I call Fowl!

I cannot believe this, Wednesday afternoon 2 ducklings come up missing. I searched high and low, around their pen which I thought was predator safe. No signs of them, no little feathers, no stretched fencing, no holes....hmmmmm? So thinking I was just dealing with nature, I put up the game cam, in full sight, not hidden....remember I'm thinking I have a critter after my babies. Thursday am, all is well on the home front, everyone accounted for, fed, watered, and happy in their pen. Welllllll, I get home from work and errands about 6ish and guess what? The game cam is wide open and the SD card is missing! So yes I'm dealing with a predator of sorts, the asshole sort! Who steals animals from someone's yard in the middle of the day??

To eat or not?

After some research on my limping chickens, I've discovered they are Cornish Rocks, mainly a meat bird. They grow really fast and get pretty heavy, they are also very greedy with their food!
Now I know why they are limping, arthritis is very common, due to fast growth and big bodies!
Normally these birds have met their demise by 8-10 weeks. Mine however are still cruising around free ranging and enjoying life. With that being said, they still don't have long life expectancy, maybe a year if I'm lucky. So the big question, do I let them just keep doing their thing, or do I take them to a processor and put them on the dinner table. My heart says let them go naturally since I don't know how long or short it will be. But the brain says, that meat will be really good, hormone free, and there will be a lot of it.
So my question to you is, do you eat the birds you've raised or just use them for eggs?

What the Duck??

The new babies have moved into the nursery. The chicks were less than enthused with their new housemates, but they were all getting along by the days end. These lil critters are living quite the life, nice big roomy house under a big oak tree, waterfront property thanks to the new pool right outside their doorstep. They have their humans cleaning their house, bringing them food, and providing security. I say they have it made in the shade!

Happy Mamma's Day

Ahhhh, it's finally here...my day of pampering and being a princess!!!
Wait, what's that? Oh the alarm clock, and like that my dream is over! Happy Mother's Day!! Just a regular ole day around here, animals and kids to feed, grass to be mowed, and a garden to play with! Might even rearrange some furnishings around here too!!
I did however catch breakfast with my mom, dad, and two of my kiddos. So that was a nice start to my day. Lots to do, so I better get to it, and tonight is Survivor finale!! Perfect way to end the day with my favorite show, maybe I should try out before I get too old!
PS. I got some new additions, pics coming soon, stay tuned!!

Sundays are for relaxing

At least today is for me! It's Cinco De Mayo, but I'm not out partaking in the festivities...I have to work tomorrow!!! Plus I've been a bit under the weather, I did finally go to the Dr., and that's huge for me. Kids are at their friends, I'm on the way to get them as soon as I finish this post. I cannot believe school is almost out. I think 15 days left, this year is flying by. My daughter who will be entering 7th grade has been going to the cheer leading clinics and has try outs Tuesday. This new school year is going to be a huge change for both of the younger kiddos. Their middle school will be closing, and the are going straight to the high school which is becoming a jr/sr high. Therefore they have the opportunity to play highschool sports! Great opportunity, but hard for this mamma to swallow, her babies are going to highschool!?!?!?
So what does a country girl do? She gets more critters, that will for sure keep her busy! And that's what I did, got 6 new chicks to add to my flock! The are americanas, hopefully we will get some colored eggs, they are supposed to lay pastel colored eggs! Stay tuned for that, should have the first egg in about 5 months.
Here's a picture of some of them.