Evander and Lyle have departed for parts unknown . . . actually, I know where they have probably gone, but it doesn't pay to inquire too closely into the fate of male poultry. We sent them both to the sale last night, and the two of them brought $75. Fat and sassy: Evander probably weighed 35 pounds, and Lyle was within 5 pounds or so of him.
I will miss watching them, but they were both feeling their oats, and it's a lot calmer down in the chickenlot now that they're gone. And the price they brought will pay nicely for the 14 hens I bought from Leroy the other day, so I am out no cash; always a good thing. They are ready to begin laying any time now, if it will ever warm up a bit, and a couple of them appear to be the sort that lays colored eggs.
He also gave me these two:
They're Silkies. We think they're roosters. We never see one without the other, and they don't go into the chickenhouse at night; I believe they must sleep under it with the turkey hen and the geese. They are loads of fun to watch; they look like teddy bears, or llamas with only two legs. I shall be interested to see whether they develop actual tails, or just that mop of feathers. . .
No eggs much this week; it's too cold. Barely above freezing even in mid-afternoon. I'm having to tote buckets of hot water out to everyone's water troughs in the morning, so it will stay thawed after I break the ice. It's supposed to warm up a little next week, and I'm ready! I like cold weather better when I don't have to go out in it at seven o'clock in the morning.
See that ice? Every blasted morning this week! This morning it was either 4° or 18°, depending on whether you checked the thermometer on the front porch (sheltered) or the one outside the kitchen window (north side, exposed to wind).
On the other hand, the sky's been blue and clear as a bell, absolutely gorgeous! And I've been working at my counter so I can look out the window and watch chickens eating cucumbers, eggplant, and bread crumbs (plus their regular feed, but it's nice that they have some fresh stuff in the dead of winter).
Guineas in the morning, hunkered down under a tree at the end of the garden:
They seem to be slowed down a bit in the cold, so I actually got a picture of them that isn't blurry!
Well it good bye to Evander and Lyle, I love how you name them all and remember who is who.. I see you both deal makers thats great..
Silkies, I love there feathery feet, it will be interseting to see how they grow..
So chickens don't lay when its cold, see I always learn so much here, cool..
Well its been -20 to -30 where I am so I guess we couldn't have chikens unless there house was heated. I to hope it gets a little warmer, they say it will.
Well dear I'll hear from you when you feel all beter...
Posted by: Dianne | Saturday, 17 February 2007 at 11:41 PM
Ode to Departed Turkeys
Farewell, farewell, dear
Holyfield!
And, Lyle - I bid adieu.
You've met your destinies most
Dreaded,
Both defeathered and beheaded.
And we shall all forget you not,
But someday meet you in a pot,
And greet you as we sup on hot
and juicy turkey stew!
RIP
Love those new chickens!
Posted by: Kai | Sunday, 18 February 2007 at 08:40 AM
Ode to Departed Turkeys
Farewell, farewell, dear
Holyfield!
And, Lyle - I bid adieu.
You've met your destinies most
Dreaded,
Both defeathered and beheaded.
And we shall all forget you not,
But someday meet you in a pot,
And greet you as we sup on hot
and juicy turkey stew!
RIP
Love those new chickens!
Posted by: Kai | Sunday, 18 February 2007 at 08:41 AM