A white crested, black Polish and Floozy the Golden Pencil Hamburg, getting a sneak preview of their new digs.
The straw man cometh.
Ruth thinks, (and I agree) that the stone wall in the background looks like something from Europe. I'm OK with that.
The chicks are in this thing together. Most of them have been spending their time in a herd exploring the new environment. Some of them break away and run like a spaz and then come running back to the group.
They look (and are) so tiny! I built the roosts today, using an old and very long sawhorse. You can see it on the left side. I'm planning on doing something different with the old nest boxes. I like how they look, but I don't relish the thought of reaching a hand into those boxes and being greeted by an ornery hen!
I found two quail eggs Saturday, and two more today! Five weeks and three days after hatching, the quail are laying.
53 comments:
Wow, LOVE LOVE LOVE that top photo...something yes..so European about it. Fun update and I'm always happy when I come here and you've got something new up. Must have been because Ruth was in her closet all day so you could get out and work in the barn.
Tell Ruth I assume she took that photo and she did great!!!
Wow! Looks nice! Those chicks have a stylin' new pad! You treat them well. :)
Sandy: You make me happy when you visit! You assumed correctly that Ruth did the photos. She kept taking breaks from her closet and brought me little treats and snapped photos along the way.
Pablo: Thanks to you and the setting of the post, the chicks now have room to roam. Next big step: going outside!
I could sit and watch them for hours. What a great space. I would love to order a print of that photograph by the window Ruth if you ever have prints made.......it is a quiet and beautiful piece of art.....I would like to look at it and live with those chicks every day.
Sharon!!! What a great idea if Ruth sells prints. Me too!!! I can't get enough of that photo!
hahhaa...I can just see her stepping over stuff and trying to get out of her closet, cause that happens to me...but do I bring my hubby treats..no....I whine until he brings me some.
Your coop looks great Don! Isn't it funny how they all cling together when confronted with a scary new situation??? LOL Your birds are looking very well cared for and robust. And just how did Miss Floozy get her name? Do tell.
OMG on the quail eggs!!! Boy, they don't waste any time do they? Can you imagine getting chicken eggs that soon?
I too love the look of the stone wall. The coop looks fantastic- lucky chicks! I had no idea quail would lay so much earlier then a chicken.Their eggs are so beautiful- do you plan to eat any quail?
That black Polish rooster looks so much like a chicken version of Sid Vicious. I think that's why I always liked the Polish roosters best. They are so striking.
I'm sure this opens the possibility of a long yarn, but what's the history of your farm anyway? There's such an odd mix of architectures, and that stone wall is amazing.
This is such a happy place, I'm just trying to get my head and heart around it all. Watching Don imagine this project, plan it, then implement it - and finish it, moving these teenagers into their home . . . I'm just in awe. It's a privilege, let me tell you.
And lucky me, I get to take pictures. I would LOVE to get some photographic paper and send any of you prints of any image you'd like. I would charge only the cost of the paper and postage, and just a bit for handling (my time). I'll look into that. I think our printer is good enough to print on Kodak paper. Don? I know there is a way to sell my photos at Flying, but I've never looked into it. Seriously, I have no desire to make money at it. And if you can save the image at a quality you are happy with, and you have the photographic paper and printer, feel free to go right ahead and pring away! But I'll check into it in the meantime.
Sorry, Don. Your original title of being open for business sorta rings true, eh?
Should be "print away" obviously. But "pring" is kind of a cool word . . .
Ruth, I'm serious about wanting to purchase that one. As the artist there is no reason you shouldn't profit from it, after all you're going to need a LOT of scratch if Don keeps this up!!! Think about it and keep us posted on if you decide to transfer it to Flying and list prints for sale. I'm going to hold off on printing it myself while you mull it over. Thanks! I showed the shot to Larry and he loves it too!!!!
Well.....I can't hold off, because I want to try and draw it (for practice)...I could never do justice to that photo. Ruth thanks so much for allowing people to save it to their computer but if you ever go into the business of selling your photos I'll be first in line. That one on flying today is exquisite.
I won't abuse your offer to save off, ..with every photo you put up but I have to save this one! I mean what if the internet went kapoot some day and I couldn't see it again, haha!
Sandy,
I hope you're please with your drawing enough that you'll feel comfortable posting it. It would be fun to see what you do.
I love your barn! The stone wall adds much character to it and the chicks look like they are thoroughly enjoying the extra space.
Another WOW from me Don...
... It's very inspiring to see someone working as hard as you obviously are!
Now I'm a bit better, maybe I can take a leaf out of your book and crack on and do some serious work!
:D
Don that first picture could be from medieval times or earlier... What a treat... Thank you...
Sharon: Thank you for your nice thoughts. I had a late start today as I just wanted to sit in there with them and watch. I'll talk to Ruth about prints. It's fun to think about sharing the chicks!
Sandy: You're probably not much of a whiner! I think Ruth is making a plan to get you a copy of that photo.
Amy: It is funny to watch them huddle together and then suddenly a group will make a break for a treat and then others come halfway.
Ruth has a red-haired sister and one of the golden pencil hamburg is sporting a nice red head, so we named her after a nickname their Baptist minister father gave her: "Floozy Susie." Maybe it had a different meaning back in the fifties?
Three more quail eggs today!
