tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46296977851808534672024-03-13T09:47:43.917-04:00Yard of Barreds and BuffsThe Barred Plymoth Rock Chickens and Buff Orpington Chickens on Two Valley FarmTwo Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-13759708533041712672013-07-02T13:52:00.001-04:002013-07-02T13:55:11.174-04:004 & 2 week old Red Golden Pheasant Chicks<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The older four week old enjoys the company of the younger chicks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkdDvPeVe_k/UdMTckfxpxI/AAAAAAAAAWo/YSaDQ4YEyF0/s640/blogger-image--1206131288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkdDvPeVe_k/UdMTckfxpxI/AAAAAAAAAWo/YSaDQ4YEyF0/s640/blogger-image--1206131288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The chicks have been the brooder house for a week already. The two week olds are feathering out nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lj2CvZR4SEU/UdMTd4CmG-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/BQpOtD7qEQk/s640/blogger-image-1369607144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lj2CvZR4SEU/UdMTd4CmG-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/BQpOtD7qEQk/s640/blogger-image-1369607144.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The re-purposed playhouse (formerly the infirmary) is now the Brooder House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0sdvF7guM0A/UdMTbJvij4I/AAAAAAAAAWg/ubf5ljAqyn8/s640/blogger-image--1598597994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0sdvF7guM0A/UdMTbJvij4I/AAAAAAAAAWg/ubf5ljAqyn8/s640/blogger-image--1598597994.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Two of the windows have been screened along with the window panels in the door. There is the familiar brooder lamp hung in the corner which comes on in the evening with a low wattage bulb to take any chill off. Even with the hot temps and humidity I still find the chicks huddled together under the light in the morning. </div>Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-31007501111028667522013-06-16T14:56:00.001-04:002013-06-16T14:56:02.491-04:00New Red Golden HatchWe were sitting around the dining room table last evening having cake and ice cream with the family when there was heard a few loud 'peeps'. At first I thought it was the two week old Red Golden chick who has been upstairs patiently waiting for the newbies to arrive. I then realized it had to be coming from the office where the incubator is set up. The first peep hatched out around 10 PM. By 1:00 AM there were 4 and now at 8:00 AM there are 6!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5890156557005939954'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQk36ECDebw/Ub4KLmPG5PI/AAAAAAAAAV8/47h1a1grUcg/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5890156588469716594'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7i4NRyvsLP0/Ub4KNbcqBnI/AAAAAAAAAWE/agIH-1B5dAo/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another egg just pipped so after the zipping is done, number seven will be added. <br /><br />Here are the six 16 hour olds in the small brooder already.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5890156622548167794'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1DT_LP4bEsg/Ub4KPaZl7HI/AAAAAAAAAWM/4_m321ZYp6A/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This has been a very successful hatch. The incubator allows for more control of the hatch and keeps the peeps protected after they hatch. These little ones are so darn cute. <br /><br /><br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-40140042374780749982013-06-10T11:03:00.001-04:002013-06-10T11:03:50.010-04:00Weed Eating Chickens With recent rain and new mulch, the chickens have become the yard weed-eaters and earth tillers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5887870090739956914'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9XZdpHn2-Y/UbXqpvozvLI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7qeCQgBgj_M/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The red golden pheasants have laid their eggs for the season. I also have an incubation going that is into the last week's stretch. This year presented its challenges. The mixed bag of early Spring weather caused the hens to get out of synch. Eggs began to appear however they weren't sat on until after the cold snap was gone. Have one peep from a live hatch, and looks like five developing in the the bator. <br /><br />Pearly the Buff Orpington, mysteriously came up lame, not being able to walk. I put her in isolation for three days. Her appetite was unaffected, her general appearance had not diminished, no bumble foot or other signs of any open cut or wound. She even laid two eggs, during her three days of r & r. By day three she was itching to get back with the flock. Still do not know what happened to her. She thankfully still remains my faithful morning greeter. <br /><br /> <center> The Country Chicken Wellness Clinic</center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5887870118730494162'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N1uA73bqo-I/UbXqrX6RcNI/AAAAAAAAAVU/6EzBnitgbbE/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This old kiddie play house worked out perfect to keep the cats and others away while Pearly convalesced. Had to make sure all the shutters were