Just picked up 8 new chicks this afternoon--2 leghorns, 4 golden comets and 2 black sex-links. When we first started with hens we went for the older dual purpose breeds often recommended for the homestead or backyard grower. But what we really want from them is eggs--rabbits seem so much easier to butcher and we don't have to pluck them so last time we tried ones that are bred for laying. This time I feel more confident raising them more naturally. Last time I tried to make a brooder box as described in Raising Rabbits and Poultry on Scraps but maybe I didn't understand or do it right, had to make quite a few changes. Got the hint from Maggie to put in a plastic jug full of hot water and hung with fleece scraps. Put in a branch for climbing and a pan with turf and soil and grit for them to scratch and peck in. Have a plan for an outdoor coop with compost pile and movable run that my son will build before they are ready to move out in 3 or 4 weeks (he's hoping the snow will go and it won't be too muddy so he can bring in a few logs to the mill to get the lumber he'll need)
Other signs of spring here--lots of seedlings up in the greenhouse, have made 7 gallons of syrup and the sap is running this afternoon, saw bluebirds and put out houses for them this week, hearing the red-winged blackbirds when we get out to walk.
Other signs of spring here--lots of seedlings up in the greenhouse, have made 7 gallons of syrup and the sap is running this afternoon, saw bluebirds and put out houses for them this week, hearing the red-winged blackbirds when we get out to walk.