Things have been very busy for me of late. The Ladies have been doing what chooks do plus a little bit more ;-)
Dottie incubated and hatched 10 out of 12 Khaki Campbell Ducklings eggsin December. Ted Carter kindly allowed me to purchase them from him. All from his white line and are stunning creatures. I am hopeful for some awards in the upcoming poultry show.
Perhaps you are thinking 'she's crossed to the duck side of the force' Ducks are my more serious step into showing. Chickens are very difficult to breed in suburbia. Even if the immediate neighbors can handle a bit 'cockle-doodle-doo' once the Rooster is released from the night box, others one or two doors down may not. I will always love the chooks but they will be pets rather than show birds. The quack of a duck or the low smooth tones of a mature drake (not unlike Kamahl) gives variety to the warbling and running commentary of the ladies as they go about their business.
Cadbury and Quackers are still here, they are moulting and look a little ragged as is Bev, Mackles and Dandy. They loathe being picked up or touched, poor loves, it must be uncomfortable.
On another subject, I've been able to get a hold of some rice hulls. A large bale has made the floor of the winter coop better able to cope with a bit of moisture blowing in from storms. The Ladies love turning it over and it is springy and soft underfoot. I can see why the rice hulls are raved about on many forums. It will be interesting to see how it performs during winter.
Enough for now.
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