closed including the ones on the back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5887870149223857058'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rbacrE7K6v0/UbXqtJgdO6I/AAAAAAAAAVc/duuRAmpLHGo/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The garden is coming along. The Stonehead cabbage is very hardy. The Yukon Gold potatoes are doing well. The tomato and pepper plants from the neighbor are coming back strong. (Shortly after planting, the starlings came along and snipped the young plants close to the ground). <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5887870245358455250'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HKninOwdkPM/UbXqyvouydI/AAAAAAAAAVk/YxVBKLJFjyo/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='211' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Looking forward to seeing how well the acorn and straight neck yellow squash will do this season. The starlings even went after the young cucumber plants which had to get re-seeded. The squash was planted in a different spot in the garden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5887870277709262194'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OzPIddClL5k/UbXq0oJw7XI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pD0yYnvRdnE/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-47747003749779389662013-04-14T21:16:00.001-04:002013-04-14T21:16:32.967-04:00Red Golden Pheasant eggsIt's definitely that time of the year! Now there are seven eggs deposited in the nesting box. Watching to see when the hen will go broody.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5866876171188954722'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sj7qETmyDvY/UWtUyyzr5mI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Judo9CYWrxo/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Found a loner egg in the other pheasant location and placed in the void in the picture above. <br /><br />This evening while shutting all the doors to the birds, I ducked in to see if there were more eggs. Now there are nine!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5866876220511969106'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uapbCwn549k/UWtU1qjNX1I/AAAAAAAAAUs/XVQ6T_puNFA/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tonight maybe we'll get a glimpse of the Northern Lights! ...<br /><br />Wonder if anyone in these parts saw them. As for me, I feel asleep. Haven't seen any Facebook or Twitter chatter about.<br /><br />This evening's nest inspection, another pheasant egg.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5866876290429632802'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uX-toMnMxns/UWtU5vA4QSI/AAAAAAAAAU0/tjSLsMYpDWg/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-6812180018713003412013-04-06T21:54:00.001-04:002013-04-06T21:54:39.680-04:00Springing into Spring!Finally, we were able to enjoy a warm Spring day. Took in a local farm estate sale. It was the first day people could think about spending some time extended time outside. Amish and English were in full number to canvas the old homestead of a friend. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5863917329982948994'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBCijgr8daI/UWDRvkXkBoI/AAAAAAAAAT0/p8GrbN3lwA0/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After the auction, it was a trip down the Ohio River, before heading home. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5863917360483087458'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PhM5F-U9bz8/UWDRxV_XNGI/AAAAAAAAAT8/eDsMrMYWM98/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The garden was tilled, to get ready for some seed planting! The chickens loved getting into the freshly exposed ground, full of earthworms and other chicken delights. The pastures are starting to dry out. Slowly the muddy mess will go away and the green grass will overcome.<br /><br />Last weekend I had a hand of hauling round bales. It was fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5863917392594291986'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S838g60jSOE/UWDRzNnRTRI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ty5OsBZsWN8/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5863917421169191698'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9XNabNQraIU/UWDR04EDqxI/AAAAAAAAAUM/utYwAmP5D4U/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One of the hens with the Golden Pheasant, has started to lay some eggs! It was a surprised to discover these four this morning. They are smaller in size in comparison to the chicken eggs. I'll be watching these closely. Hopefully there will be more eggs laid and then one of the hens will sit.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5863917449199220450'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hrIarJyZegM/UWDR2ge79uI/AAAAAAAAAUU/CopqicYOMmk/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-69800488630497533772013-03-29T20:10:00.001-04:002013-03-29T20:10:40.058-04:00Mockingbird; Seasons Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kikQ2H6UG54/UVOnhBG4UkI/AAAAAAAAATU/bYu0WojouRU/s1600/ColdMockingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kikQ2H6UG54/UVOnhBG4UkI/AAAAAAAAATU/bYu0WojouRU/s320/ColdMockingbird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spotted this Mockingbird along the creek this past Sunday. Its feathers were all fluffed up keeping warm while snowflakes started to fall. Just the day before it was sunny and warm like early Spring days are suppose to be. One thing is for certain the days are getting longer. The Barred and Buffs egg production is proof. They love to free range all over the place. They still enjoy scratching through any mulch they can find, specially since now the ground is softer and bit green.<br />
