More Yard Work To Be Done

No matter what we do we have help, more help then we ever need. There is always a creature underfoot, inspecting, assisting and suppervising our work. After all it has to be up to their specks but there is always one slacker.

Muscovey Permit and Regulation Update

I have received a few questions about the Muscovy duck issue and permit regulations in the U.S. I have been keeping track of what is going before the implementation date of the new regulation, since we raise our own Muscovy ducks for meat and eggs.

At this time the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of reformatting their permit regulations that became effective March 31, 2010 for the List of Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It seems they really did not realize the extent of the market for Muscovy duck meat. They are genuinely concerned with how invasive the species is in the southern states.

Lets put this in easy terms. Thanks to an article in this months Back Yard Poultry, I have the answer and actually understood what they are explaining. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not realize the huge market for Poultry Farmers raising domestic Muscovy's as meat or show birds. Most farmers do not know Muscovy is an invasive species to the U.S.The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service does not read Back Yard Poultry and most farmers do not read the Federal Register.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not administer the new permits or enforce their new regulations. They plan to amend those regulations in the very near future. Legally we can raise and sell our Muscovy's without any issue, at this time.

If any one has more questions about this issue I can scan and send the article from Back Yard Poultry to you. They have a very good question and answer section to help explain the issue.

The Lawn Mower Pit Crew

Bruce has a new pit crew for his mower. Our baby geese get into everything. They are very curious and follow us everywhere.

More Ducklings Hatching

We have new ducklings hatching this weekend! Penelope is hatching out her 10 to 14 eggs she has been sitting on for roughly 34 days. The doors to her large private pen is now closed off from the other birds while she is going through this stressful time.

Yard Work

While I was doing a little yard work look what I raked up. There is no such thing as "a little yard work" on our farm. I'm very much Anti-Pooh which means we have to clean up "behind" everyone continuously. It is all worth while; knowing all our creatures have a clean, well fed, humane life style. Maybe a little to much "style" is going on some days, which is the fun part of our farm.

A New Crib for my Peeps

Lola, Zelda and Coco love their new Chick Chalet. Here you can see Lola doing a little gardening on her front porch. They have not had time to finish painting yet but they love the lime color on the one side that is painted. The interior is finished off in early wood chips with a roosting post and cathedral ceiling for ventilation on those hot summer days. The new heating system will keep them toasty warm in the winter also.
A few of the other hens are a little jealous but every now and then a hen will pay a unexpected visit to the Chalet, squeeze through the door and leave a house warming gift behind!

Goslings are 5 weeks old today

Our giant little babies are growin up fast. They still come running to us chirping with an occasional honk.