The First Incubated Chick Arrival

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Exactly 21 days from the time we put eggs into the incubator, 3 fluff balls were born!  Absolutely amazing to watch a food (eggs) turn into a chick.  Four of the eggs were apparently infertile – we broke them open to determine why they didn’t hatch.  But the 3 eggs that did hatch are now week old chicklets living in our bathroom.

The first chicks born here on the farm.

The first chicks born here on the farm – just a few hours old and drying off in the incubator.

Now that we’ve figured out how our spiffy new incubator works, we’ll hopefully be starting in earnest to hatch more Javas once the egg production picks back up again. (Egg production  generally drops in winter with the short days unless artificial lighting is added to the coop.) 

The mostly yellow chick on the right is a Mottled Java.  The other two have more black on them and they will grow to be Black Javas.  Of course we had a few chicksn that grew to be non-standard colors called “sport” colors, so these chicks could end up with the even more rare Auburn coloring or the gold coloring that runs in the Mottled flock if they carry those genes from their parents.

 

Posted in Chickens, Javas, Poultry

Merry Christmas with SNOW 2012

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Here on our little place, Christmas is a lot like any other day since we have animals that require our care and attention.  The day started before dawn with thunderstorms, rain, and hail.  The dogs braved the weather to go out for a few bathroom breaks today, while the cats lounged contentedly in front of the fireplace (and wondered why those stupid dogs can’t learn to use a litterbox so they don’t have to go outside in the rain).  The chickens seemed to enjoy themselves while hanging out underneath their houses where they were sheltered from wind and rain while eating to stay warm and enjoying some kale as a treat.

The most surprising part of the day was the change from rain to snow.  Yes, the weather man predicted it, but the weather man is frequently wrong so I’m very skeptical when it comes to predictions of snow.  But we ended up with a little bit of a Christmas miracle and got to enjoy 3 hours of blowing snow before it got too dark to see.  It even managed to accumulate just a bit (although not as much as I would have liked).

After getting the chickens their special treat and then put to bed and making sure there was food out for the stray cat that has been staying in the barn, we finally got to start cooking Christmas dinner – and ate it around 9 pm. Now the animals are nestled all snug in their beds tonight and a fire burns on the hearth to keep us warm and cozy in the house.  Another Christmas has come and gone with blessings, love, and the miracle of snow.

**Click on the photos for full view

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

Posted in Farm Life

Letters to Santa 2012

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Did you know that it is the 100 year anniversary of the Letters to Santa program started by the US Postal Service?

This program helps Santa’s elves respond to the voluminous letters written to Santa every year.  These letters don’t always ask for toys or frivolous items.  Letters to Santa often ask for things that many of us take for granted.  This program and its volunteers work hard to help make Christmas wishes come true. Learn more about the program here on the US Postal Service website.  You can also check out this cute video about the program –  video link.

To commemorate this important program’s anniversary, this year’s Christmas stamps depict Santa in his sleigh in a scene that encompasses 4 stamps.  This whimsical scene was also fashioned into an adorable Christmas ornament.  The ornament is 3D metal with 24k gold detailing.  And it’s Made in the USA! (How often do you find ornaments made right here in the USA?)

I didn’t even know about these ornaments until I was standing in line at the Post Office several days ago, but when I saw the ornament I had to have one.  It adds whimsy, sparkle, and the magic of Santa to the tree.  You can get the ornaments at your local Post Office or order one online.

The Letters to Santa commemorative 100th anniversary ornament from the US Postal Service.

The Letters to Santa commemorative 100th anniversary ornament from the US Postal Service.

 

No, the Post Office didn’t pay me to advertise their ornament.  I just love this ornament and wanted to share in case someone else is an ornament collector.  Even though I’m not a kid, I still love the idea of Santa Claus and the magic, mystery, and spirit of giving that the legend of Santa Claus brings to the Christmas season.

Posted in Farm Life
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