Broody Hens

I have two hens that are trying to go broody. The one Black Laced Golden Wyandotte is the one that "grumbles" at me every time I go out to check for eggs. Usually I just reach under her and grab the eggs anyway. The second hen, a Buff Orpington,  just started sitting on the "community" nest that a lot of the hens like to use. I've noticed her doing it just the last few days. I took them both and put them in their own pen to keep them off the eggs. I don't want any of them going broody right now since they all have just really kicked in laying. We don't need any chicks right now either. This will also let me know if they are laying or not. I really don't think we've had an egg from the Wyandotte for a long time. The Buff, I think she's still laying. If she's not, she should snap back fairly quickly.

What the Crap??

Doing morning chores yesterday, Dewayne found a litter of new Cals that were cold. The mother had not made a nest or pulled fur. She just had them, in the box which was a plus, but still had not covered them. He promptly got them in the house and tried to warm them. He got 2 back but lost the other three. We kept the two that came back in the house for a few hours to make sure they were good and warm. Later, I went out and made a nest in her box and put the babies in. Fingers crossed that she would take care of them.
This morning, both babies are dead, but now she is building a nest. She pulled fur and everything. What the crap?? This is the second doe this Spring to do the exact same thing. None of the does were bred over the winter so it was early last fall that we had any babies. I wonder if their instincts get messed up or something. Maybe their memory sucks or something; they haven't done it in awhile so they forgot the steps involved. Regardless of why it happened, we will rebreed and give them another chance. Both of these does have had litters before so hopefully all will be normal again the next time.

Remember the "Little Guys"

I had an experience yesterday that helped me remember why I used to shop at a small "mom and pop" store.
Yesterday I went to a "box store" to buy our weekly critter feed. Every week we spend $50-$75 worth of critter feed. To us, that's a lot of money. That doesn't include the weeks that we need bedding or something else critter related. We have been going to this store for ages. When I went to get the meat bird feed, they were out. I asked a store worker if they could see if they had anything in the back, which she did and they didn't.  While I was still in the aisle, a stock boy came over and asked if he could go check the truck to see if they had any they hadn't gotten unloaded yet. Before I could answer him, a manager came over and in her helpful way, said they have a small bag of game bird feed at the end of the aisle. I'm sorry, that bag is about 5 pounds of feed. I'm feeding about 40 birds right now. That bag wouldn't even be enough to feed them all for one day. I felt the helpfulness of the stock boy change as the manager walked up, so I didn't think I should push the subject of him checking the truck as I didn't want to get him in trouble. The manager said I could leave my name and they could call when they get the truck unloaded if they had the feed. Again, I'm sorry but it takes us about a half hour to get to this store. I felt like she was being a little snotty by this time and had had enough. That made me realize why I needed to go back to the mom and pop store that I used to go to.
The mom and pop store actually appreciate the business they get. They go above and beyond for their customers. This store is a little farther for me to go to and is not really on the way anywhere, but is definitely worth the drive. They have always had feed and if they don't have it in the front, they tell you they have it in the back and will go and get it. I sincerely regret the times that I shopped at the big store and spent our money foolishly with people that don't care if you come there or not. You're just a face. To the mom and pop store, they know you by name and know what you need when you come in. It is so worth the extra gas money and the extra time to go to someone who cares and appreciates your business. When I make the next trip to get feed, I will let them know that their customer is back and it was never anything that they had done to make me go elsewhere. They can count on my visit and money every week.

The Little Green Wagon

Our little green wagon is hands down the most used piece of equipment on this farm. We use the wagon for EVERYTHING!!!
I would highly recommend getting at least one of these and if you can afford it, get three, lol.

Here is just a sample of its uses:
**Taking nest boxes from the rabbitry to the barn to get them ready for the does.
**Hauling feed, potting soil, etc
**Bringing firewood from the wood pile to the cabin
**Moving landscaping rocks
**Gathering rabbit bowls and feeders to be washed
**Hauling trash
**We put a carry cage on it to take animals to the butchering area

You get the idea. Don't waste time...go buy one right now. You'll be glad you did.