You are surely just as busy as we have been around here. The more frequent warm days bring an eager urgency to the chores, make hay while the sun shines takes on a whole new meaning. These days are filled with seed trays, brooder lamps, and special deliveries. Each day brings a new and marvelous sign of the mirth of a new growing season. Lambs, calves and kids are hitting the ground. Ducklings are growing fast, and the chick orders are going in this week. We have onion sets, bell and jalapeno peppers sprouting and eggplant and tomato seeds are next in line.
Now, as I mentioned, we are placing our chick order this week. You might ask yourself why I waited. Originally I planned to order direct from a hatchery. However when we visited our local farm store a couple weeks ago I decided to check on their prices and minimum orders. Turns out I could order the same breeds and in greater numbers and still save money! The individual prices are anywhere from a few pennies less to twenty cents or more. Plus, the bulk order placed by the farm store does not require me to pay shipping – another $8.75 saved.
As I chatted more with the cashier I told her I’d be having to place my order the next week and she mentioned that If I waited just a few days longer they would be having a sale on the orders. This is great – I can order a few extra chicks, of the breeds I want, have them delivered to my post office and save $10+. It is true that they may be arriving in May instead of early April, but hey, the days will be warmer and that can help reduce the time in the brooder.
Take time to check your local farm store or feed store. They can give you a good price and they may even be able to help you out if you are looking to buy from local producers. Take some time to get to know the folks at the counter.
Since I’m on the topic of poultry orders I’ll go ahead and tell you what we’re buying:
Buff Orpington (I want broody hens)
Dark Brahma & Partridge Cochin (son wants some feather footed girls or his rooster)
Ameraucana & Maran (daughter wants colorful eggs)
Meanwhile, my daughter chose to spend some of her birthday money on 5 ducklings – 2 Rouen and 3 Pekin. They are filling the gap between winter and the arrival of our chicks. Doing a great job of it I might add!
Thank you to all the folks who entered our February Freebie drawing. Rosalinde in NM will be receiving a free copy of the book: Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits. Check back for the next freebie announcement!
The Birthday Girl with her Rouen duckling "Water"
Very good post! I was wondering how you house your chickens?
Erik