For the last two years I have ordered chicks from a breeder in Texas, "Ideal Poultry," and I have been pleased with the product, the service, and the shipping. I sized my chicken coop to accommodate between 8 and 10 bantam chickens. I researched chickens since I wanted chickens that could stand the heat, that could be used for meat, and that laid brown eggs.
In 2010 I received my 12 Cochin chicks but also I received 4 regular sized Barred Rock roosters that they included for body heat. This year I ordered 12 Ameraucana chicks, simply for the blue-green eggs, and received 5 Barred Rock roosters added for body heat. While this sounds like a huge windfall, I mean 5 extra chicks, large sized for meat, what you don't know is that Ideal-Poultry does not 'sex' their bantam chicks so the best I hope for is 50/50 hens and roosters. Last year I wound up with 10 roosters that I had to "process" and this year I had needed to process another 10 so invited friends. My two friends, James and Rob showed up and Rob brought two roosters of his own that needed culled.
We started off our butchering adventure by reviewing a video on YouTube that we used last year. It was one of the best I found - http://youtu.be/NAJh9ehtTmA. After we were satisfied we knew the basics of butchering we went out side to the coop and each caught a rooster, Rob by reaching into the dog carrier he brought, and we placed the roosters head down in the metal cones I had made from aluminum flashing the night before.
Rob and I used razor knives and James used a sharp fixed blade which he kept sharp with a steel. I quick, diagonal cut on the left, arterial side, of the chickens neck seemed to cause little pain to the chicken. They did not panic or attempt to escape until the last few heart pumps.
After the roosters were dead we cut their heads off and pulled them back out of the cones and to the scalding pot. The water in the pot is kept at around 170 degrees and is used to loosen the chicken's feathers for plucking. After a few seconds I pulled at the feathers around the feet and when they came off easily I knew it was time to pluck the chicken.
I plucked the chicken into a lined garbage can using a swiping motion until all the feathers were gone. This is the most time consuming part of the process. We used a water hose to get the chicken cleaned off prior to cleaning the inside.
I placed the chicken carcass on the table and cut a slot in the neck skin to enable access to the trachea, and esophagus, as well as the 'crop' (a bag that food is held in after the chicken eats it and before it enters the gizzard). After separating the trachea, esophagus and crop from the neck I cut them off low on the neck near the chest cavity and pulled the neck through the skin.
I then turned the chicken around and from the top I severed the tail through the bone. I ringed the vent being careful not to cut into the bowel. I screwed this up on one of the chickens and had to deal with the mess. Luckily I had not fed the chickens for over 24 hours and the mess was contained.
After I had access to the body cavity I was able to reach into the cavity and pull out the entrails.I had to work them loose from the cavity but they came out fairly easily. I cleaned and saved the heart, liver and gizzard. The membrane should be pulled off the heart, and the bile sack cut away from the liver. I had to take care with the latter because rupturing the bile sack leads to another mess and can taint the meat. I had to actually sacrifice a small piece of the liver to ensure the bile sack stayed intact.
The gizzard is another matter. I had to take a knife and cut the gizzard, open it and remove the contents which is undigested food and gravel. I emptied this and hosed it out, pulled out the yellow plastic looking lining then rinsed again.
The chicken was rinsed and placed in a clean zip lock bag, and the giblets were placed in separate bag. All were placed in an ice-filled cooler until we were done, then I transferred them to the chest freezer. It took us about three hours to process 12 chickens.
This is my second time butchering chickens and I must say that it got easier. I even did it without gloves, it was just easier not to have to worry about the gloves. I think for me I want the process to be respectful, quick and as easy for the chicken as possible. It is DEFINITELY a farming skill that must be learned!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tomatoes Are Tomatoes...?
I bring this up because I recently brought home some huge tomatoes that my boss's wife grew, literally the size of soft balls. My wife, who has little concern for my shaky male ego said that I needed to ask him what kind they were. Her voice, eyes and attitude implied, "So we can finally grow some real tomatoes!"
So I did, I asked him how he grew these mammoth tomatoes and he told me all about the used stock tank he had that held in the moisture and raised the plants off the ground for easier gardening. And all about the 100% composted cow and horse manure from their barns with which they filled the tank. And the special experimental seeds they get from a friend who works at such a place that has such things.
