The update in a nutshell

Unpredictability at it’s best! I’ve finally got some time to breathe and write some things! I know I mentioned earlier this year that I would make it a point to write some more. Unfortunately, that did not happen due to a myriad of situations that occurred. We’ve had a pretty busy year with some events that were unexpected. With 3 major social gatherings that were planned and rescheduled due to covid, my oldest preparing to leave the nest and the countless projects has caused many time constraints. On the evening of August 24, 2021, my father suddenly passed. He was completely healthy so we had no idea things would lead here. Although, he is now resting in peace, the snowball effect has taken over since we took about three months off to ensure my father’s final wishes were met. Needless to say, it’s been rough as he was the backbone of some new avian projects that I have started and I have now inherited a few of his. It will be difficult without my life-long mentor always readily available to assist and he is missed terribly. With that being said, we are now getting back into the things that have been paused. Nonetheless, we’re attempting to resume normal activities despite the unpredictable situations. my family and I are grateful to everyone for being patient with us. We wanted to share some updates about our fine feathered friends as we look forward to the 2022 season. Our plans will be announced as soon as we have finalized some details! But first, on to the birds!!

The Birds

Mearns Quail - We’ve had such an interesting year with these guys. From adding new lines to maintaining daily observation, they are most certainly the most unpredictable ornamental breed we have. You literally just never know what will happen. This year, we’ve hatched more females than males which was extremely unexpected. Typically, most hatches are favorable to males but this just goes to show how it could be entirely different. We had our last egg collection in late October and assumed that the eighty-degree, Indian summer played a huge role in their late season. Should we have any pairs that are no longer under heat, sexable and ready to fly, we will certainly update anyone that has been patiently waiting on our list. At this time, all of our adults have been spoken for but we still have quite a few babies to rear and am thankful that my breeders are taking a much needed break with the seasonal weather finally moving in.

Roul Roul Partridge - The sassy and beautiful Roul Rouls are quite tame when hand-raised properly. Unfortunately, these guys are listed as near threatened on the conservation list which prompted the addition of this project. Propagation is not only difficult but tedious for bird keepers like myself. I’m also a mother and treat these chicks as such. The first few days after hatching are extremely critical as they do not start well on their own. The require live feed more so than crumbles and are not precocial when hatched. We hand-feed all babies to make sure they get a good head start. Well this year, our precious Roulette has a few mates to choose from. However, it has not been easy for the boys. They are actually frightened at the sheer fact that she is free ranging around the house. She travels outdoors from time to time but not often. She has enjoyed the comforts of indoor living above and beyond the outdoor aviary. Uncertain about this upcoming breeding season, we could possibly offer this breed in 2022 if things go well. I can’t say we have predicted successful matings but I’m hoping that spring fever takes over for her as she currently has no interest in our males whatsoever. Here’s hoping to warmer weather and fertile Partridge eggs from all of our females!

Kikiriki Micro Bantams - Once upon a time, I thought that seramas were the smallest chickens on the planet until I saw one of these guys. The largest bird I have from this particular breed weighs about fourteen ounces on a good day and is much more compact than my micro serama hen. An engaging personality, Tight feathers, short legs and a confidant stance represents this breed. They make some wonderful pets if you’re unable to have large fowl. They remind me of ancient game and honestly, I don’t know that I would classify them as a chicken but that that is my personal opinion. They have been great setters, mothers and fathers. They don’t require much space and don’t consume a lot of feed as anyone would think. They are easy to care for with the exception that they are less cold hardy than most other bantam breeds as they originated in tropical weather. They do best at temps above 45 degrees without supplemental heating but if you are in a cooler climate, some adjustments may need to be made for their welfare. If you’re looking for an indoor chicken as a pet, this breed fits the bill.

Ameraucana Bantams - I stumbled across this breed and did not expect to find some beautiful Lavender bantams. Since we’ve had them, they have been the friendliest and the most mellow out of our birds. There are days I think they believe they are dogs! In addition to this beautiful new group, we also have black splits, BBS and wheatens. They lay beautiful blue eggs and are temperate for the most part provided they have adequate shelter. When selecting our breeders, we take a number of factors into consideration. From personality, to egg- laying potential to crowing; every bird is different and you just never know how much those personalities fluctuate when the hormones kick in. The lavender (Self-Blue) color was recently accepted by the American Bantam Association as a recognized Variety. The next hurdle will be acceptance by the American Poultry Association. Being members of both associations, it is an exciting time for this breed. We are also dabbling in a few other standard colors as well as the Lavender. I can’t wait to see how these birds do for us. So far, they have been a joy to raise.

Old English Game Bantams - OEGBs are threatened according to the Livestock Conservancy list as of this blog. Long before they became adorned pets, this breed was previously used for cock fighting and are now backyard pets in modern day society. Also a compact bird with tight feathers, they make an interesting addition to a backyard flock. They are self-assured, engaging, spirited and always willing to include themselves in your presence. I love the Self-Blue color which is a gorgeous light shade of gray. They are such active birds and seem to love mental stimulation. Not as Docile- quite the opposite and interactive! They live for upwards of twelve years or more and are temperate birds. We’re excited to have inherited this wonderful breed and look forward to including them in some future projects!

Celadon Coturnix Quail - This was the most basic breed and a staple of our homestead. They provided an abundance of eggs and meat to our family. Unfortunately due to my father’s passing, we are no longer offering their eggs. It’s just one of those deeply emotional decisions that we made as a family and my father was a huge influence. Because of the harrowing toll, we decided not to offer these birds at this time. My family and I are thankful to those whom have supported our celadons up until now and please accept my apologies for the abrupt notice.