We have 2 generations of Anconas. The first generation is full grown, laying eggs, and ready for eating, if that be there fate, and for most, it is not. Most are females, who will stay as either breeders, or just for eggs. There are 4 Roosters, but only one that will stay for breeding. Joseph (My Poultry Mentor), after a visit to my homestead, told me that one of my non keepers is the head male, so as long as he stays on the homestead the male I want to keep will not fully bloom into all he can be. The keeper was chosen because he is closest, of the 4, to the breed standard, and shows strong vigor in his countenance. The time has come that all males that are not being kept for breeding need to go, to help set the stage for the chosen male to take his place among the females. This also means the females can rest a bit easier, since all 4 boys are "active" and looking for some action. With only one male, of age, the ladies will have fewer advances to either accept or thwart.
I took the 3 over to Yellow House farm, where I started the day helping them process their chickens, then we moved into processing Muscovy Ducks. At the end of the day, once their birds were done, we worked up my 3. I have one in a brine, 1 gallon water, 1 cup salt, 1 cup sugar, soaking for the night, in preparation for becoming dinner tomorrow night. Here is one of them…our first homestead chicken!
I've started a sprouting experiment. I want to feed the chickens "live, green food" all winter. They will be allowed to forage, but in the winter that is not going to get them very far, and grain, while specially formulated for their needs, is well and good, I like the idea of fresh food, too. So I'm going to try sprouting and see how that goes. I have started with some wheat berries, and last night I put them in a half gallon canning jar, soaked them for 24 hours, rinsed, and drained. I will rinse and drain them daily, for the next 7 days. This is what they look like on day one, after the first rinse.
I have done a bit of sewing, and in so doing, have been able to update my Etsy store again…and I'm hoping to have another update in another couple days. The car catchalls make GREAT gifts, especially for folks you may no know super well, but still want to let them know you are thinking of them…folks like teachers, coaches, a great work gift for the office yankee swap, or the like. If you puchase 3 or more they are only $14.00 each. If you want to purchase 3 there is a option in the store. If you want more than 3, send me a message and I can give you a special listing. Also, if you are local, and want to avoid shipping, then select the item, checkout, and email me about when and how to pick it up and pay for it.
Etsy link seems to be broken! Have you thought of doing produce bags? People always ask where I get mine, would be nice to be able to direct them to someone local and get more plastic out of the waste stream: http://www.reusablebags.com/store/acme-bagstrade-produce-snack-organic-cotton-muslin-p-689.html
I fixed the link. Thank you! Those bags are so cool.
Your fantastic, thank you