• Oct. 27, 2009
Clouds
By Jill
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• Oct. 27, 2009
Elephants
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• May. 4, 2009
Home-Grown Eggs That Satisfy
Home-Grown Eggs That Satisfy
by Jill
As all chickens are egg layers, categorizing the best breed is subjective. Purebred chickens aren’t as good for laying then hybrids, which have been developed commercially to maximize egg- laying ability. Suggesting purebreds that are favorable for egg laying include the Barnevelder, New Hampshire, and Welsummer. If you are searching for a productive breed that will give a constant supply of eggs, the Hamburg or Leghorns could be agreeable for you. A dual-purpose chicken is an excellent source for the first-time beginner, because it can be used as a productive egg-layer and meat. Conveniently, some dual-purpose chickens include the Rhode Island Red, Faverolles, Dorkings, and Dominiques. The Sex-Link, which was produced in America, is one of the most successful crossbred chickens, enjoying human company and naturally laying up to 320 eggs per year. Mixed hens, which are also in the crossbreed varieties, are hardier then pure breeds; they lay plenty of eggs and are unique in appearance, and personality.
Chickens housing requirements are quite simple. The basic premise of the room should insure the three H’s: Health, Happiness, and Hygiene. Arranging it to your needs, it is best to build your own coop to suit your yard. A 5 by 7ft. structure is sufficient for six hens, although bigger is better. It should be located on an evenly well-drained surface to prevent health problems. Commonly the southern direction is desirable to chickens because the sun is not too hot, but dries and airs out the stagnant coop. Ventilation holes drilled near the top of the coop are a high priority when building as it prevents accumulation of ammonia gas. Along the run it should be completely fenced in and all doors given a good lock because predators can be persistent on obtaining meals. The Anatolian Shepherd, which serious breeders rate, is the most reliable ally in the struggle against predators.
Half of a healthy chickens diet consists of seeds, insects, worms, grubs, berries, and anything else they find when foraging. Foraging opportunities are important because carbohydrates, oil, vitamins, protein and minerals can be found in what they consume. Commercial grain, which have oils added during processing, are not as wholesome as whole grain. Diligently provide all chickens with free access to a regular supply of grit because they need this in order to digest their food. You should be mindful that a lot of leftovers contain salt, if given over %.15 they could die. Since one chicken can fervently drink .2 gallons of water in hot weather, make sure all birds have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Don’t forget to store all feed in a tight, dry container because moldy food can kill your chicken.
As the owner of your chickens, you should knowingly be alert to any changes of your flock and give a daily health check. Loss of appetite is a common recognizable symptom, but may be hard to notice among many birds. If your chicken is overeating, but bearing fewer eggs, she probably has worms. If your hen looks anemic and stops laying, check under all the perches for pesky mites. Chicken worming medicines and mite powder, which can be used to treat these problems, can be found at your local feed store. Adequate ventilation is important for your flock to stay healthy because it prevents ammonia buildup. Overcrowding your chickens can lead to boredom and feather pecking, while dirty conditions can cause bad hygiene. The more treats and less exercise you give your flock, the less eggs you will receive! Carefully taking care of your chickens, and making them happy can satisfy them as well as you when you eagerly devour your scrumptious home-grown omelet for breakfast. If you want bacon with it, that’s another story.
3/16/2009
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• May. 4, 2009
Abalone
Abalone
By Jill
Abalone were first found in Japan but then discovered worldwide. In the United States they are found on the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California. They are found at rocky exposed shorelines and in salt water with temperature to 2c to 30c. They also like to hang out in Nerecystis kelp beds.
The out side of an Abalone’s shell is bumpy and sometimes has a few barnacles on it. The inside of the shell is silvery white to green-red. There are five holes on the shell followed by several bumps along the edge of the shell. As the Abalone grows these openings fuse and are replaced. These holes are for the rich oxygen water that comes in and the carbon dioxide to come out. The waste that comes out stains the shell so the Abalone’s shell looks like a rock.
Juveniles tend to hang around red algae patches, and migrate much more then adults. Abalone has sharp teeth to munch down their salt of seaweed. But they also have to have a sharp eye out for other predators such as octopus, Sea stars, crab, sea otters, eels, and lobsters. If it is not harvested or eaten by a predator an Abalone live to about 15 years.
Abalone has been harvested for over hundreds of years. The first record of harvesting occurred in Japan in 30 A.D. To harvest, the abalone must be pried off the rocks. Abalone meat is considered to be a delicacy around the world. It is creamy white in appearance and should be cooked briefly or it will become tough. There are over 300 abalone harvest farms in China.
The abalone is not just used for its meat, but also its shell. Their shells make beautiful jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The abalone pearl has a distinctive horn shape and a bluish green rainbow of color. It has also been used to make decorative items such as furniture inlays and music boxes. This certainly is an amazing little creature in God’s big world.