I admit, I was slightly envious and I will also admit that I took away some thoughts of changes to my raised beds; 6" taller making a full 12 inches of depth, and completely filled with my own rabbit manure. The thing is, and believe me- this isn't 'sour grapes' -I think mine tasted better! Yes, they were smaller, and yes they were uglier, but I think they had a better "fresh tomato taste," more full bodied. My boss's tomatoes were huge and juicy but had a more 'waterier' taste.
I suggest that it is due to the seed type. Perhaps the seed growers were trying to produce a larger tomato, or a less acid tomato, but often there is always a cost and I don't think this variety has hit the mark yet. As far as I'm concerned it didn't have the flavor of my Rutgers and Brandywines. Something like peppers I think, different tomatoes have different attributes and different flavors... no tomatoes are made equal!
So, next year I will make the height additions to my raised beds and fill them with some well aged compost. Maybe I'll water more for the burning and cracking, and add some bone meal for the bloom end rot. I'll be more liberal with the diatomacious earth to better control the bugs. And I'll plant the same old fashioned tomatoes I have been planting.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
General Update- 110707
There have been some additions since my last post.
I purchased another set of chicks, Ameraucanas that lay blue-green eggs. I think I will like the colored eggs but they are not filling out like the Cochins have and since they are a banty chicken they will not be much for the pot. I think my next batch will either be Cochin again, or maybe Buff Orpingtons which are also known for their dual uses. In a couple weeks I will cull the roosters from the flock and I hope the hens will begin to lay soon. I also added another 8 feet and a second nest box to the far end of my chicken yard. After culling the roosters I will have about 9 hens and a rooster which is about what my coop is designed for.
I have also purchased a couple other rabbits. One of the "training rabbits"- a doe - decided that she was not going to eat or drink so eventually I was forced to cull her. This made room for a pedigreed New Zealand white doe. I also purchased a Champagne De Argent buck. I will breed him back to the crossed doe once the weather cools down, or I may purchase Champagne doe and breed her. My goal is still to have a New Zealand White pair and a Champagne pair. This will allow me both full bred AND terminal crosses.
My Champagne/Californian crossed doe has successfully kindled a litter of six, all does as far as I can tell. Currently they are growing and doing well and should be ready for butchering in a couple of months. I am looking forward to trying my hand at making rabbit sausage.
Also, a couple weeks ago, two rabbits wondered into our yard. A white and a dark grey rabbit. Since they were apparently escapees I have not taken the time to sex them but I believe the white is an older buck. I will be putting signs out this weekend to see if their owners will respond but after that, no promises.
The garden is about to go out, at least parts of it. Squash is about gone with the Squash borer worms, and the tomatoes are having troubles with the heat. I planted some new zucchini squash but it is not producing. The heat burned up the cucumbers. My storage onions have done well. Most of them are between baseball and softball size. They are flavorful and even make me cry when I cut them. They are about ready to be pulled.
My fruit trees have done well this year. I harvested several plums. They were juicy and delicious. My fig trees are producing now and I have white figs that are bigger than golf balls. My brown figs are a later variety and are still green. The challenge is to pick the figs before the birds and hornets get to them! I have been cutting them in half and drying them in my Ronco Dehydrator. Say what you want about Mr. Popiel, but he makes a decent dehydrator!
The compost piles are doing well. I have been layering green grass clippings with shredded office paper. I also mix in the hay and manure from my weekly chicken coop and rabbitry cleaning. I have measured temperatures around 150 degrees! One of these days I will rework my compost piles and replace the old fence and fence posts that constantly scratch and poke me while I am working them. Just add it to my list!
I have a "hay shed" half done. The framing is complete but needs walls and a roof. Its is small, about 6'x4'x5'... just large enough to store a couple bales of hay and some extra feed. I think I will roof it will fiberglass panels, and use something like tarp or 6 mil plastic for the sides. Scrap plywood will be used on the floor.
Oh! I almost forgot the deck. Friends and I built a 16'x24' deck in the backyard. It is about 18" off the ground and it even has a 8'x8' step up covered pergola that's around 30" off the ground. It looks nice and is large enough to seat a party!
