Buff Orpingtons at 6 weeks

Here are the 7 Buff Orpington chicks at 6 weeks of age. They're pretty much people friendly...they just need a bit more "hands-on" before they get too much older. I think I may be able to make a reasonable guess as to which are pullets and which are roosters.

What a precious face! Even in the ugly half-feathered state! Okay...but look at the crest at the top of "his" beak. It's far more pronounced than the crests of the chicks in the next picture.


The four chicks from left to center, I believe, are pullets. Their crests are barely visible. The "boys" are also developing color on their cheeks already.


Hey...it's a theory. There are distinguishing markings at this stage of the game, so I'm recording my observations... I also marked each of the 3 "boys" with a permanent blue marking pen, on their feet and a spot on a wing, so I could track them a little easier.

The chicks have really...really grown! We need to move to a larger brooder, but the weather is no help! We've had so much rain and snow pack in the mountains this year that everything is at capacity...including the ground! The following picture shows that the stream has come over its banks and is literally flowing through the narrowing between the pasture areas in the South Paddock.


The next picture is showing the stream flowing high on the left, behind the berry vines, and on the right you can see the same stream well over its banks, flowing in front of the big willow.


Once again, the shady summer area is under water. Within 10 minutes of this shot, the water had risen up to the fence post on the far right. When the reservoir is full...it's full. Our stream is fed from the reservoir's overflow. There has never been a time when I've seen this area dry...but it gets interesting to see how high this water will come!


Willow is still in the North Paddock, which is extremely wet too, but does have higher, drier areas. It looks like we're going to need to drop a ton of rock or two in there to get it to be safe. The same on the other end...We need a way to keep the drainage open. Oh what fun... I think I need to buy a bale of 3 way hay and a couple bales of straw, spread it out in both paddocks and let Mother Nature work!

Buff Orpingtons at 4 weeks

It's been 7 days since we added these kids to the family. Everyone is doing well...well enough that we had to step up the tub size this week. These Rubbermaid tubs get a work out around here. They can be used for so many things! I may give serious thought to turning this batch into a plastic pool before they're ready to be out on their own. That has a lot of merit with this many babies. It would be a good way to introduce them to the other hens as well.

They're socializing pretty well too. I try to handle them daily...the cat has met them...that was hilarious, wish the camera had be available! I had put the chicks in the bathtub while I cleaned their tub. It's a great little place for them to hang out...and easy to clean up afterward! Anyway...while I was out scrubbing up, hubby came out to talk to me, and Half Pint decided to introduce herself to the chicks. When Hubby found her, she was lying on the floor of the tub with the chicks climbing on her...that's how this house rolls! Jasmine has bathed all of them at least once.

There are some other things going on here... My peas are up about 2 inches inside their cloche. I'll let them get a little bit taller before I remove the frame and plastic. I'll remove the plastic as soon as the chilly weather gives up. I probably could take it off now...but it helps keep out curious kitty cats. I picked up rhubarb plants and asparagus plants...some day-lilies and I'm not sure if there was anything else...I got a little carried away as it was. I put the rhubarb and some of the asparagus in the beds today, and I put one package of day lilies in a barrel. There's another barrel right beside it...I think I have another package of the same kind...or there's another color too...I'll have to think about cluster or contrast!!

When we built our beds in the very beginning, we covered the bottoms of the beds with hardware cloth. I can't tell you how incredibly smart that has proven to be! All around the garden, we're constantly stepping into gopher tunnels...that collapse beneath our feet. I want to know where they're tossing all this dirt! I want it back!! LOL!

Our perennials and bulbs are blooming. So far we've seen the camellia bloom, the paper-white narcissus, snow-bells, and some of the daffodils. The thyme...I'm finding thyme in a lot of areas all of a sudden... I'm not sure if I bought that much more, or it's spreading some on it's own... Interesting. Not that I mind. I love the thyme and use it regularly.

My climate here is supposed to be a Zone 9...if that means hot and dry, seasonally wet where it usually doesn't get too cold...not much below 32°, then that's pretty much what it's like here. I'm finding my herbs do much better in the shade here. The summer heat is just too much for most plants. Container gardening only works well with clusters of pots with almost constant drip irrigation. The transpiration rate is just too high in the summer. Containers get too hot and become cookers here in the summer. On the other hand...solar cooking is incredibly easy (I'll bet!)!

Buff Orpingtons Join the Family

Today, we added 7 baby Buff Orpington chicks to the family. They're 3 weeks old, so have their wing feathers, and straight run...so we'll see how my odds work this time. I tend to end up with more roos than hens. Not to worry though... We found a new feed store in Chico! I love the place!

C Bar D Feed in Chico is our new spot to find chicks! They had QUITE a selection! They had two different deliveries of Buff Orpintons...some Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Browns...and more to come. They were in the most incredible greenhouse type tent to keep them nice and warm. What a place! They also had some Mille Fleur...cute as can be...but I'll pass.

