April Update – Ducks and Chickens and Peas, Oh My

A lot has happened in just a few weeks. On the flower front we have daffodils and grape hyacinths blooming. On the wild bird front we’ve seen blue birds on our fence posts and a pair of sandhill cranes fly over frequently.

Other birds have arrived on Misty Lane, too. We have three peking ducklings on the front porch in a brood pen. Then in a brood pen out in the garage we have 27 day-old chicks. We picked up 28 at the post office this a.m., but one didn’t make it through its first day. We ordered Salmon Favorelles and New Hampshire Red, both straight runs. So, we’re not sure what all we’ll end up with as far as hens or roosters. It is even difficult to tell the two breeds of chicks apart, but the New Hampshire Red babies have a reddish hue to their yellow fluff and the Favorelles don’t.

Another big step on the farm is that a kindly neighbor spread our compost and tilled our garden for us. Michael and the kids went right out and planted the hardy peas, bunch onions and spinach. It’s a big garden, so we’re envisioning everything from corn to zucchini being planted when it is warm enough.

Now, if only we can get our taxes done & sent in on time, it’s down to the wire, yikes!