Tony
Cantonment, 2011
I purchased another set of chicks, Ameraucanas that lay blue-green eggs. I think I will like the colored eggs but they are not filling out like the Cochins have and since they are a banty chicken they will not be much for the pot. I think my next batch will either be Cochin again, or maybe Buff Orpingtons which are also known for their dual uses. In a couple weeks I will cull the roosters from the flock and I hope the hens will begin to lay soon. I also added another 8 feet and a second nest box to the far end of my chicken yard. After culling the roosters I will have about 9 hens and a rooster which is about what my coop is designed for.
I have also purchased a couple other rabbits. One of the "training rabbits"- a doe - decided that she was not going to eat or drink so eventually I was forced to cull her. This made room for a pedigreed New Zealand white doe. I also purchased a Champagne De Argent buck. I will breed him back to the crossed doe once the weather cools down, or I may purchase Champagne doe and breed her. My goal is still to have a New Zealand White pair and a Champagne pair. This will allow me both full bred AND terminal crosses.
My Champagne/Californian crossed doe has successfully kindled a litter of six, all does as far as I can tell. Currently they are growing and doing well and should be ready for butchering in a couple of months. I am looking forward to trying my hand at making rabbit sausage.
Also, a couple weeks ago, two rabbits wondered into our yard. A white and a dark grey rabbit. Since they were apparently escapees I have not taken the time to sex them but I believe the white is an older buck. I will be putting signs out this weekend to see if their owners will respond but after that, no promises.
The garden is about to go out, at least parts of it. Squash is about gone with the Squash borer worms, and the tomatoes are having troubles with the heat. I planted some new zucchini squash but it is not producing. The heat burned up the cucumbers. My storage onions have done well. Most of them are between baseball and softball size. They are flavorful and even make me cry when I cut them. They are about ready to be pulled.
My fruit trees have done well this year. I harvested several plums. They were juicy and delicious. My fig trees are producing now and I have white figs that are bigger than golf balls. My brown figs are a later variety and are still green. The challenge is to pick the figs before the birds and hornets get to them! I have been cutting them in half and drying them in my Ronco Dehydrator. Say what you want about Mr. Popiel, but he makes a decent dehydrator!
The compost piles are doing well. I have been layering green grass clippings with shredded office paper. I also mix in the hay and manure from my weekly chicken coop and rabbitry cleaning. I have measured temperatures around 150 degrees! One of these days I will rework my compost piles and replace the old fence and fence posts that constantly scratch and poke me while I am working them. Just add it to my list!
I have a "hay shed" half done. The framing is complete but needs walls and a roof. Its is small, about 6'x4'x5'... just large enough to store a couple bales of hay and some extra feed. I think I will roof it will fiberglass panels, and use something like tarp or 6 mil plastic for the sides. Scrap plywood will be used on the floor.
Oh! I almost forgot the deck. Friends and I built a 16'x24' deck in the backyard. It is about 18" off the ground and it even has a 8'x8' step up covered pergola that's around 30" off the ground. It looks nice and is large enough to seat a party!
Tony
Cantonment, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
General Update- 101226
Its been awhile I know so I thought I throw out an update.
I have added rabbits to the micro-farm. I originally wanted two mating pairs of Champagne De Argent's, and found a seller that was literally in my neighborhood but wh
en I went to purchase these semi-expensive rabbits the sellers convinced me to purchase three "training rabbits" instead, for half the cost of one Champagne. I thought this was good advice so I did, I mean, why accidentally kill a $50.00 rabbit when I could accidentally kill an $8.00 one?! So I purchased two crossed Champagne/Californian does and a New Zealand buck. I named them "X", "Y", and "Z" (the buck). Z is pictured here. He has about another month before he is ready for breeding.
As a side note... The breeders told me not to put the buck in with the doe too early because if she beet him up on his first experience it might scare him off for the rest of his life. I told them that I thought that was probably true across all species.
So far I have had little problem with them. I feed them pellets once a day in the morning and I was told to "feel them" daily- along their back and sides just like you might if you were to pet them. This lets me know if they needed more or less feed. If I can feel all their vertebrae they need more food, if no vertebrae then less food. The preference is some backbone. To date the amount I've been giving them has been adequate.
