Early Autumn

Here 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.

 Here is one of the Barreds figuring out where she wants to lay her egg.  So many choices . . . what is a girl to do?

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!

Got 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.