The Riley Factor #84

The Riley Factor Fort Plain, NY
October 19 , 2010
(All the Rock Creek Farm news that's fit to print, along with unfit to print rumors, prognostications & bloviations.)

Planting and Plowing -- Done for the year.  Equipment is in the barn.  Some oiling, greasing and painting in process.

Riley -- The Golden Boy is running and still swimming daily.  He still chases the turkeys and chickens within an inch of their lives, but it is a love/hate relationship.  When the birds run (that's right, run not fly) away, they move about five feet -- not exactly fleeing for their lives.  And Riley runs about four feet, not exactly chasing down his dinner.

The Herd of Five -- Word on the pasture is that one or more of the herd may be heading for the butcher this fall.  Makes for a nervous barn.  All are doing well, with Gabe and Eli each near 1,000 pounds, and the Dexter brothers not far behind.  Zeke the Bull is still a waif, at under 400 pounds, including horns.
 
Fowl Weather -- Although only 20 weeks old, some of the Jersey Giant chickens have laid their first few eggs.  A few of the roosters, at about 6-8 pounds, recently made a trip to the butcher, and (presumably) are enjoying their new life n the freezer..  That leaves about 25 hens to lay eggs and a couple of roosters to organize and patrol the hen house.  The 17 remaining RI Red/Cornish Hen crossbreeds are each still happily laying an egg a day.

Mowings, Musings and The Woods -- Leaves have changed colors.  Many have fallen.  Scenery is beautiful.

Quote of the Week -- .
                             Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.                                                                  President John F. Kennedy