I however did not listen to the breeders on one count, I give them all a bit of raw vegetable and/or a bit of bread in the evenings. I have done this for two reasons 1) it has been very cold recently- abnormally so for this part of the country and I wanted to ensure that they had the calories to easily endure the cold, and 2) the breeders indicated that rabbits were a bit touchy when it comes to dietary changes and as this would not be beneficial if one thought that pellets might not always be available I hope to build up their tolerance to a varied diet. A third benefit came about through these evening feeding also... the breeders showed me how to pick the rabbits up and hold them -which is needed knowledge- however it is much easier and faster to reach in and feel their progress while their involved in eating their yummies!
Chickens are also still clucking. I have been getting around 2 eggs a day from 4 hens. This is low I know but because its Winter, and because my family doesn't consume a lot of eggs consistently I am O
K with this. I would have 5 hens but I ran into a little problem with pulling feathers and the others seemed to pick on one of my Blue Cochin's in particular. The feathers on half her chest were gone when I finally separated her from the others by placing her in an unused rabbit cage. I read and found that it was probably one of two things (discounting mites, worms or a disease) cannibalism or a lack of protein. I was having problems pinning down a single hen as the abuser - even the rooster had lost a few feathers -so I decided to treat the protein issue. I began adding in a higher protein "starter/grower" feed to their diet. I think I may have guessed right since it seems that the feather loss has stopped. As an added benefit the feathers on the separated hen have mostly regrown.
I also wanted to say two things about the two animals I have chosen. One, if you can k
eep a rooster do. They seem to round out the flock and everyone seems happy. Ours, "Hero," also acts in some respects as a protector though I think deep down he's really a coward. He does get out in the Chicken-yard, struts around and crows. We gather the eggs daily and have seen only one blood speck in several months... I dunno, something to think about.
And the second thing is that no matter what you read about rabbits being the perfect Urban livestock because they don't smell - they're wrong! Rabbit urine and manure smells, I think very similarly to horses. There might be little to no odor i
f your cages and equipment were set up like a laboratory and you could wash it all into a sealed container and then somehow dispose of it, however for most people I think that this is absurd! I clean my rabbit cages and manure trays weekly and they still smell. Now, my manure trays are'nt perfect and I am going to redesign and rebuild them so I'm not saying that you can't limit the smell, maybe close to nothing however until someone shows me that one can cage an amount of animals together and not have it smell I won't believe it. Please understand "I" don't find the odor offensive. As a friend said, "It smells like a farm." But I just wanted to throw in my two cents in the bucket if you might be thinking of creating this secret rabbitry in your backyard. Hey, figure out a way and let me know!
The rest of the "farm" is quiet for the Winter. I did plant Cole crops; cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet onions. I need to cut down my old asparagus tops- I'm actually thinking of moving the
m to another location -in preparation for the Spring. I also have sprouts coming up from my Grapefruit trees that were killed last year. These are "suckers" so the fruit will be questionable and I think I will be digging them up and replanting with fresh trees, probably Satsumas which are type of tangerine local to this area. I think I also want a Kumquat tree... I love my Kumquats!
We got the house tiled and painted (living room/hall) and will soon begin work on two other projects; a temperature stable walk-in food storage room, and the outside deck and greenhouse. I hope to start both in January/February time frame. The deck needs to be built before my son graduates in the Spring... lots of family coming. I will be using the deck/greenhouse for both alternative passive solar heating, and alternative exterior cooking and baking since I plan to install a ferro-cement grill and oven as part of that project. I will probably also install some type/level of aquaponics system, I mean it only seems prudent since its fairly inexpensive and fairly easily maintainable, and now I have the manure to grow worms in!
Well, that's all for now... blessings on your New Year!
Tony
I have added rabbits to the micro-farm. I originally wanted two mating pairs of Champagne De Argent's, and found a seller that was literally in my neighborhood but wh
en I went to purchase these semi-expensive rabbits the sellers convinced me to purchase three "training rabbits" instead, for half the cost of one Champagne. I thought this was good advice so I did, I mean, why accidentally kill a $50.00 rabbit when I could accidentally kill an $8.00 one?! So I purchased two crossed Champagne/Californian does and a New Zealand buck. I named them "X", "Y", and "Z" (the buck). Z is pictured here. He has about another month before he is ready for breeding.As a side note... The breeders told me not to put the buck in with the doe too early because if she beet him up on his first experience it might scare him off for the rest of his life. I told them that I thought that was probably true across all species.
