“The Daily” is a look at our week here at Yellow Birch Hobby Farm. You can keep up with our photos here and more by “Liking” our Facebook page!
Here is a look at our week of January 19th, 2014:
We’ve had quite the winter here in Northeastern Minnesota, testing the limits and patience of even lifelong inhabitants like myself. Our hobby farm is located in what’s known as a “snow belt” in one of the most elevated areas in the county, which means we tend to receive some of the largest deposits of snow in the area. Our snow totals have reached 100 inches or better; just this past Monday we saw 20″ overnight. But on top of that, we’ve had long stretches of bitter cold; -20 to -30 actual temp with windchills double that. The cycle seems to be 5-7 days of extreme cold, followed by 1 or 2 “warmer” days {not reaching higher than 20} where we get snow every time- then back to the cold. It’s been tough keeping up with it all!
And with the cold dipping back into arctic temperatures, my nemesis finally returned. After over 2 weeks of absence since the bobcat took my chickens, he returned on the coldest night this week, finally taking the bait in the live trap. I woke up at 7 AM on Thursday and felt compelled to go out and check on the animals. Not quite daylight yet, I was armed only with my flashlight when I discovered that the door of the live trap was closed- and this guy was inside. He was not happy.
I, however, was :).
He has been transported from my property and released elsewhere. Though this does not end our constant battle with predators, it at least brings peace to my mind knowing that the one responsible for the devastation of my flock is gone. It was the least I could do for my babies 🙂
We saw 15 degrees one day this week, and any time we see higher temps like that, the ducks get to go out and bathe. Our pools are buried beneath snow so I use a large plastic garbage can lid and boy do they LOVE the opportunity to clean up! The only problem is the water quickly freezes on their feathers and I have to hurry them back into their house laden with fresh straw :).
My 23 Black Star hens had been in the end stages of molt when I received them and their laying started out on the slow side. However, by the end of the week we’re up to 13 eggs a day {and we seem to gain 1 or 2 more every day!}. This hen, with her shiny new feathers and full, healthy appearance has successfully emerged on the other side of the molt. She is also at the top of the pecking order, and for the first time in not having a rooster in the house, I’m seeing how the lead hen takes on the responsibilities belonging that of a roo.Usually perched up high, she is very watchful and sometimes aggressive.
My new vintage egg basket which I LOVE. I’m a sucker for anything vintage or antique, and especially for things that can still serve a purpose.
Keep up with us! I’m currently working on a couple of new articles which I hope to complete next week, including one concerning a mystery that began in my coop.
Hope to see you around!
Your head hen is gorgeous! She looks like a good and watchful leader. The bobcat, on the other hand, freaks me out. I would be terrified to have him prowling around. I’m glad you trapped him and sent him away. Stay warm, we’re supposed to be getting another arctic blast.
Take care!
Jen
Glad you finally got that predator and released him miles away. I look forward to the next story.
Happy you released the Bobcat, I really would not harm to come to him even though your flock was…..Blessings Francine.
Wow – so happy you caught and released the Bobcat! Such beautiful photos of the chickens, ducks and eggs.