Unusual: The quail surprised me by about two weeks! The jury is still out as far as the future of the quail. I like getting their little eggs every day!
Heather: I googled Sid Vicious and I totally agree with you! She may not appreciate it, but maybe a name is evolving here.
Loring: This farm started life in 1901. I don't know how old all of the structures are. The barn looks like a version of a Sears Bank Barn. Originally the farm had 200 acres of farmland and pasture. The barn has 10 stanchions for milking cows, plus stalls for calves, and the 15' x 26' coop. The upstairs of the barn was mostly devoted to hay storage. There are three other buildings still standing: a drive through corn crib, a storage shed and another chicken coop, (Ruth's Studio). I found three other ruins in the woods and they look like they were used to house animals of some sort.
Ruth: We're in this together! I am mostly a grunt that grunts around and asks for advice. I like the idea of sharing our photos.
Sandy: I agree with Sharon! Draw away and show and tell!
Carole: There is something deep and old about stone walls. Maybe it takes us back to our genetic roots. I think they are still a little uncomfortable with the amount of space. I'm sure they'll change their minds as they quadruple in size.
Stiggy: You are certainly doing your share over there in Jolly Old England. I'm sorry some of these posts get so long. I may switch to shorter and more often like you recommended. You've got a great life going over there!
Gwen: I loved your post on ssslllooowww. That was so meditative. I like the medieval thought, it reminds me of the magic wand discussion over at Sharon's place.
Wow it looks great! I want to come and sit and watch them run. Nice job.
okay, I'm gonna try it later tonight, I hope I can pull it off. If I can I'll post it, if not, I'll trash it...!!
...I've never seen your links before so am anxious to find the time to check them out and thanks for linking me!! You're a cool bird dude..ha
I can't wait to see your work. I really enjoy your thoughts and ideas.
Peter: Pull up a chair and watch the antics! I'll pour the Jamie.
As this saga unfolds, Don, it gets better and better! Between yours and Ruth's posts, I feel like I'm really getting an education! Thank you.
Don- that stone wall needs a stained glass window! (LOL
See what you can do about that.)
Seriously- that is an awesome coop.
Fer a Yankee. LOL
ginnie: I am having a great time working at the farm and then using Ruth's photos to share a peek into the happenings. I need to go and look at your updated Australia post!
Paula: Hey I like the idea of a stained glass window! I may do something about that. Thanks for the idea!
Hi Don and Ruth,
I drew your "baby", I went ahead and posted it. I know I could do better, but this one is okay enough to post.
I fell even more in love with the little one as I drew her. I'll be buy about 2 this afternoon to pick her up and give her to a loving home, which would be ME!!! haha.
and if you want to see her, go here
http://sandy-everydayart.blogspot.com/
whoops that would be
"I'll be by"....typo as usual from me..
It cracks me up how your white-crested black Polish looks EXACTLY like ours! She is the cutest thing you've EVER seen! Her hair is about as big as her heart....But not quite.
Sandy: Your work of art is really super! I am humbled that you took the time and effort to draw one of my babies. Thank you!
Chickengirl: Where did you get your white-crested black Polish? Maybe they are sisters? Mine is from Mcmurray Hatchery.
Yep, that's where we got ours. That would be so funny if they were!! It's pretty likely....
looks gorgeous papa!!! i'm so proud of you, i can't wait to help you imagine this new space if you need help. i always envisioned a completely white space. i don't know why.
i think pringing out some postcards is a fabulous idea! or you could have them pringed by an outside source, and then sell them on Etsy, and your shop could be called 'The Green Barn' and everyone would love your prings.
by the way, that first shot IS beautiful!!
Wow .. you've made a lot of progress since my last visit! I love that 1st photo...that's chick's hair is like mine first thing in the morning!
Always cool to move into your new place especially one with great atmosphere, love the stone wall.
chickengirl: that's interesting that they are probably at least half sisters! Maybe they can become pen-pals. I can't read their chicken scratch right now, but we'll work on the penmanship.
Lesley: What is pringing? You probably were thinking completely white, because I was going to whitewash the whole room, but decided not to. I like the tattered look.
I do need your design help on some "chic" (get it?) nesting boxes.
Drowsey Monkey: I think that chick's hair is a lot like most of our hair in the AM!
Bob: The chicks are getting used to the large space and are spreading out and scratching around in the straw, looking for grains of wheat.
I had fun, ..your chicks are inspiring..
Great coop and pictures. Our quail have yet to lay an egg. What are we doing wrong? We have 4 female and 1 male.
Sandy: Your artwork is great! I hope everyone scrolls up and finds your link and goes and looks at your masterpiece!
Country Girl: Thanks! I have Coturnix quail. I can't believe they are laying already either! I am getting 2-4 per day. I have 9 hens and 9 males. The males are getting a little aggressive.
They might ont be from the same batch, but they could have the same moms or dads! LOL If you can teach a chicken to write, you'd be rich and famous!! My sister is trying to train her black Sex Link like a dog, so...
We live in a small world. I already told mine that yours were their sisters, so they are all excited and cackling like a bunch of hens.
The first photo is a prize-winner, I think. The one of all the chickens huddled together fills me with sympathy for them and makes me feel weepy! I anthropomorphize--seeing this type of behavior, I can't help but identify them with people!
Laura: Don't feel weepy! They are really happy in their new home! I tend to do the same thing and think of them as people.
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