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Comments For Charity; Questions Answered And Name That Chick

I have tallied up the comments for June and the four people who are winning a gift certificate to the charity of their choice are; Karen Zemek, Anna, Sharkbytes and Carmen.

Karen chose a gift certificate to Kiva. She wrote about it on her blog today which you can read by clicking HERE. Anna chose a donation to The Red Cross to go wherever the need is greatest. Carmen hasn’t decided yet and I haven’t heard from Sharkbytes but when they decide, I’ll let you know. Anyway, the comments for charity begins a new month today. Here’s the rules:

Be one of the 4 top commentors on my blog and you will receive a 25.00 donation to the charity of your choice or a 25.00 gift certificate to Kiva.org. It was really close this month. I had 4 people tied for fourth place and Sharkbytes won by one comment. If I ever have a tie for fourth place, I will award every one who has tied a 25.00 gift certificate. I’m having a great time doing this and I hope you are enjoying it as well.

Now, to answer questions. Becky asked what the bird was in the last picture of my last post. It’s my fabulous toboganning, dancing turkey hen posing for the camera as she likes to do. But, most of the questions were about the geese.

I learned not all geese and ducks need big ponds to be happy. In fact, certain breeds such as Runner Ducks, actually prefer land. But, all geese and ducks need access to fresh water in amounts enough to duck (maybe that’s how they got their name?) their entire head and their beaks to clean their nostrils. And, yes, they do enjoy splashing and cleaning themselves in water. And fresh water has to be available to them all the time. (Not looking forward to those 25 below winter days here.)

We no longer have a pond on Red Pine Mountain. We did have a Mountain Man made one but when our property taxes started increasing by enormous amounts, the pond had to go. Yes, the pond was taxed as is everything, run in sheds, timber storage buildings. Doesn’t matter. If it stands on your land, Vermont taxes it. We also ripped down the majority of our house as well in an effort to be able to hold on to our farm. But let’s not think about property taxes or I’ll become depressed.

Back to geese.

We do have lots of water around us but because they are running streams that flow into larger rivers, I have no plans to allow the geese in the streams cause I don’t want them pooping in the water. We are building a larger enclosure and play yard for them and they will have access to kiddie pools.

The geese are not going to be allowed to free range. They are very vulnerable to predators because they can’t fly. I think they’ll be happy with their final accomodations when Mountain Man has them built. And if you’re thinking about adding geese to your homestead, just research the breeds and you’ll find your perfect match. I have to tell you they are lots of fun.

Now, on to my mystery birds. First up, the bird in the forefront of the picture. He’s very long legged and short bodied and remind me of gazelles or Emus. I can’t figure out his breed. Any ideas?

The other mystery bird is the one in the background. She is a very pale yellow, almost white and is larger than the other chicks her age. I thought she might be an Easter Egger but usually they have some shading. Thoughts anyone?

And lastly is this chick. An Easter Egger perhaps?

That’s it for today and maybe for the weekend; unless something arises that has nothing to do with geese or chickens. Happy 4th of July!