Friday, April 17, 2009

Free Roto-Tilling and Fertilizer Service



After Jim made a few passes with the roto-tiller in the new garden area, the chickens came in and got all the worms and bugs they could get their little beaks on. They've been out there scratching around all day helping to break up the soil and deposit a little free fertilizer as they go. I can't complain, they work for scratch!

The chicks are two weeks old today. I put the peeps and broilers in a playpen made of chicken wire for the day. They are enjoying the warm sun, scratching in the dirt and seeing all the outdoor sights. They fall asleep in the sun and it's cute to watch them. The big chooks don't seem to pay them much attention so I'm hopeful that they won't think twice about it when the time comes to put them together.



Five more weeks and the broilers should be ready to butcher. We aren't letting ourselves get attached to them so it will be easier. I wish I had more of them, 9 is going to go fast.

Little Sophia, the speckled Sussex, is doing well. She is eating like a champ and seems to be coming along. She's the smallest bird and very sweet. The biggest chick of the layer group is by far Maude, the Welsummer. I put bands on the layers today which is always entertaining. They pick at the leg bands at first trying to get them off. Scarlet's is red and I put a bright pink one on Blanche. I think it fits her personality!

11 comments:

  1. Didn't know there was such a thing as chicken leg bands - great way to tell them apart! My chicks are about a week old - they grow so fast! We have always bought meat birds - none for laying - so this time I can get attached and maybe NAME them!!! Love your chick on the keyboard to the right - cute!

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  2. I'm getting me first meat birds in a few weeks. It should be interesting to see how that goes.

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  3. I love watching chickens, wonderful therapy and entertainment.

    I put assorted colored bands on my chickens too, I have enough chickens and bands that I use two or three bands at a time such as white-navy-white is Darlene.

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  4. I agree with you - chickens make wonderful garden tilling machines! I love the way that every time they see with with a spade or shovel, they come rushing over, because they know I'm about to dig something, and everybody has to get into the hole as soon as I lift out a shovel of dirt. They fight over the worms and then stand there looking at me, waiting for me to take the next scoop. They are such slave drivers!

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  5. I wish I could convince my chickens to go in the garden before I plant it. But the electric fence has convinced them the garden is a Bad Place. :) Might have to make some chicken tractors.

    I can't watch the videos with my slow Internet, but I can imagine. Those chickens are right there when we dig anything around here. :)

    Ron

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  6. Chooks are looking great and glad to see they are earning their keep too. Also, I posted some pictures of some old cookware and need a little help finding out what they are. I could use the help of someone like you. Please take a look and see what you think they may be.

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  7. Love that free roto-tilling and fertilizing!! :) That's something I love about my chickens too...when I dump a wheelbarrow load of manure/straw they are quick to get it distributed around my pasture...they definitely are Cheep labor. :)

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  8. Pink bands! Every chick has to have her bling!!

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  9. Love the video- I love seeing hens "hard at work"!

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  10. I love watching our chickens after Mr. C tills up the garden!! Some of them will grab the worm and run off, only to have the other ones chase her!!

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