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If one looks and pays attention there continue to be signs of Spring. The Red Winged Blackbirds are back. Wild flowers are perking up out of the blanket of Autumn leaves. Saw a lot of Colts Foot over the weekend.<br />
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Tomorrow is suppose to be in the 50's. Need to start thinking about tilling up the garden and getting it ready for at least some lettuce seed and some beets. It is hard to image it is the end of March and there are no seeds planted in the garden.<br />
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Here's what the peeps looked like last year when the Barreds were 5 wks old and set out in the coop.<br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-43874663464439810412013-02-24T18:00:00.001-05:002013-02-24T18:00:12.457-05:00Snow Drops & Amish Friendship BreadA former resident of the farm house at some point in time planted some <i>galanthus elwesii</i> bulbs. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5848657979501873554'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eg0anQkMHKI/USqbceD2iZI/AAAAAAAAASo/CuxXWn2cZbg/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These small flower stalks began appearing a few weeks ago peering out of the snow. I discovered them somewhat by accident a couple of years ago after I cleaned out what looked like a small flower bed bordered by old now displaced bricks. Here they are again, and are commonly known as Turkish or Giant Snow Drops. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. Research shows the flowers bloom in the Winter before the vernal equinox 20-21 of March and are not necessarily an early sign of Spring. They are a cheerful sight and though not the true heralds of Spring, they inspire it's anticipation none the less.<br /><br />Two years ago I was given some Amish Friendship Bread starter. Since then there have been several batches made and shared. I would typically freeze at least one of the extra starters. One of them was discovered yesterday afternoon. So this is day one of a total of ten before the batter will become bread. It is a sweet treat to have on a chilly night. Until then there will be the aroma of the activity of fermentation.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://thehappyzombie.com/pdf/amish.pdf">The Recipe</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-78296445126034726642013-02-15T19:35:00.001-05:002013-02-16T09:37:50.407-05:00How about a Little Bull!Here's the new addition to the farm. He is a little bull calf. (Verified)<br />
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He was born during the warm break in the Winter weather in the middle of January just before it turned into single digits.<br />
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Nemo, the Snow Storm, missed us and this weekend will be on the sunny warmer side. The snow and ice has been thawing and freezing. Since the ground hog saw his shadow, it is hopeful thinking Spring will show earlier signs of its arrival. Until then it is going to be a muddy mess.<br />
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This <i>Red Bellied Woodpecker</i> was out front, picking around on the big old maple tree. It was a delight to see with its brilliant color against the dormant palette of Winter. <br />
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Here's the indoor round pen, with the ride-in gate. Until it gets warmer and drier, this is the training round pen. It is a take off of the Amish round pen where Reina was trained. The panels are interlocking and movable which offers flexibility as to where it can be placed.<br />
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Summer 2012 was very dry and affected the yield of hay baled required to take care of the horses and cattle during the colder months. Thankfully the alfalfa field did well enough to provide feed for the horses which should last through the remainder of the Winter, leaving all the hay for the cattle.<br />
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Thoughts advance to Spring!<br />
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Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-7820416709809484492013-01-17T20:15:00.002-05:002013-01-17T20:15:50.710-05:00Winter Chickens and HorsesNo pictures to post with this entry. It has been a good while since I have posted something to this blog of mine. The chickens continue to lay eggs during these darker months, some days 7-9 and then on others up to 12. No artificial lighting is being used. Pearly- one of the Buffs continues to run and greet me whenever I open the coop door or when the gang is allowed to free range, she will always come running and let me pick her up. <br />
