Sunday, May 17, 2009

New Babies

Our last old Araucana hen died last summer. She was 5+ years old and had consistently given us an egg a day. We had great respect for her productive longevity. It was hard to see her go.

We didn't know if we would ever have chickens again, but with the economy taking a nose dive, we decided it was probably best to buy some babies. We figure it will make us a little more self-sufficient.

A couple of days ago, our 6, Araucana, one day old, little hens (we hope they're hens) came in and Jim has been nurturing them ever since.

Our little Araucana's will eventually lay Easter eggs. They actually lay colored eggs--usually green shells. What a great treat!


***In which ways are you thinking of becoming more self-sufficient?

15 comments:

Dawn said...

ADORABLE. Too bad they don't stay that way.

I can't wait until we settle and I can have chickens. Not just for the eggs either.
Maybe I'll convince my Pa' when I get up to maine to let us have chickens.

Anonymous said...

How adorable are those little chicks? If they are all hens, you will be in egg-laying-heaven! LOL And the fresh eggs are just so much better then store bought! I love that peony plant ... I've never seen one formed and shaped like that. I've got a few peonies out back and they are loaded with buds ... I'll take pics once they bloom and I'm anxious to see their colors! All my lilacs are still young bushes, so no flowers just yet! One little bush gave me one little bitty lilac cluster and that's it for this year!

Keep us posted on the chickies!

Phyllis said...

You are so fortuate to have the conditions where you can have chickens and whatever. I love the music on your blog. It would be nice to know what's playing and by whom. It's always so beautiful.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

That is the kind of checkens I want but I want hens not baby chicks. Nikki is home and doing OK. All her 6 boys are here today and "jamming" on their drums, guitars and whatever they have down there. My head may blow off but they are having fun., Could not take it last night but its OK today.,

Pat's Place said...

Yum! A friend has those chickens and often gives us a dozen of the colored eggs and they are delicious!!

Anonymous said...

Aww, there so cute. I'll take one please :)!

Barb Davis said...

Dawn- I hope you can get some chickens, too!

Barb Davis said...

Ms. Marcia- We are keeping our fingers crossed for six little "henny pennies."

My husband did the peony bush. He can be a wizard, sometimes, with plants.

Barb Davis said...

Phyllis- Scroll down a bit and you can see what's playing. So glad to have you visit.

Barb Davis said...

Lea- Sounds like you've got your hands full, but enjoying it. I'm glad to hear Nikki is doing well.

Barb Davis said...

Pat- You're so fortunate to have friends who will share the eggs with you. They are very special eggs, indeed, and we have always loved this particular breed. They are very gentle and good layers.

Barb Davis said...

Brittany- Thank you!

diane b said...

They are so cute. Hope they become good layers for you.
We are trying to grow vegetables but not having a lot of success. Hopefully the next crop will be better. I have a lemon tree with hundreds of lemons at the moment.

Barb Davis said...

diane- I would LOVE to have a lemon tree!

heather said...

NOT that way, that's for sure! :)

We're growing a garden.