So far I have had little problem with them. I feed them pellets once a day in the morning and I was told to "feel them" daily- along their back and sides just like you might if you were to pet them. This lets me know if they needed more or less feed. If I can feel all their vertebrae they need more food, if no vertebrae then less food. The preference is some backbone. To date the amount I've been giving them has been adequate.
I however did not listen to the breeders on one count, I give them all a bit of raw vegetable and/or a bit of bread in the evenings. I have done this for two reasons 1) it has been very cold recently- abnormally so for this part of the country and I wanted to ensure that they had the calories to easily endure the cold, and 2) the breeders indicated that rabbits were a bit touchy when it comes to dietary changes and as this would not be beneficial if one thought that pellets might not always be available I hope to build up their tolerance to a varied diet. A third benefit came about through these evening feeding also... the breeders showed me how to pick the rabbits up and hold them -which is needed knowledge- however it is much easier and faster to reach in and feel their progress while their involved in eating their yummies!
Chickens are also still clucking. I have been getting around 2 eggs a day from 4 hens. This is low I know but because its Winter, and because my family doesn't consume a lot of eggs consistently I am O
K with this. I would have 5 hens but I ran into a little problem with pulling feathers and the others seemed to pick on one of my Blue Cochin's in particular. The feathers on half her chest were gone when I finally separated her from the others by placing her in an unused rabbit cage. I read and found that it was probably one of two things (discounting mites, worms or a disease) cannibalism or a lack of protein. I was having problems pinning down a single hen as the abuser - even the rooster had lost a few feathers -so I decided to treat the protein issue. I began adding in a higher protein "starter/grower" feed to their diet. I think I may have guessed right since it seems that the feather loss has stopped. As an added benefit the feathers on the separated hen have mostly regrown.I also wanted to say two things about the two animals I have chosen. One, if you can k
eep a rooster do. They seem to round out the flock and everyone seems happy. Ours, "Hero," also acts in some respects as a protector though I think deep down he's really a coward. He does get out in the Chicken-yard, struts around and crows. We gather the eggs daily and have seen only one blood speck in several months... I dunno, something to think about.And the second thing is that no matter what you read about rabbits being the perfect Urban livestock because they don't smell - they're wrong! Rabbit urine and manure smells, I think very similarly to horses. There might be little to no odor i
f your cages and equipment were set up like a laboratory and you could wash it all into a sealed container and then somehow dispose of it, however for most people I think that this is absurd! I clean my rabbit cages and manure trays weekly and they still smell. Now, my manure trays are'nt perfect and I am going to redesign and rebuild them so I'm not saying that you can't limit the smell, maybe close to nothing however until someone shows me that one can cage an amount of animals together and not have it smell I won't believe it. Please understand "I" don't find the odor offensive. As a friend said, "It smells like a farm." But I just wanted to throw in my two cents in the bucket if you might be thinking of creating this secret rabbitry in your backyard. Hey, figure out a way and let me know!The rest of the "farm" is quiet for the Winter. I did plant Cole crops; cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet onions. I need to cut down my old asparagus tops- I'm actually thinking of moving the
m to another location -in preparation for the Spring. I also have sprouts coming up from my Grapefruit trees that were killed last year. These are "suckers" so the fruit will be questionable and I think I will be digging them up and replanting with fresh trees, probably Satsumas which are type of tangerine local to this area. I think I also want a Kumquat tree... I love my Kumquats!We got the house tiled and painted (living room/hall) and will soon begin work on two other projects; a temperature stable walk-in food storage room, and the outside deck and greenhouse. I hope to start both in January/February time frame. The deck needs to be built before my son graduates in the Spring... lots of family coming. I will be using the deck/greenhouse for both alternative passive solar heating, and alternative exterior cooking and baking since I plan to install a ferro-cement grill and oven as part of that project. I will probably also install some type/level of aquaponics system, I mean it only seems prudent since its fairly inexpensive and fairly easily maintainable, and now I have the manure to grow worms in!
Well, that's all for now... blessings on your New Year!
Tony
Sunday, March 7, 2010
General Update- 100307
Well, its certainly been awhile, and much has happened since my last post.
First, we went through a couple weeks of very cold weather, and several days of freezing temperatures. Though I'm not certain I think it killed one of my grapefruit trees, and possibly damaged a fig. My plums look OK, though only one is currently blooming.