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These chickens sure do eat the feed. They love the horse feed that has oats and molasses in it as well as some ground corn. That's their treat in the evening when they come back to the coop. I have noticed some of the Barreds are now roosting up in the rafters and not on the roosting perches provided. It makes for more clean up since the roosting perches have a 'landing pad' making clean up a breeze. These gals sure can mess up a coop pretty quick. 2 Weeks is about all it can go before a deep clean is in order for the coop and the dormant garden gets some fertilizer.<br />
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Reina the Saddlebred has been home and has presented challenges once she got back with the 'herd'. I continue to work with her and hope to have her in 'shape' in the Spring. The Winter weather here has been mild and very wet. The immediate pasture is a mud-hole. We have had VERY warm weather for the Winter. <br />
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The Spring Red-Golden Pheasants whose hatching I documented here earlier are all doing well. There are more males to females. Looks like I have another Yellow Golden and a couple of Splash (mix of Red and Yellow Golden) males to one hen. They will be separated in the early Spring and more than likely sold since that many male roosters can't co-exist together. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-34291743499844049552012-11-11T20:49:00.000-05:002012-11-12T07:20:55.484-05:00The Horse Barn - the Arena and a 15 egg day!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5809737486624535602'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1CWHVFFUQC4/UKBVdniGtDI/AAAAAAAAARQ/Hyv_Mpv8eTQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The horse barn is shaping up. It was a Spring Cleaning day taking advantage of the high 60 temperatures. The arena wall got a face lift with some minor repairs and a new coat of white paint. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5809737650969959426'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0Q3xYX9z9U/UKBVnLxG3AI/AAAAAAAAARY/IjUSZZ3z8fU/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After a hard days work, looks like the hens were busy too! A new record, 15 fresh eggs were discovered. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/cheetahbrez/YardOfBarredsAndBuffs?authkey=Gv1sRgCJahi5bU_NP7twE#5809900377888967138'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_vOXIcdHuw/UKDpnIx6yeI/AAAAAAAAARs/ahRsrx6Szhg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Finally a little fence work rounded out the weekend!<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-65144220706817956072012-11-03T13:11:00.000-04:002012-11-03T13:12:57.061-04:00Reina the Two Year PhillyWe went to see Reina, the two year old American Saddlebred, philly who has been with the Amish now for almost a week. We just missed seeing her in the round pen. She was stalled and behaving well for only five days into training. The trainer has been riding her already and she is getting use to being hitched with the saddle on her. <br />
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The trainer, John, indicated she is coming along as expected and she is smart. The next scheduled visit is in two weeks. Then we'll be picking her up right around Thanksgiving. <br />
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While visiting, the farrier, Toby, was re-shoeing a horse. We chatted with the couple who owns the horse. They are from Tyler County, WV and have had numerous farriers out to their farm. They said they will continue to drive the distance to have the Amish shoe their horse, Toby is that good.<br />
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They said when they got there John was on Reina in the round pen and they could tell she was a young horse. They were a bit surprised when they were told she had only been with him for five days. That's our girl!<br />
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While Reina is away, there are preparations being made for her when she returns to continue her training as well as mine.Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-58275645034605229272012-10-27T13:36:00.002-04:002012-10-27T13:36:59.823-04:00Moving Day; Its GoldenGoldie, my first Golden Pheasant and his harem of three hens were moved into the outdoor pen this morning. It has been a long time coming. He feathered out nicely after the molt this year with an attractive long tail. This arrangement will be much better for them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldie and two of the three hens</td></tr>
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A few more perches need to be installed for them and some landscaping -
I'll be on the hunt for some interesting rocks and fallen limbs to give
them places to check out and explore.<br />
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Autumn's brilliance is spent. However there is this one lone tree on the farm that stands out from the crowd of now barren trees. It is stunning against the drab background of the greys & rust tones which mark the impending dormancy of Winter. <br />
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Perseverance prevails! Reina will be starting training this week! She'll will be on an Amish farm for a month. We finally found the Amish man who trains horses. The Amish are not plugged into the rat race and all its complications. After repeated visits to various farms during the Summer, finally the time was right and the communications began to make this happen. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reina the 2 yr American Saddlebred</td></tr>
