tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post9203198223757917932..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Meet the girlsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28918314094150110332011-11-13T18:09:48.111+10:002011-11-13T18:09:48.111+10:00Hi Rhonda,
we have Wyandotts, a Rhode Island Red ...Hi Rhonda, <br />we have Wyandotts, a Rhode Island Red and a Buff Orpington - all of which are wonderful layers and beautiful birds that we love watching as they roam our garden. We have even just had our first ever batch of chickens born over the past 3 days as we allowed the Rhode Island Red (Agatha) to enjoy sitting on some eggs once she went broody. I am so thrilled that we found yours and similar blogs which made keeping chickens seem not so "scary" for us former suburbanites!Catehttp://momentsofwhimsy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57158838506007152962011-11-11T09:48:55.738+10:002011-11-11T09:48:55.738+10:00I love your post about your girls. It took me bac...I love your post about your girls. It took me back to my childhood. My grandma loved her chooks and gathered quite a collection of different breeds. I loved watching them wander about our orchard and vegie gardens. At evening it was my brothers and my chore to go and get them out of the trees and any other place they chose to hide and put them to bed. My dream is to have my own patch of land so I can have a few girls of my own. Our current lifestyle of moving every 2 or 3 years means no chickens for us - I couldn't bear to part with them, nor could I put them through the trauma of a move interstate. Once again, thankyou for your wonderful post and your lovely view on this world. Oh and I am looking forward to your book.Jacqui Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91432249789216768082011-11-11T03:09:20.730+10:002011-11-11T03:09:20.730+10:00Diane, I like those names. I had a chook a couple ...Diane, I like those names. I had a chook a couple of years ago that I named after my grandma - Stella Gladys. <br /><br />Anon, you'll have to fence off any area you don't want the chooks in.<br /><br />Vicki, that chart has been on my side bar for years. It's a real beauty and I often refer to it.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74706328013860980082011-11-11T02:51:38.667+10:002011-11-11T02:51:38.667+10:00Hi Rhonda
I'm new to your blog, just been read...Hi Rhonda<br />I'm new to your blog, just been reading back through a few posts and they are wonderful. I am at the start of this journey after years of being in the cycle of earning and consuming with not much to show for it. Over a year ago I went vegan and my husband and I started to cut right back on everything to save for a house and our wedding. Being in London it's hard sometimes to live a simpler life but your blog is fantastic inspiration.<br />Thank you!<br />LizAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59037068442570164202011-11-11T01:38:50.016+10:002011-11-11T01:38:50.016+10:00Hello Rhonda. Hello little ladies. =)
Almost every...Hello Rhonda. Hello little ladies. =)<br />Almost every week I scratch my brain trying to think of ways to keep girls of my own without my determined dachshunds having them for supper! <br />Growing up I always loved watching how they doted on my grandfather. He had a wonderfully mixed flock and also kept Peking ducks and geese. <br />My favorite chooks were the reds.<br />There is nothing so good as a freshly laid free-range chicken egg. I get them as often as I can from my brother's mother-in-law. If I buy from the grocery though, I find myself gravitating to the brown slightly speckled ones.<br /><br />As I said that it got me thinking and I googled and found this chart:<br />http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html<br /><br />Vicki<br />Trinidad & TobagoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60739033795206615502011-11-11T00:58:12.344+10:002011-11-11T00:58:12.344+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I love this post and getting to know y...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I love this post and getting to know your girls. Next spring I hope to have my own flock...they'll be named after my mother and her three sisters: Lilly Lucille, Martha Aletta, Hazel Lee, and Melba June. My mom's maiden name is Goforth, so I'm going to put a sign on the hen house saying, "Goforth girls! Lay Eggs!" <br /><br />You've been my inspiration for wanting chickens, mostly because I love watching them, but also for the most wonderful taste of their eggs.<br /><br />Thanks for another great post and I can't wait to have my very own copy of your book.<br /><br />Diane in North CarolinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62057160989678416762011-11-10T21:52:52.694+10:002011-11-10T21:52:52.694+10:00You have gorgeous, wonderful hens! I love seeing ...You have gorgeous, wonderful hens! I love seeing my hens wander about the place as well. Although lately we've been partitioning them off a bit as they are quite happily ruining the spring vegie planting! A home to me doesn't feel like 'home' without a flock of hens milling about. There is something so settling, comforting and cosy about their gentle and very entertaining company!littlekarstarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177535712034761585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22534276655091838762011-11-10T18:03:45.748+10:002011-11-10T18:03:45.748+10:00I have just three girls in our suburban backyard. ...I have just three girls in our suburban backyard. One question for you. How do I keep them off the back deck? They do their droppings on the deck and then my daughters (4 and 1) walk in it and then walk it through the house. Plus, it doesn't smell very pleasant. I have found that if I have something unusual on the deck they tend to keep away, but it only works for a little while until they figure out it is harmless. Any other suggestions?