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You guys saved my sanity last year. My lovely blue orps are doing so well, and I just wanted to say thank you.
Hector and Briseis have settled in and shown no sign of any problems health wise. They are a pleasure to have around.
Hector has now figured out what he is for and whilst the Bessie, the gold lace orp, won't have anything to do with him, he has five nice splash orps to play with as well. So here's hoping for some nice splash/blue chicks this year. I haven't incubated any yet but after seeing Maureens chick yesterday I think it won't be long now.
I have a pic here from last November of the 2 of them and one of Hector in the last few weeks. Though I swear he's bigger now.



http://www.shellintons.com/forumpics/blues.html

He is such a doll, docile so far, I have a huge soft spot for him and will be devastated if he turns nasty. Which is something coming from the woman who ate Santa for Christmas. So far, so good though. Will update you on his fetility just as soon as I have got the Incubator fired up and cooking
It is looking promising from the eggs so far though

I second this Mick and Jennie are always ready to help and are genuinly nice people. not too many around these days

It's always nice when people agree with me
I have a pic of Hector from today here
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Can't wait to get those eggs in the inccy ;p

Ooh he is a very handsome chap indeed

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Thanks Ecochick, I have to agree with you
He is a real gent too.

shellintons

We are so pleased that you are happy with the birds. they have certainly grown up beautifully, Hector looks just like his dad.

We have got some black orps in the incy at the moment, and things are certainly heating up here as we have quail hatching, light sussex, blue cochin, black pekin and copper blue maran hatching in the next two days (some are hatching as i type). as for the weekend yet more to hatch too, including belgian bantams and other large fowl!

Did you ever contact Homefarmer as an outlet for your photos? they printed my article on rabbits this month, but didnt use my photos of skinning a rabbit, as either they were too gruesome, or more likely to poor a quality!

The Jelly you gave us was lovely and we ended up squabbling over it, and Charlotte passed her entrance exams and was offered a place at Brewood, she starts in September!

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BTW Dan hows your hatch going? and how are your little barbus?

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Jenny, I am so pleased to hear Charlotte passed. Give her a big congratulations from us!
Also, tell her, Paul will be pleased to see her in Photography when she gets to A level lol

Glad you enjoyed the Jelly. You really must try our Lemon Curd. Especially the stuff P makes with Goats Butter and Quail Eggs. Maybe I will swap you a jar for a Bee keeping chat ;p I have a hive all ready to go lol

I haven't as yet contacted the Homefarmer people but I promise I will.

And I was almost suckered with your black orps there, till I remembered I have some eggs in the inncy from Hector and the girls. I haven't come across anyone who has mixed a blue cock with splash hens yet, but lots the other way round, so I will be interested to see what happens. I am looking forward to posting pics of those cute chicks in 3 weeks time. Talk about counting my eggs

dont worry about the black orps. they are tiny at the moment and not ready to go! you are safe for a bit!!!

regarding the beehive, Mike says contact the South Staffs Beekeeping Society http://southstaffsbeekeepers.co.uk/ as they usually run beginners courses in the spring. hard to get onto but if they can they will squeeze you on. If possible join the club (about £20) as if they get a swarm come in it goes to club members first before being offered out. so if you are in the club, you get a chance to get the bees! I picked up a complete hive with a full compliment of bees for £150 from them!

The bee club membership also provides you with Public Liability Insurance, just incase the bee stings someone and they come after you for compensation. How the hell they are supposed to provide a positive ID for one of your 30,000 bees i dont know but hey ho, worth covering your back.

if you want to swap recipes, mike asks if you do bacon etc, as he collects charcuterie recipes as he loves curing meats etc. He is just finishing his way through 6 whole chorizo he made before christmas, and now he is onto making some black bacon.........

keep in touch

Jen and Mike

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Learn how to make and use your own clay oven
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Thanks Bramble couple of eggs wobling at the moment. The barbus are ace I dont see much of them they are always hiding under mum

fingers crossed then. let us know how they get on! of course we want pictures you know........ none of this camera phone larf, we want full on Lord Lichfeld stuff

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Learn how to make and use your own clay oven
http://www.goodlifepress.co.uk/training
My Blog
http://meekle.wordpress.com