I still have not finished building the rabbit nest boxes for the fryer cages. I have 5 left to build. I'm also concerned that the boxes are not well shaded from the sun. I may need to build a little awning over each... got an idea for it. Just on the South side, I think the North side will be shaded enough. I also found a Champagne De Argent breeder in my neighborhood... pretty cool since they are not a common breed. The breeder has a dairy goat farm so may also be a good source for info.
I told the breeder that I would be looking to place an order this Fall. I think raising them through the Winter will be easier than through our hot Summer. The cost for a breeding pair will be around $100. I will probably decide to breed them in conjunction with the cooler part of the season. Should be a pretty easy life for them.
As I said before my chicken coop is done. A week ago I ordered the chicks and they will be in on March 19th (next Friday) and I will need to go pick them up from the post office. I bought 12 Cochins- 3 each of 4 different colors. I eMailed the breeder and gave specs and he gave me two possible breeds; Cochin and Buff Orpingtons. The Cochins are bantam, and are suppose to be docile, good layers and brooders. I will be building the brooding box and the chicks will live there for 8 weeks until they are big enough to move to the coop. Depending on curcumstances I may build a chicken tractor to move them around the yard a bit. I haven't decided yet.
I have also built two 4'x8' raised beds and placed them in the front yard by the two I already had. I have room for another in that line and then can move away about 3' and start another row. This year it might be just 4-10 beds, we'll see, and now Spring garden. I have missed that train but Gail and I will go select some plants next week and raise what we can. Next year will be different. I will be prepared! I should have a bit of chicken poop too, and maybe some rabbit!
I'll be glad to get the animals placed and move on to work on the house, then on to the aquaponics system. The microfarm must LIVE!!
Blessings,
Tony
First, we went through a couple weeks of very cold weather, and several days of freezing temperatures. Though I'm not certain I think it killed one of my grapefruit trees, and possibly damaged a fig. My plums look OK, though only one is currently blooming.
I still have not finished building the rabbit nest boxes for the fryer cages. I have 5 left to build. I'm also concerned that the boxes are not well shaded from the sun. I may need to build a little awning over each... got an idea for it. Just on the South side, I think the North side will be shaded enough. I also found a Champagne De Argent breeder in my neighborhood... pretty cool since they are not a common breed. The breeder has a dairy goat farm so may also be a good source for info.
I told the breeder that I would be looking to place an order this Fall. I think raising them through the Winter will be easier than through our hot Summer. The cost for a breeding pair will be around $100. I will probably decide to breed them in conjunction with the cooler part of the season. Should be a pretty easy life for them.
As I said before my chicken coop is done. A week ago I ordered the chicks and they will be in on March 19th (next Friday) and I will need to go pick them up from the post office. I bought 12 Cochins- 3 each of 4 different colors. I eMailed the breeder and gave specs and he gave me two possible breeds; Cochin and Buff Orpingtons. The Cochins are bantam, and are suppose to be docile, good layers and brooders. I will be building the brooding box and the chicks will live there for 8 weeks until they are big enough to move to the coop. Depending on curcumstances I may build a chicken tractor to move them around the yard a bit. I haven't decided yet.
I have also built two 4'x8' raised beds and placed them in the front yard by the two I already had. I have room for another in that line and then can move away about 3' and start another row. This year it might be just 4-10 beds, we'll see, and now Spring garden. I have missed that train but Gail and I will go select some plants next week and raise what we can. Next year will be different. I will be prepared! I should have a bit of chicken poop too, and maybe some rabbit!
I'll be glad to get the animals placed and move on to work on the house, then on to the aquaponics system. The microfarm must LIVE!!
Blessings,
Tony
Monday, November 9, 2009
General Update-091107
Today I built the first nest box for the fryer cages. I just duplicated the other nest boxes except they are 24" wide vice 12". I had to add another hinge to the roof due to the length but other than that, the same. I still need to add the screen to the bottom of it and mount it. Which reminds me, I need to add the mounting support for both upper and lower cages.
I just bought a book on raising rabbits and chickens on less. It is called oddly enough, "Keeping Poultry And Rabbits On Scraps" by Claude Goodchild and Alan Thompson. It is interesting because it was written in 1941 and references pre and post war iss
ues and their solutions. Mr. Goodchild writes the first half and is an expert in poultry, and the rabbits portion is written by Mr. Thompson. Its a small book, an easy read and I can recommend it.
