I think this might actually be the surprise chick. She is different from all of the others and a little small. We shall see.
This might be my Speckled Sussex chick. Sorry the photo is not good.
The barn swallows are going crazy this year. There are at least 12 nests in the hay loft. The photo does not do justice to how many nests are being built.
One thing about the swallows, between them and the bats we are almost never bitten by mosquitos despite our standing water here all year. So I love our swallows (and bats).
The chickens have finally kicked it into gear with the egg laying. Here are some of the hens finally doing their jobs.
And we had one of our birds for dinner. We made local-style BBQ chicken with one of our previously butchered roosters. Here it is (and it was mighty good).
In other farm animal news, the pigs are coming out of their straw more and getting a little bigger.
And I sheared the felted Nigora goats yesterday.
In garden news, the camas root that I thought had died last year clearly has not. Her are its gorgeous flowers starting to bloom.
And we have radishes! I boiled some with carrots to go with the chicken last night. I have been eating them on every salad daily and going to try a new to me radish salad soon.
FYI This is the 2004th blog post since switching to the wordpress site more than 10 years ago. I meant to acknowledge the 2000 one but forgot. So here’s to me and all of that typing!
Hey! congratulations on your 2004 blogs! My goodness, that would be a lot of typing!!
Your radishes are beautiful! I don’t eat them very much, because I’m the only one in the house who can eat them at all.
Your camas is looking beautiful, too. We get to enjoy them along the highway on our way to Eugene, every spring.
I think this is the first time I’ve seen you write about the Nygora goat. I looked them up, and learned a little. Do you use their fleece? If it’s already felted before you shear them, it must be a bit difficult.
The two chicks you pictured are both beautiful. It will be very interesting to see how they turn out.
I’m glad your hens are laying now. How many eggs are there per day? Do you let them set on them?
Jeanne
I used to spin the Nigora fiber but now it felts too soon. I let it grow out a little so it was easier to shear under the felted parts. Our prairie was where the local tribe used to harvest Camas root. I would like to grow enough that I can try it. But maybe I should take a trip to get some. Probably would be easier. We are getting around a dozen eggs a day now plus offer a goose egg too. We are trying not to let them set. We have enough chicks for now.
I’ve never heard of cooking radishes! Are they good boiled? Does it make hot ones milder?
They were OK. Not great but lost their spiciness. I will try them in the salad to see if that helps.
Did the radishes lose their pretty color when they were cooked? I’m not sure I would care for them cooked. They are such fun to eat raw, with their crunchiness!
They were still pretty but less flavorful. I have too many to eat all of them raw so try ones things.