Chick Therapy

It was hot yesterday. Breathtakingly hot. But more rain is on the way so we are not complaining.

The Cadet needed a little extra loving yesterday so she came over to the farm for some chick therapy. (Above is a little peachick they are very vigorous birds). And much to my delight she was able to watch a turkey hatch out of it’s shell – a very special moment for her.  The turkeys seem much more fragile.  Hopefully they will start to gain some strength today. Early days yet.  I have an extra turkey too. I have no idea what this one is.  I knew the heritage Turkey Man  sent me an extra egg to fill the box but I assumed it was another Spanish Black.  Nope. It is a gold colour and much more upright and stronger than the others.  A vigorous bird.

But I am sure the Spanish will catch up – after all they were hunted and eaten by the cooks for the conquistadors – of which our guest worker could be a descendent,  combined with the the other side of his family that is recently arrived  Italian and German – If a  polyglot could be a country it would be Argentina.  As well as having areas that speak the three different languages, as I understand it, official Argentinian is a collection of all three. We talk about a lot of interesting things whilst practicing English but sometimes it takes two or three days to clarify an idea.)

Anyway the Spanish Black turkey was a Mexican turkey that was put in a box and taken back to Europe way back in the marauding mists of time, crossed with a European black turkey then returned to the Americas with the early, early European settlers later in its genetic life. This is one of the reasons I am hoping to breed them – they are travellers like me. A very old breed and still on the critical list. Lets hope they toughen up.  As of this morning three turkey eggs are as yet unhatched. 

Tima found some very deep shade for her afternoon nap in the heat yesterday.

Poppy and Sheila found mud.

Sheila has the most incredible eyes. Poppys are all black. Sheila has the eyes of a golden eyed boy. I love her eyes, especially when she tips her head up so she can see me below the drop of her big floppy ears.

I hope you have a lovely day.

Federico goes on the train to Springfield today – his English exam is tomorrow morning.  It is five hours long. Poor fella.  Kia kaha, Fede. Kia manuia!.

I hope we all have a lovely day.

Your friend on the farm

celi