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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Popping in

RIP Elvira
Would you believe I haven't put ink to paper since my last post?  I've been learning the ins and outs of Photoshop Elements 10 and I am really loving it, especially the Organizer. Speaking of organizing, I have organized my craft area again! I think I have finally gotten it to where I want it. Just a few final touches and I should be ready to post photos.

It hasn't been all fun and games unfortunately. Elvira, my Black Australorp hen, began laying her eggs internally, developed peritonitis and had to be put down. Didn't find a vet who treated chickens so had to do the deed myself. Not fun but I couldn't let her suffer. I ended up buying 2 baby chicks to cheer everyone up. OK, to cheer me up but I think Hazel and Penny are a little happier too. This is my first time raising chicks and I can tell you that I will never buy another chicken already raised. It is such a joy to watch them grow and develop.

Here is Wanda and Dotty at 4 1/2 weeks old. This is an awkward stage with their sleek grown up feathers coming in but their fluffy baby feathers still on. They are most likely Easter Eggers and should lay either blue or green eggs. When I bought them I didn't really care what breed I was getting. I picked the two who were the most people friendly. Wanda is darker in color and has the dramatic eyeliner.  Dotty is lighter in color and doesn't have any markings on her face but is more friendly.
Wanda


Dotty

They will need to be kept apart from Hazel and Penny until they are about 5 months old but I have them in a very large dog cage out in the chicken yard on warm days so they can all get used to each other. 

Hopefully I will get time to stamp in the near future but in the meantime I am having a blast learning new things and raising my chicks.


Til next time...