Rise&Shine Urban Farm

It has been a very busy here as poults are hatching and predators have been coming in at nite to "snack."  Raccoons are very clever and it has been a fight to keep them from breaking into the poult nursery.   If you let them, they will stay up all night with their sharp claws digging a hole into the side of the hutch before making away with poults or eggs stolen from under the hens.   To date, about sixty poults have made their way to new homes.  And, I must say, they have left with a sigh of relief knowing that I have met all my orders despite the attempts of predators to the contrary.

One hen who refused to leave her nest suffered severe side wounds down to the bone.  The wounds were horrific, exposing her spine, wing bone and down to her body carcass, with some exposure of her body cavity.    It was a difficult decision to attempt to save her but I am so glad I did.  Removed to a seperate pen with daily clean bedding, antibotics and love,  I can finally state (after six weeks)  I have hopes of a full recovery.    Named, Gilda, she is now in the process of learning how to use her leg again as most of  nerves and muscle were destroyed.  From a 10 by 12 inch wound, there remains only the covering of the wing bone from the elements.   Nature is amazing when given the opportunity.  Because of Gilda's determination and will to live...she will have a home here until nature ditcates otherwise. 

As a final note, this year, I over wintered several hens and their maturity has resulted in jumbo sized eggs, much appreciated by all. 

Soon, it will be time to thin the flock down before meeting holiday orders, as my own freezer is empty of turkey and summer is my "turkey time."    I look foward towards turkey salad, sandwiches, soup, and casseroles.