Finally! The Orloff hens in Coop Two have finally started laying eggs again! They started molting about the 2nd week of September and in the past two days, we have received 2 nice eggs. Big Sigh of Relief there! I really think this very hot summer was just too much for them so they molted twice as long as typical.
The Welsummers have yet to lay any new eggs since being consolidated into coop three. That was two weeks ago. One of the Welsummers is super low hen on the pecking stick. She's finding creative ways to avoid the other hens' pecking by hiding behind the water pail and fighting back when necessary while making a mad dash for the feed when the other hens get in the coop. Hopefully, she will be able to regain her weight and strength soon.
Coyotes are coming right up to the house with the colder weather creeping in. We've been locking the hens in at about 6:00 p.m. The light set-up that I created for the two coops this year seems to be holding the lights in place without allowing the hens to knock them down. I have the timers inside of a hard plastic casing. This year, we have the lights coming on at 4:00 a.m. instead of 4:00 p.m., because last year, the ladies would not go to roost until the light would go out at 8:00! This makes it easier to corral them in as it is getting cold at dusk. Live and learn what works for us.
Last weekend, we prepared the garlic and onions ground with old hay to help prevent deep freezing. It looks like we have about 10 garlic and about 15 onions. Hoping they make it through to spring.
Last weekend, we prepared the garlic and onions ground with old hay to help prevent deep freezing. It looks like we have about 10 garlic and about 15 onions. Hoping they make it through to spring.
