New Year’s resolution?

Can’t say that I’ve been particularly on top of the whole blogging malarkey for the past couple of years, but all being well, with reductions in our poultry stocks and plans afoot to save time on the B and B front, I’m hoping to get back into the swing of things. Not every day and possibly not every week but hey, baby steps are good! So, a belated Happy New Year to anyone checking in!

Of course we’re closed for business at this time of year although the weather has been pretty grim these past few months so who would want to be here on holiday here anyway? This past week has been quite nice though, albeit in a chilly sort of way…

…so much so, that Wee Man and his Silkie girls have refused point blank to come outdoors – unless I tempt them with a few mealworms for afternoon tea that is!

The main flock have been keen to find any spot in the sunshine…

And here’s an introduction to a special new resident, The Bruce, our new cockerel. He’s a Blue-Laced Wyandotte and we hand reared him last summer to step into Big Fella’s shoes – or spurs maybe? (God rest his wee chicken soul.)

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Markie or Silkan?

That is, what do you call a cross between a Maran and a Silkie? Since the demise of poor Big Fella earlier this year, Wee Man has stepped up (literally!) to the task of head cockerel. He hasn’t managed to woo all of the marans, but some of the slightly smaller birds have succumbed to his charms!

Between them, BB, Thelma & Louise have managed to rear three chicks, hardly a great success but probably more than we expected. We were interested to see which chacteristics would be dominant. At eight weeks old their inherited features are quite clear; bantam, Maran feathering/colour, 4 toes (Maran) and surprisingly, some definite Silkie ‘bonnets’!

Wee Man’s days as head honcho will soon be in jeopardy and will hopefully not involve too much aggression. We have two candidates waiting in the wings; a couple of handsome Blue-laced Wyandottes which we reared ourselves. They are a lovely pair, gentle and friendly. They are eighteen weeks old tomorrow and are currently trying to perfect their crowing technique!