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Looking forward to getting her back and riding during the colder months. <br />
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The chickens are enjoying the cooler weather and are usually by the chicken house door chopping at the bit to get out and forage around, unless of course they are in the nesting boxes laying eggs. <br />
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Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-90163458406741286722012-10-14T19:53:00.001-04:002012-10-14T19:53:40.086-04:00A ReunionIt was a blissful colorful Autumn day with a warm breeze and sunshine. A wonderful day to get the chicken house cleaned out and refreshed before the weather gets too cool. A benefit of free ranging the chickens is having them out and not inside, while getting their space spiffy. Plus the addition of all natural lawn fertilizer. The grass should really be green in the Spring. <br />
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After some target shooting, two on lookers showed up and then there was; "What's that up in the woods?" At first glance my eyes caught the movement of black fur, (bear? . . .) and then the animal came into full sight. What the heck! It is a rather young calf that looked very hungry. My job was to get around it and drive it back to where all the Moms were. Yesterday the cattle were moved and this little one was inadvertently left behind. This calf was swift on its feet and in no time it raced its way to the fence where there was help to open the gate. (It was more like me catching up, hee) But it ran into the barbed wire and with a little help successfully made it through the fence. It came upon a black cow and asked; "Are you my Mother?" Nope with a rather sharp nudge received it continued to hang with her. After some encouragement the cow and this little one, joined the larger group of cows and in no time Mamma Ghost made a bee line to the calf, sniffing and licking. The calf was quick at getting to some nourishment. It was quite a sight to see. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-90445699103164411902012-10-08T08:33:00.000-04:002012-10-08T08:33:00.744-04:00Mulching HensI found a neat blogger up in Massachusetts who has chickens and a classy and informative blog. One of the posts she wrote mentioned how her chickens love to get into mulch. Well, my hens found it yesterday. Now it looks like a professional landscaper was here to refresh and weed the mulch bed. Ha, Ha. Ha. Thankfully there weren't any noteworthy flowers or plants in the bed. Will definitely make a note of this.<br />
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I put on my IT hat over the weekend and managed to figure out some networking & remote viewing capabilities. So what's your IP, gateway mask and port, blah, blah, blah. It took some time to figure it all out. I must say the data/voice tech did an amazing job specially in light of being told it was his first assignment. The manual was absolutely useless. The hardware being set up is pretty nice but the manual definitely wasn't written or printed here. Has anyone noticed the smallness of fonts used these days, with prescription glasses it still took getting the magnifying glass out to catch bits and pieces of set up detail. Thankfully it all came together with everything working properly. <br />
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<span id="goog_1520593746"></span><span id="goog_1520593747"></span><br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-38398646725115384832012-10-01T20:59:00.000-04:002012-10-01T21:02:37.336-04:00Harvest Time<b><span style="font-size: large;">Y</span></b>esterday morning was pleasantly cool. The hens were eager to get out and roam on the dew covered grass. I picked what might be the last of the various hot peppers and green peppers. Yesterday's yield of eleven eggs inspired me to consider making an egg baked dish suitable for microwaving at the office. Here's the pre-baked picture.<br />
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It is basically a crust-less quiche. It was made with breakfast sausage crumbles that were fried up in advanced, green pepper, onion, fresh crushed garlic, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Hungarian hot peppers for a mild kick. My taste tester gave it the thumbs up. Hee! This turned out to be a nice warm breakfast treat. <br />
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Here's what was found under the floor of the front door. It is an old plastic ad sign for Massey Ferguson. What can I say, except this is an old farmhouse. Apparently they were making use of what they had. <br />
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Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-75145782639422237212012-09-28T07:56:00.002-04:002012-09-28T08:01:45.404-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Free Ranging Chickens</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The hens are out! What a surprise to come home and see the hens scattered around the backyar<span style="background-color: black;">d</span></span></span><span style="background-color: black;">.</span></span><span style="background-color: black;"> </span></span></span>I have to remember the Buffs are younger than the Barreds by two months. Apparently Monkey and Jewels,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">the cats thought the hens were something to go after. They were over that when I got home, hee! The Hens managed to take care of themselves and the younger cats have respect now for them.</span> </span></div>