I will may not work on the rabbitry this weekend since this Saturday is our aquaponics workday, but when I continue I will mount the support scaffolding and continue to make nest boxes.
In the garden where the cabbage, garlic and acorn squash, everything is looking fairly well. I may have planted the cabbage too early since the cabbage worms have ravaged my green cabbage. The red cabbage must be a slower grower since it still doesn't have many leaves. On the other hand it is not being attacked by any worms which I find immensely interesting!
The garlic is sprouted, and the acorn squash is taking over my garden! I thought perhaps I wouldn't get much of a yield because of the recent cold weather, and lack of pollinators, and the flower hidden by the large green leaves, but I was wrong. I have many squash all from three plants which I think have been pollinated mostly by Bumble Bees.
I am still harvesting Cayenne, Bell, and Jalapeno peppers. Somehow I must remember to try planting all these late in the Summer and comparing the yield. The tomatoe plants are doing OK, not fabulous but seem healthy. I am concerned about the same pollination issue as the squash but will be patient. All are being watered as I write by Tropical Storm Ida. She was downgraded earlier from a Category 1 hurricane.
I think some of the plants slowness is the lack of fertilizer in the raised beds where the tomatoes live. I have used my own compost, as well as some "store bought" composted manure. All this is why they look fine but the lack of synthetic fertilizers are perhaps the reason they don't "look" like a picture from "Southern Living" magazine.
All the fruit trees are still in good shape. I have a dozen or so figs on my two Fig trees. I found some indoor plant food outside, left over from one of Gail's house plant fertilizing jaunts, and scattered it around all the plants. This rain will help disperse it, or wash it away!
Tony
Cantonment, 2009
I just bought a book on raising rabbits and chickens on less. It is called oddly enough, "Keeping Poultry And Rabbits On Scraps" by Claude Goodchild and Alan Thompson. It is interesting because it was written in 1941 and references pre and post war iss
ues and their solutions. Mr. Goodchild writes the first half and is an expert in poultry, and the rabbits portion is written by Mr. Thompson. Its a small book, an easy read and I can recommend it.I will may not work on the rabbitry this weekend since this Saturday is our aquaponics workday, but when I continue I will mount the support scaffolding and continue to make nest boxes.
In the garden where the cabbage, garlic and acorn squash, everything is looking fairly well. I may have planted the cabbage too early since the cabbage worms have ravaged my green cabbage. The red cabbage must be a slower grower since it still doesn't have many leaves. On the other hand it is not being attacked by any worms which I find immensely interesting!
The garlic is sprouted, and the acorn squash is taking over my garden! I thought perhaps I wouldn't get much of a yield because of the recent cold weather, and lack of pollinators, and the flower hidden by the large green leaves, but I was wrong. I have many squash all from three plants which I think have been pollinated mostly by Bumble Bees.
I am still harvesting Cayenne, Bell, and Jalapeno peppers. Somehow I must remember to try planting all these late in the Summer and comparing the yield. The tomatoe plants are doing OK, not fabulous but seem healthy. I am concerned about the same pollination issue as the squash but will be patient. All are being watered as I write by Tropical Storm Ida. She was downgraded earlier from a Category 1 hurricane.
I think some of the plants slowness is the lack of fertilizer in the raised beds where the tomatoes live. I have used my own compost, as well as some "store bought" composted manure. All this is why they look fine but the lack of synthetic fertilizers are perhaps the reason they don't "look" like a picture from "Southern Living" magazine.
All the fruit trees are still in good shape. I have a dozen or so figs on my two Fig trees. I found some indoor plant food outside, left over from one of Gail's house plant fertilizing jaunts, and scattered it around all the plants. This rain will help disperse it, or wash it away!
Tony
Cantonment, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
General Update-091024
Yea, I know more pictures, and I have some... videos too, but I just am always in the wrong place when I decide to write! This morning I'm at church waiting to lead a Baptism class and don't have access to the pictures.
I had productive day. I finished all four nest boxes, painted them with rot preventer and mounted them to the support rail. The support rail, being only a 2"x2" may sag eventually so I think I'll run a vertical support leg up the center of the rails.
I also mounted all four Fine-X feeders, and moved the water bottles to the inside next to the feeders. The feeders just need a slot cut in the wire. They have a support wire that is mounted to the feeder and that you just slip into the wire caging... easy!