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53869162887327501572011-11-10T16:39:50.896+10:002011-11-10T16:39:50.896+10:00Suzan, I started watching it, got half way through...Suzan, I started watching it, got half way through and fell asleep. I looked to see if it was on iview but it wasn't there. Thanks for reminding me to go back and find it. It was an excellent program. Found it!<br /><br />For Australian readers you can find it here for the next week or so:<br />http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/850116rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69349191211270175612011-11-10T16:22:06.793+10:002011-11-10T16:22:06.793+10:00I remember you writing way back about snakes and r...I remember you writing way back about snakes and rats getting into the chicken coop. I wondered do you ever have any problems in the yard when the chickens are out with neighbor dogs or such? I take it you have close woven fences round your property. I enjoyed learning more about crooks today and learning the hint about the rat proof feeder system too. I remember you writing about keeping heritage crooks too to keep them in the system so to speak. I have told others about this and they never thought about it before. If you hadn't mentioned it I wouldn't have either. Thanks for mentoring us. SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26257889766488535352011-11-10T16:16:58.875+10:002011-11-10T16:16:58.875+10:00i love your thoughts on keeping hens,I would love ...i love your thoughts on keeping hens,I would love to have some.cathy@homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10280998274935488909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48090063584199258272011-11-10T15:54:40.704+10:002011-11-10T15:54:40.704+10:00I have a flock of 12 girls. But our neighbors hav...I have a flock of 12 girls. But our neighbors have a new 1/2 wolf dog and now one of our hens is gone. I can't let them free range very often now. Breaks my heart.Karmyn Rhttp://karmynsdreamings.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71266089682732291162011-11-10T15:38:54.886+10:002011-11-10T15:38:54.886+10:00Dear Rhonda,
Did you see the program on the ABC o...Dear Rhonda,<br /><br />Did you see the program on the ABC on Tuesday night? It was about the secret lives of chickens. It is on catch up TV but is part of a three part series.<br /><br />I loved meeting your girls.<br /><br />suzanSuzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283293507101152512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85192985516888644292011-11-10T15:09:43.673+10:002011-11-10T15:09:43.673+10:00Good choices in the new breeds. Wyandottes and Bar...Good choices in the new breeds. Wyandottes and Barnevelders are the true domestic backyard chicken if you ask me. Both are relatively new to the scene, when you consider how old some heritage breeds go back.<br /><br />Wyandottes and Barnies thrive on human contact. Like no other breed I've had, those two were the most personnable. I still have a few more breeds to try though. ;)<br /><br />I think Isa Browns have their place in a flock. I've got a couple this season and I've been comparing them to my New Hampshire and Australorps. I've seen them go broody and I've seen them taper off with egg laying. <br /><br />The reason Isa Browns have such a bad reputation for mortal egg laying habits, is because of the factory farming practices with artifical lighting and battery cages. When they live in your backyard and mingle in a flock with other broody breeds, they'll respond to the way you manage their environment.<br /><br />It's been my experience that every breed has the oddball that will suddenly cark it, no matter what you did right. I've had the worst luck with Plymouth Rock (a breed I've always wanted but cannot seem to raise past 12 weeks) and Light Sussex. It could be the stock I'm buying as day-olds, or it could be a particular bacteria/disease in my soils which only seems to show up in those breeds.<br /><br />I think given the right conditions, Isa Browns could probably lay themselves to an early death. Provide shade, light, space and a flock of different friends to scratch around with though; it's a completely different story.<br /><br />I enjoyed looking at your chicken friends and I'm always excited to hear about more additions on the way. I probably feel the same about chickens as you do about grandchildren. ;)Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7856675376489508682011-11-10T11:35:23.217+10:002011-11-10T11:35:23.217+10:00If you like broodiness, our Blue Laced Wyandottes ...If you like broodiness, our Blue Laced Wyandottes are the broodiest of all our chickens! Far more than even the Gold Laced Wyandottes :) I prefer heritage breeds as well, Rhonda. They seem healthier in the long run.Little Home In The Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14542813650753976168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65509139188631138562011-11-10T09:43:34.049+10:002011-11-10T09:43:34.049+10:00I love your chooks, they're gorgeous, and I ag...I love your chooks, they're gorgeous, and I agree its a lovely thing to sit and watch them free ranging happily.<br />I'd love to see a pic of Lucy, one day I would like an OEG hen too! :)Meekahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01140535193986120990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15445016610611139212011-11-10T08:25:34.762+10:002011-11-10T08:25:34.762+10:00We were given four Isa Brown's and a bantam cr...We were given four Isa Brown's and a bantam cross a few months ago and I see what you mean about the Isas. One of them is looking rather worn out and scruffy these days, but is still laying away as reliably as ever. Poor thing. Meanwhile, the bantam, the misfit of the bunch, has gone broody and is further at odds with the others as she occupies valuable real estate in the favourite nesting box. I'm really loving having chickens. If only all the animals living here contributed as much!tinsenpuphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955496156384131307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32160110440981558922011-11-10T08:20:08.324+10:002011-11-10T08:20:08.324+10:00Awww, you've made me miss my girls again. I ha...Awww, you've made me miss my girls again. I had a few, 3 Isas kindly donated to me by a freecycler when she took my four bantam boys (when they started crowing), and 2 little bantams (mother and daughter). But with a suburban block close to the bush, we were attracting rats, so they had to find a new home on a farm. Much better for them, but I do miss them greatly.Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09647844396333858685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14454904618001172152011-11-10T08:15:52.783+10:002011-11-10T08:15:52.783+10:00I too believe in only having pure or old breed cho...I too believe in only having pure or old breed chooks. I want them to do what chooks do too! I have 6 girls - 3 Rhode Island Reds, and 3 White Leghorns. All are lovely, lay regularly, and have individual personalities. <br /><br />The RIR's are soooo funny when they come running when you call them in at night - they have really fluffy bums and their legs and fluffiness make them look like they're running and waddling at the same time!!! <br /><br />We just adore them, and they lay the most magnificent eggs - bright golden orange, and high topped yolks.Sharynnehttp://myplaceforspace.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79713756940685258162011-11-10T08:11:33.385+10:002011-11-10T08:11:33.385+10:00Dear Rhonda, Just catching up on your blog and was...Dear Rhonda, Just catching up on your blog and was so excited to read that you have a copy of your book in your hot little hands. Cheers to you and Hanno for all the hard work and time you have put into it. Congratulations, I can't wait to get my hands on one.<br />Also just wanted to comment on this chook post. We have always had Isa Browns and they always come running when they see me, peck under my legs while I am gardening, and are very easy to handle. At the moment we have four white Tasmanian bred chooks which are very flighty, and lay more eggs without shells than with them. Give me my Isa Brown girls anyday.<br />Regards, Trudy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-968710155051089862011-11-10T07:36:57.564+10:002011-11-10T07:36:57.564+10:00I love that top picture. It captures the way a cho...I love that top picture. It captures the way a chook cocks her head to the one side, watching and listening perfectly.<br />Also love the look of the Plymouth Rocks. They were the loved chooks of my childhood.cityhippyfarmgirlhttp://cityhippyfarmgirl.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15757714642130748112011-11-10T07:33:20.247+10:002011-11-10T07:33:20.247+10:00I have an Isa brown, she belonged to a friend who ...I have an Isa brown, she belonged to a friend who didn't want her anymore and was going to make soup! so I rescued her. She's a crazy chicken, is so determined and resourceful, bossy and has ADHD I'm sure. Where the others gently and slowly pace the yard, she's frenetic and busy and stomps around and complains long and loud if I'm not on time with morning porridge, or letting them out...she's Edie...she drives me crazy but I love her to bits. But like you Rhonda, I hate to see her laying every day, with no rest, and she lays big eggs. She's about 6 now, and is starting to look thin, but is still glossy and healthy.<br /><br />I have a yr old buff plymouth too, who is sweet and gorgoeous and two little banties I gained from a school egg hatching project....Freya is tiny, but boss of the whole hen house. I love them all, and can't imagine not having them.Nanettehttp://stitchandsow-homeandgarden.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14048321789466849372011-11-10T07:15:11.478+10:002011-11-10T07:15:11.478+10:00Blue Shed, I wrote about the heirloom-hybrid conne...Blue Shed, I wrote about the heirloom-hybrid connection of chooks and seeds a few years ago. There is a strong case for sticking to the older varieties. I haen't heard of Belgian Braekel and Cream Legbar. I'll look them up.<br /><br />Kathy, we had a pair of cochins/pekins a few years ago as well as a pekin rooster. They're very friendly chooks and that rooster was a real beauty.<br /><br />Madeline, we too have kept light sussex, as well as buff and silver sussex. They're lovely chooks - so docile and friendly.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7276763781184537672011-11-10T07:00:30.896+10:002011-11-10T07:00:30.896+10:00Lovely to hear about the characters and habits of ...Lovely to hear about the characters and habits of your chooks Rhonda...they look very happy! we only have 3 chooks at moment but they are providing more than enough eggs for us at the moment and i can notice the different personalities now...we are still yet to name them though!<br />Although in a chook tractor at moment we are hoping to let them out soone to free range once the vegie patch is finished being fenced...i just have to get over my fear that something will get them if we let them out...we have a lot of wildlife around here....hopefully they will be fine!<br />Jode xJodehttp://mummymusingsandmayhem.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16465665563622167772011-11-10T06:18:27.604+10:002011-11-10T06:18:27.604+10:00Wonderful to read of your chooks, Rhonda. I love t...Wonderful to read of your chooks, Rhonda. I love the colouring of the Buff Orphingtons and the markings on the lace Wyandotts. In our experience, Isa Browns don't make it much past 4-5 years which is really sad.<br /><br />We haven't re-stocked with birds since our fox attack as it is coming almost daily now, scoping around for this and that. We have a trap that will hopefully catch it sometime soon and I'll then feel a little more comfortable about re-stocking. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing pics of your girls, you have a great team there, obviously living well in the environment you provide them with. :)Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18204291906401193716noreply@blogger.com