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The Barreds and the Buffs interact well with one another but they still tend to stick with their own. Last night after everyone went into the chicken house, all the Barreds were roosting together with the exception of one who was roosting with the majority of the Buffs. Two Buffs were with the Barreds. It is funny to see how they arrange themselves. <br />
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The egg production is still up, even though the days are getting shorter. The shortage of light might affect the younger Buffs more than the Barreds who have been laying for three months now.<br />
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Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-10841791240655533492012-09-24T20:06:00.000-04:002012-09-24T20:06:06.310-04:00Frost in the ValleyThere was 'frost on the pumpkin' yesterday morning and then again today. The drop in evening temperature has been earlier this year. The hens have found the hen 'condo' as suitable nesting boxes to lay their prized eggs. The move hasn't disrupted the hens from laying at all. All of them seem to feel right at home in their new space. The nearby pheasants have been curious about their new neighbors, specially the rooster.<br />
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The nipple waterer is slowly catching on. In a given day these gals go through every bit of 2 gallons of water. Every day I typically rinse out the fountains with a mixture of bleach and good old water, and then refill them. That hasn't been too bad since I have been doing it during warm weather over the last five months. But with the temperatures on the decline that won't work as well. I'll use the open heated water bowls for the pheasants and doves, like I have done in the past. But the hens go through so much more water. Plus open water with chickens isn't the best. Hopefully everyone catches on to the nipple waterer. Look for pictures if indeed this works. It seems like it will and it might take me weening the hens off the water fountains to encourage the results. From my observations chickens seem to be pretty quick to adapt to change.<br />
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Autumn has become my favorite time of the year. The contrasts in light increase as the angle of the sun is lower in the sky. The shortening of days seems more noticeable to me, than the lengthening of days in the Spring. The Autumn air gets crisp and the warm colors bring cheer to the soul before the chill of Winter. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-45704830080266446512012-09-22T17:11:00.000-04:002012-09-23T08:22:50.079-04:00Early Autumn<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ere it is early Autumn. Where did the Summer go? The mixed flock of Barred and Buffs are doing well. Today all 17 hens were moved into the block hen house. It offers larger accommodations with more protection from the elements. After they are allowed to identify their new digs as home, they will be allowed to free range. At least one of the Buffs has started to lay. The egg being much smaller than what the Barreds are now laying. It is amazing to see how these hens have grown. They have such gentle personalities making them even more enjoyable. I never seem to tire watching them scratch around and how they interact with each other and me.</div>
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Here is one of the Barreds figuring out where she wants to lay her egg. So many choices . . . what is a girl to do?<br />
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The Barreds at six months are laying consistently. We have been getting anywhere from 5-8 eggs a day. Some of the people I work with have been buying eggs. So there are always fresh eggs with good turn over. Last weekend was the first batch of deviled eggs I made with them. Yummy!</div>
Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-37905996454667844702012-09-03T21:32:00.002-04:002012-09-03T21:32:53.569-04:00Full Chicken Coop & Yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Barreds and Buffs are getting along just fine. The Barreds though have the edge. The Buffs are sweet and laid back about it. I can now pick up the Buffs without too much fuss. I'm thankful to have a mixed flock. Each breed has its own look about it. The Buffs are just now starting to get some pinkish red in their combs and wattles. The Buffs at four months will be laying soon. We are consistently getting upwards of 8 eggs a day now. There is a difference in egg shape and color between the hens. There are variations of color also in the egg shell from a creamy light tan to a medium brownish tan. <br />
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It is now official. Sold our first six dozen organic brown eggs last week. I have another delivery scheduled for tomorrow. We aren't at full capacity with the hens yet and we can't keep up with consuming the daily output. Once the word gets out I look for more people to begin approaching me for their fresh eggs delivered to them at work. <br />
