Birds of a feather, canine birthdays and bridge Part 4

Last week we decided to sell our old Bettys to our neighbour. They provided us with over two years worth of eggs, but they were slowing down. Eleven hens were producing two to five eggs a day. Our neighbour will keep them until they no longer lay eggs and then will eat them.

The next day, we went into Santa Maria to pick up fifteen young hens. In the past when the hens settle in, it takes approximately two to three weeks for them to start laying eggs. This time however, they started laying the day we brought them home. Wednesday: 5, Thursday: 7, Friday: 8, Saturday: 9 and today: 10! They eggs are tiny... like mini eggs, but the shells are strong and smooth. In a few weeks, we should be in full production with regular sized eggs. We're very happy. (I took pictures of the new Bettys, but the files seem to be corrupted so I could not download them.)

More bird news... I spotted a black guan on a river rock. They are a large turkey-type bird, usually in pairs. Kevin and I have seen them a few times in the last weeks, but I never have my camera to take a picture. This time I was going on a hike and brought my camera...

And then later, I captured this beautiful hummingbird perched on a aloe vera branch. These are aloe vera flowers... watching hummingbirds flit around, hover and drink the nectar is still one of my favourite pastimes...

Thursday was a big day for our little Frankie... she turned 11. And tomorrow, Bobbie McGee turns two. Well, we don't actually know when her birthday is exactly. The vet told us she was about two and a half months when she landed on our back door in mid October. So, we simply guessed and picked a date.

Frankie is getting older, we can see it more and more. She's getting more grey and is definitely slowing down. And Bobbie is also growing up... she's mellowing a bit. She is much calmer and doesn't bother Frankie as much. I think she's finally figured out that Frankie just doesn't want to play.

 The bridge is coming along nicely. The concrete slabs look solid. We're told it should be complete in two or three weeks. The community is pleased that this bridge is finally being built, but it's also looking forward to having it all finished and having the mess cleaned up.