winter is always pleasant.
Flirting

Our big rooster's name is Sandy.  All the girls love him.  He's calm and is very much the flirt.  When a bowl of treats is brought out, after making sure that it's okay and safe, Sandy calls to the girls with a soft 'kah-kah-kah' noise.  As they approach, he picks up a choice piece from the bowl, then gently offers it to one girl and the other, until all have been given something.  They then go ahead and have their fill.  

Junior approachs the bowl
Once all the girls have had attention, our other rooster, Junior, steps up for his share of the treats.  The boys get along well with only an occasional kerfuffle.  There is about a month difference in their ages but their demeanors are similar.   

Someone asked me about the differences in coloration and markings.  All of our chickens are Americaunas except one, Inky.  Our jet black orphan chick, may be a Barred Rock but that's okay.  She's very friendly and will come over and hop into your lap if you come and sit in the chicken house.  She lays a brownish pink egg as opposed to the blue, blue-green eggs that the others lay.  The differences in color among the other chickens reflects the variety within the breed.

Both Sandy and Junior are Wheaten as is Little Miss.  Goldie is a Buff while Missy is considered a Blue.  Molly and the other girls are all classed as silver.  To read more about Ameraucanas check out http://www.ameraucana.org/index.html .

Otherwise, all has been well in Chickenland and the eggs keep coming.  Shorter days means fewer eggs, but still enough for our personal needs.  What's most important is everyone is warm and happy and looking forward to the fresh sprouts come Spring!









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