The above doesn't seem like much but it took all day. I also gave guidance to Samuel as he cleaned the front of the house. The tree frogs hang out on the front porch waiting for the porch light to draw bugs, and they aren't much hassle, but they just don't wipe their feet when when they walk around on the vinyl siding and eventually they form dirty spots where they hang out. Sam sprayed on some bleach and water, then scrubbed with a brush... he did a nice job. I won't tell him that the sides are next!
Next is the fryer cages. I think I will create open front communal nest boxes for the six cages. This will allow the rabbits to congregate together when frightened, or for warmth. I think they will be about 24"Wx18"Dx12"H. I'll make one then see how I like it. I will also make the support frame sturdier to enable it to hold the weight. I will need to look at the fryer cages that are next to the AC fan. In the Summer it will blow hot air onto the box and cook the bunnies. I will have to come up with a housing/vent for the AC blower that vents the air away. Currently I have leaned a piece of plywood up against the offending side and that has worked.
After I complete the rabbitry, which I am lovingly calling the "Wise Rabbit Rabbitry", I need to do a few things to the house. Faceing, eaves, windo caulking, all need to be worked on. I little painting too, around the doors and on the front porch. I noticed that the windows need caulking bad. I fear that I already have wood rot in several places.
After the house is repaired then I'm not sure. I want to build the aquaponics system, but I'm getting really antsy about building my ferro-cement hut/cabin... whatever. If I consider that the AP build will be fairly easy and quick then that would come first. On-the-other-hand, I really need to build the back porch greenhouse along with the AP build so then it becomes more complex. I could build the back porch green house before the AP project, just add it into the "house" repairs... 'might do that.
I researched construction for the greenhouse and had all but decided on a PVC frame but then I still need to consider the look when complete. I would like the greenhouse to fuse with the courrent house (a small ranch style on a slab) so then maybe wood... still undecided. I think I will draw both up and get with Gail and see what she says.
Tony
Pensacola, FL
I had productive day. I finished all four nest boxes, painted them with rot preventer and mounted them to the support rail. The support rail, being only a 2"x2" may sag eventually so I think I'll run a vertical support leg up the center of the rails.
I also mounted all four Fine-X feeders, and moved the water bottles to the inside next to the feeders. The feeders just need a slot cut in the wire. They have a support wire that is mounted to the feeder and that you just slip into the wire caging... easy!
The above doesn't seem like much but it took all day. I also gave guidance to Samuel as he cleaned the front of the house. The tree frogs hang out on the front porch waiting for the porch light to draw bugs, and they aren't much hassle, but they just don't wipe their feet when when they walk around on the vinyl siding and eventually they form dirty spots where they hang out. Sam sprayed on some bleach and water, then scrubbed with a brush... he did a nice job. I won't tell him that the sides are next!
Next is the fryer cages. I think I will create open front communal nest boxes for the six cages. This will allow the rabbits to congregate together when frightened, or for warmth. I think they will be about 24"Wx18"Dx12"H. I'll make one then see how I like it. I will also make the support frame sturdier to enable it to hold the weight. I will need to look at the fryer cages that are next to the AC fan. In the Summer it will blow hot air onto the box and cook the bunnies. I will have to come up with a housing/vent for the AC blower that vents the air away. Currently I have leaned a piece of plywood up against the offending side and that has worked.
After I complete the rabbitry, which I am lovingly calling the "Wise Rabbit Rabbitry", I need to do a few things to the house. Faceing, eaves, windo caulking, all need to be worked on. I little painting too, around the doors and on the front porch. I noticed that the windows need caulking bad. I fear that I already have wood rot in several places.
After the house is repaired then I'm not sure. I want to build the aquaponics system, but I'm getting really antsy about building my ferro-cement hut/cabin... whatever. If I consider that the AP build will be fairly easy and quick then that would come first. On-the-other-hand, I really need to build the back porch greenhouse along with the AP build so then it becomes more complex. I could build the back porch green house before the AP project, just add it into the "house" repairs... 'might do that.
I researched construction for the greenhouse and had all but decided on a PVC frame but then I still need to consider the look when complete. I would like the greenhouse to fuse with the courrent house (a small ranch style on a slab) so then maybe wood... still undecided. I think I will draw both up and get with Gail and see what she says.
Tony
Pensacola, FL
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