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The weather this Summer has been dry with the day temps staying in the mid to high 80's however this Labor Day Weekend has been wet and humid, some of the remnants of Hurricane Isaac.. The hay fields have been baled twice this year however the second cutting wasn't as abundant as the first. With the drought everyone's hay will be at a premium this Winter. The angle of the sun is noticeably lower in the sky making for the sharper contrasts in light and color of late Summer and then into the early Autumn with its brilliance. I look forward to the crispness in the air removing the hot and humid air of the remnants of Summer. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-16653975951227841972012-08-12T06:30:00.000-04:002012-08-14T08:00:04.186-04:00The Dog Days of SummerWow, it is already August 14, 2012! Went on vacation for a week to Penobscot Bay area in Maine, two weeks ago. (Big thanks to the neighbors who took care of the animals so we could get away). Very pretty part of our country! Never having been to New England before it was a real treat. Lots of little clean, and sparkling towns along the way. They are old towns but everything looks freshly painted and like new. Then of course there is the North Atlantic coast. Much different than the low land beaches of the Carolinas, Georgia or Florida. Lots of peninsulas and bays.<br />
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Was able to do some kayaking on Megunticook Lake which was a very fun experience! Went to see the lighthouse at Owls Head. In this case there were lots of steps to climb to get to the lighthouse itself. <br />
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Our time in Maine wrapped up after attending the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. On our way out of town it was off to the pier to buy fresh lobstah at <a href="http://www.knightmarineservice.com/">Knight Marina</a>. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-86041423933708724032012-08-11T16:19:00.001-04:002012-08-11T17:46:48.338-04:00Finally a Yard Full of Barreds & Buffs!The day finally arrived when the remaining Buffs could be added to the already established flock of Barreds. This all started the end of February, 2012 and here it is close to six months later and all the chickens are all together. Wow! We have a lot of chickens. 8 Barreds and 9 Buffs.<br />
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They seem to all get along as well as a hens can. Pecka, the rather large Barred hen definitely let the newbies know she rules the roost. At two months behind the Barreds, the Buffs are similar in size but still have that juvenile look about them. It appears they are all going to do just fine! <br />
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We are getting 7 eggs a day now from the Barreds. One can definitely appreciate the quality of egg they lay. Fresh eggs actually taste like eggs. I didn't realize what I was getting at the store was so tasteless until now. <br />
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I like the contrast in coloring between the two breeds and I am very pleased with their development and dispositions.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadTwo Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-13358075290997927882012-07-21T20:49:00.001-04:002012-07-21T20:49:17.084-04:003 Eggs a DayThis morning produced a Jumbo egg!<br />
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Another visit later in the morning revealed two more eggs. Breakfast was a treat as well when one of the eggs was a double yolker.<br />
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Gas line repair and trees were cut off the fence line today and the fallen apple tree was burned up. The larger pieces of the trunk and bigger limbs will be cut up for firewood.<br />
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linehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNx1_cF5vZw&feature=youtube_gdata_player<br />
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Among all of today's blessings, memories of my Aunt Becky would bring a smile to my face. She gently passed away on July 19. Her life was a blessing to me and I celebrate her life here with thanksgiving! <br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uMgbMiiveX4/UAtN_CU8OyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/4quZedS-ESg/s640/blogger-image-1328921668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uMgbMiiveX4/UAtN_CU8OyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/4quZedS-ESg/s640/blogger-image-1328921668.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8BP5Byeopb4/UAtOBiSv_SI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4MFHxA1mSvs/s640/blogger-image-619182127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8BP5Byeopb4/UAtOBiSv_SI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4MFHxA1mSvs/s640/blogger-image-619182127.jpg" /></a></div>Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-24695779768269112422012-07-19T21:55:00.000-04:002012-07-19T21:55:27.407-04:00OH Drought and Yet AbundanceNow experiencing 3 eggs a day! from the Barred Rocks. They are my happy cackling hens! Always happy to see me. The Buffs are still developing. Patiently waiting until they can be introduced and join the Barred hens. The Red Golden chicks are living with the Buffs is a peaceful environment. Looks like I have 5 roos and one hen! Gonna have to go to market with that many roosters. I'll more than likely keep the hen. We are still in need of rain. Might affect the hay this year. With the drought going on. Right now the forecast is calling for rain. Hopefully that will happen. The garden is doing okay. The Ambrosia corn is soooooo sweet this year dispute the lack of rain! <br />
