Life on Bairlea Farm

Hobby farms magazine

David — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:51:01 +0000

Anyone ever read it? I think you should get a copy if you haven’t. It only comes out 6 times a year I think but there is a lot of great information and how tos for the hobby farmer. I farm full scale and still use some of the info. I got a message from one of the people that wanted to come take some pictures of my polish rooster. She was here almost 2 hours and took pictures of everything. You never know I may be famous one day.

Snack time

David — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:44:20 +0000

Be to busy between the rains to do anything. The girls do love treats. I spent a little time with them the other day.

He grows so quick

David — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:04:06 +0000

Its amazing how fast children grow up. My little boy Jackson started school today. I’m sad I missed it. Little baby on the school bus. Horrible picture but it’s the best one Emily sent me. Apparently the rain is as heavy there as its been here.

Good picture of him – Wonder what hes thinking about. Almost a sad look

Out with the old in with the new

David — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:17:36 +0000

Women or equipment? both in may case. I’m not one to over talk about relationships here but the gal I mentioned several post earlier hasnt worked out. I do have a special some by my side now. The equipment – technically its out with the new in with the old. I sold the John Deere it was a good tractor but was built for what I need. I’ve since purchased a 1942 Allis Chalmers. Great tractor and I love the tricycle front end. Those that know me know that I love the old iron.

Funny thing about the tractor is its lack of foot brakes. Everything is done with your hands. Luckily for my im good with my hands so its no problem. It is a little nerve racking having to let go of the steering wheel to grab to brakes if you need to stop in a hurry.

Shes old but has the power to run most of our equipment. To bad it doesn’t have hydraulics. Power means nothing without hydraulic power.

Chicks – Hard to believe im on my second hatch. Ive got two incubators going and a Hatcher. Didn’t get the stand built to the hatcher is located on the kitchen table for now.

Almost peep time

David — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:30:11 +0000

I know I haven’t posted in a couple weeks but really there isnt that much going on. I got a few more birds to replace the 50 or so that I lost and have patiently been waiting for my eggs to hatch. They went to lockdown yesterday so hopefully they should start hatching on Wednesday. The kids are here and I think it will be neat for them to see chicks hatch. Hell im excited to see chicks hatch.

Chickens here chickens there

David — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:39:23 +0000

Its been chickentastic around here. Ive been buying quite a few to build my flock. I need specific breeds to maintain the CSA I want to start next year. Well, all is good until 2 weeks ago. I’ve lost 42 birds in the last 2 weeks. I would assume raccoons. Un acceptable. Several hundred dollars down the drain. Here are a couple pics of some of the new guys. SO ugly they are cute. Im also pretty excited about my first egg. I figure after a week of saving these id have enough to an omelet. This one is from my silkie. The others lay a little bigger.

97 eggs and a bottle of canned ham. Ok Ok so there isnt any canned ham. I have accumulated 97 eggs from different people to set. I put them in the incubator a few days ago. Im hoping for a 50% hatch rate. That’s low but for my first time ill be happy.

A couple New faces around here

David — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:09:47 +0000

I traded the only turkey I had left and my two silkies for a couple other chickens. A Millie Fleur colored D’uccle and a nice Silkie Hen. The hen came with a couple chicks she’s been raising. A faverolle and orpington(they are a nice 6 days old today)

There has been some freak rain storms out here. Its claimed some of the last batch of chicks I got. I think ive had 6 die. The were the weakest in the batch. The rest are doing well and are feathering nice.

Fish Time

David — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:27:18 +0000

I decided that its now time that Jackson learns to fish. He liked the idea so we went and picked up a rod and some worms. Got to have the worms you know. He caught 2 in the first 1/2 hour we fished.

Sold some bought some.

David — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:48:38 +0000

Seeing how the chicks free range they don’t eat much feed. So not only do I get free bug control I get bigger birds at no cost. I’ve sold several chickens and decided I wanted to buy some more. I found a guy on craigslist that sells chicks at a set price regardless of breed, I went and picked up 20 from him the other day. I love the pretty colors and should have some decent good looking mutt chickens when I start hatching. Here are some on the new residents of Bairlea Farm.

Been Eating Good

David — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:42:47 +0000

My goodness ive been busy with summer, hay, and the kiddos. I slaughtered my first round of chickens a few weeks ago. It went well and they turned out great. They were a little on the tough side but I didn’t let the meat rest after slaughtering. The gratification is great knowing I raised them and prepared them. Before. cooking, after….