This all seems to be good timing... We seem to be missing a couple of chickens out of the blue. One of the Cuckoo Marans is missing and so is the little white bantam rooster with feathery feet. The hen is still here...but we can't find the other two. The Marans have survived many, many months taking care of themselves...so the jury is still out. I'm not so sure about the rooster. He's been the hold out until he gets all the girls in at night...he may still show up with the hen in tow. We'll see...

The babies are in a rubbermaid tote in the living room with a wire top. We've had the joy in the past, and we need to introduce the house kitties to chickens...baby chickens! Half Pint is very interested...probably wants to play...I think not. Pita...well...she wants in the house so badly, I bet she'll leave them be. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. They're precious! May they all be girls, save one!

February: Whisperings of Spring

What makes a girl feel like strutting her stuff and feeling the wind in her face...Spring! Willow is feeling the warmth on her back and the fresh, warm (70°) air. Although it's technically still "winter"... Here in NoCal it sure makes you believe the worst is past. The strawberries are blooming...the first little hint of herbs that self seeded are showing up. Volunteer cilantro is always welcome! Our garlic is reaching for the sky, and the chard is putting on one more burst...though we've had chard available all winter. Our tomato seedlings are being weaned from the house to the greenhouse...and then on into the garden when we're sure there won't be another frost.

I planted snow peas last weekend. After I got the seeds in the ground, I covered the section with a tent of hardware cloth and covered that with plastic. They're starting to sprout pretty good this weekend. They haven't been watered quite as much as I'd have liked, but apparently enough to get the job done!

One thing that has started like crazy, is mosquitoes. Poor Willow! They're giving her a rough time, but not as bad as the flies do. Incidentally, we started Willow on Simplifly this year, hoping to break the fly cycle. I also started her on a general feed-though wormer for the typical varieties, and also ordered the specialty wormers from Horse.com. They make life so much easier! It's too hard to find some things here, and the price, including shipping, beats what I can find locally, if I can find it at all. Speaking of Willow...she's rattling her grain bucket! I guess I know what that means! LOL!

We're also blessed to have camellias this year!! This is the first year I've succeeded in getting a camellia to survive the summer...it can get so hot and dry!...and bloom the

following year. I'm so tickled! Since moving plants like this one into the garden, on the opposite side of the fence from the bamboo (keeps the hottest sun off them) is so successful...THIS is the year to buy gardenias!

I apologize if you're still dealing with feet of snow...Spring is coming...The narcissus say so, so do the snow-drops, and today a daffodil started opening up... Spring really is coming!

First Breath of Spring

Sometimes it's nice to be in California. We get the first breath of Spring as early as the first week of February...like today. It breaks my heart for the sake of friends across the US who are tired, tired, tired of snow...it was 72° outside today. Needless to say, it was a good day to be outside.

We moved Willow back to the south paddock today. It was pretty breezy, and she got a little spooked by some of the moving things, but she held it together very well, and trusted me. I didn't put her halter on for the short walk, but fashioned a quick halter from her lead rope. I have to admit I doubted my decision somewhat at one or two of those "spooky" moments, but she responded well to my voice, and we stopped so she could see what was frightening her. She needs more experience on the lead around the property. She's liable to be a handful out riding. We need to get past that.

We also planted snow peas today. They're under a wire A frame, covered in plastic to help them get off to a good start. Bruce has tomatoes that are getting big enough to go outside...if I'm brave enough! LOL! I'm thinking the greenhouse for a couple of weeks maybe. The weather could stay like this, or similar, but...it could also get downright cold again for a few more weeks. It's always hard to say. Tomatoes could be protected enough if we pay attention. It's a thought... *Ü* I saw a blossom on the strawberries today. That's another little sign... *Ü* Where's my asparagus??

Willow in Winter

It's time for breakfast on a chilly, foggy morning in January. The North paddock drains a lot better than the South paddock, so Willow continues to be there. Bruce has done a lot of work in there, trimming back the brush that has over-taken the area...blackberries, oak, tan oak, honeysuckle... It's all out there.

We've had a lot of rain (snow in the mountains) and now we're into the "fog" season. That's typical for where we live. What's not typical, is the low temperatures that have come along with the fog. We've had a lot of temps below 32° this year. Between the rain and the fog, and the freezing temps, Willow has worn her turnout blanket more than she appreciates. Bless her heart...she really doesn't care for it a whole lot. She appreciates it, once it's in place, but it unnerves her to a degree initially.


Willow would much rather her days were like this... Ok, it was all of about 38° outside, but the sun was out, and she was happy. She's playing Mustang Guard Horse in this shot. She's so attentive! Nothing gets past her! We'd just had a lovely mid-paddock grooming session and mini-bath. Her hocks get really mucky with her turnout on...so I scrubbed her nice and clean and dried her while the sun was out. An hour later she'd rolled in the mud. You have to love them.