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Still having some opportunity lining up an Amish trainer welling to break the 2 year old fillies here. it might come down to me, a green horn. Oh my!<br />
<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-60568396031315150402012-07-12T20:40:00.001-04:002012-07-12T20:44:53.478-04:00Got Gas?Now that the Seneca deep horizontal well has been tapped, interest has piqued once again in the volume potential of the surrounding area for wet gas. Geothermal testing lines in the neighboring county were laid this week and now are gone. Will be looking to see the wet/dry lines being updated. Meanwhile, the Barred Rock egg production is on the raise on the farm. Two eggs in one day! The Buffs are still growing along with the still Red Golden pheasants. The rooster has been molting. He doesn't look so handsome these days as he sheds his feathers and they are replaced with new ones that will get him through the Winter and the next breeding season in the Spring of '13. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aNg21smJyD4/T_9uc4-kv8I/AAAAAAAAAMU/lUNnP2nQrNg/s640/blogger-image--1263766450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aNg21smJyD4/T_9uc4-kv8I/AAAAAAAAAMU/lUNnP2nQrNg/s640/blogger-image--1263766450.jpg" /></a></div>Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629697785180853467.post-61166349306635232492012-07-07T17:19:00.003-04:002012-07-07T17:19:51.763-04:001-2-3 & 4Wow, our fourth egg from the only 4 month and some Barred Rocks. It is a delight finding these gems in the nest box. The eggs are progressively getting bigger. Still not quite the size of a Grade A Large just yet. Some of the hens seem to have nice size waddles and combs which makes one think they could be roos, but as of yet I haven't heard any crowing making me wonder now if there even is a roo in the flock. <br />
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Reina, the Pinto American Saddlebred is coming along on training. She and I are both novices with no 'formal' training. Still attempting to line up an Amish person to break Reina and Flirty. We tooled around the Amish countryside nearby and went to several houses and eventually left a note at one. This will require more follow up since the Amish do not use electric, etc and it takes driving out there and finding them. Reina has a halter on, and can take having the lead rope on her. She really enjoys the grooming treats, and has had the saddle blanket on her. This weekend, I'll see how she handles the saddle on her. All the horses take in the grooming. They will get fly sprayed today. Ace the gelding who stands at 17+ hands is the only one that doesn't seem to like the sound of the bottle sprayer. So he gets wiped down with the repellent.<br />
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The red golden pheasant chicks are growing nicely and are flying around more. Last evening while refreshing their water supply and feed, one of the larger pheasant chicks and one of the smaller ones came up missing. There are overhead roof rafters that have some tin and pipe up on them. I hoisted myself up on the ledge to discover both of them had flown and hopped up into them and were standing on the rafters. The rafters are about 7 feet high and for these little ones it is an amazing feat. The half wall between them and the chickens is no longer a barrier. One of the smaller pheasants, again negotiated the wall with no problem and joined the Buffs. Looking like a mouse with wings, the chickens started clucking and carrying on. Thankfully they didn't go into attack mode. I'm sure it would have offered an entertaining sight to anyone watching me try to retrieve this little feathery and flighty cutie.<br />
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The Buffs are coming along. (They are a little more skittish than the Barreds). Once I pick up one of the Buffs up it will calm down but they don't come to me like the Barreds do, every time. The Barreds still greet me and enjoy perching on me if they can and break into a chorus of louder 'graah-graah' cackling sounds. They also follow me around in their yard.<br />
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Check out the cackling . . .<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZhP5gsVzos&feature=youtube_gdata_player">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZhP5gsVzos&feature=youtube_gdata_player</a><br />
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Outside of their cheerful chorus heard in the link above, they are typically quiet. <br />
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<br />Two Valley Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115734964419675532noreply@blogger.com0