Our Trust-Training continues, and works well. Last night I put her turnout blanket on her (started to rain) by myself without having to resort to a lead rope. I admit, a bucket of grain was pretty much essential, but we got the job done, one on one. Usually it takes Bruce to hold her lead rope while I fasten the turnout. It took us about 20 minutes, but she eventually stood still while I stroked her shoulder holding the turnout against her, then let me rub her with the turnout, then the turnout was over her shoulder and on her back and slipped over her withers and down over her rump...SUCCESS!! No starting, bolting, running off!! It was the best feeling! Now, this morning, she bolted out from under it uncharacteristically...but that was this morning. Go figure! We make progress...a little here, and a little there.

Incidentally...she's up to 1100 pounds now. We were feeding alfalfa and 3-way...and I couldn't keep weight on her. I added Adult Horse feed to it...still couldn't quite get those ribs to totally disappear. I switched to grassy alfalfa...and dropped the 3-way...added COB w/Molasses... Still no major improvement. After I talked to my guy at the feed store and he recommended straight grass hay, I tried that...she hated it. She was spoiled by all that alfalfa. It took awhile to wean her off...we did grassy alfalfa and grassy hay through the first cold nights...as much grassy hay as she wanted, and a regular feeding of grassy alfalfa at feeding time. We also bumped up to Senior horse feed... Ahhhh... And corn oil for added calories on super cold nights. Then...I heard what our vet had to say about feeding. No alfalfa grown in our area...don't know why, but...I can imagine. I forget about this area having so many toxic areas. Strictly grass hay and senior feed. I have to admit...she's gained weight and looks much better. She has plenty of spunk without being over-heated. Her ribs finally disappeared. I can feel them, but they're finally under a bit of flesh. Yay! And even in the middle of winter, she's bright and shiny! Gotta love it!

Late Fall 2010 at Rosewood Achers...

The weather has been changeable... Decently pretty one day, soaking and cold the next...Freezing somewhere along the way just for a fun surprise. That means we've had some juggling with the various outside animals, to keep them relatively comfy.

Here in all their glory are my chookies...

The two black hens are Silver Cuckoo Marans and lay "Large" very dark brown eggs, sometimes referred to as chocolate brown eggs. Their names are Crooked Beak and Henny-Penny. The feather-footed "bantams" were adopted from Horse Plus Humane Society before they experienced the dog attack. I wasn't planning to get a rooster...but this fellow is pretty mellow and certainly serves his purpose by herding his ladies in when it's night-fall. His "crow" is so quiet and mellow that it's no trouble at all. We rarely hear it, so we know the neighbors aren't annoyed by it either. We call him "Roo" and the hen hasn't found her name yet. We also haven't had any eggs from her that we're aware of. Since her comb is such a pale pink, I doubt that she's laying right now. That's ok. The other two girls are keeping us well supplied right now. They have a support light in their hen house, partially for heat, and so we continue to have eggs. Don't worry...they both took a good vacation during the summer months. We didn't get eggs for about 2 months. They have an area the size of a horse stall to hang out in...we don't pressure them to conform to nesting boxes. They have them, but select their favorite spots to leave their cackle-berries!

Here's an example of how the topography of my land changes with just a bit of rain... The shot above is in the summer...nice and dry...

This shot is after the first Fall rain...a little mucky, but not desperately bad. This drained off quickly and dried out because the sun came out. And then December came...and with it...R A I N... The rain has caused us to scramble a bit. The mud, combined with a couple of freezing nights (which causes the soil to spread and accept more water even more deeply) has happily turned to severe muck...not good for a horse's feet. Last Saturday morning, I made the executive decision that Willow had to be moved, while we had a break in the weather.

Fabulous decision! Within mere days, the rain came in and decided to stay...for days and days and days on end... Her paddock now looks like this...

It's as though the stream jumps its banks here, and actually runs through the paddock. It got deeper and you could actually see the current within half an hour of taking this picture.

Her lovely spot beneath the trees is completely under water right now. She would easily be belly deep if she walked to the usual bank.

Here you can see the water flowing downstream, coming over the bottom of the fence panel. We get quite a bit of run-off. Fortunately, it does run off...

Bruce has already been out with Willow this morning, making sure the new area is draining. She's gotten it pretty sloppy up there as well, but it's better packed up there. That land has been grazed by cattle in the past, and is more compacted than down by the house. It's still muddy, but only right down close where she comes in to see us and eat. Farther up, it's solid, draining well, and she can get out of the muck.

Although you can't see the top of the mesa, there's a thousand foot mesa just outside my backyard. Makes for nice scenery, but it also makes for some nasty wetness too. That's one reason we use raised beds. I don't have to wait as long for the ground to dry out.

I can see I'm going to be investing a few hundred $$ more in rock for the paddocks. So, I'm off to search out the best price on drain rock in the county! The storms are backed up one after the other. At best we'll get a few hours of cloudy, windy weather between rains. Oh what fun it is to slosh!! Merry Christmas!