// Clay Oxen

Around the Dream Fullfilled 005, originally uploaded by grizzlygroundswell.

We ordered some phoenix chicks. It is always fun to see what they grow into. This particular Rooster had us intrigued. It could be the phoenix or something they are using to breed the new red/blue wyandottes that we also are enjoying.

Either way, this big boy did not last long. He fortunately fathered some great chicks that are now grown and beautiful. It was the wierdest thing. Cracker the rooster loved to torment the younger roosters. One day he chased one into a small opening I did not forsee a chicken getting into. Well, Cracker followed the tormented rooster into the opening and the two became lodged into the confined area. Cracker must of really forced his way into the space because he ended up not being able to breath. Luckily, or unluckily, I did not catch the feathers hanging out of the opening in time.

The feathers caught my eye and I thought, what are they up too now? Then, I was horrified because cracker was obviously dead. I had come in time, though, rigomortise did not set in yet. I thought about just leaving him in there, but then the aroma of dead chicken just did not excite me. So I found his legs and pulled. It took quite a bit to free him from the small opening and space. I finally got him out and too my suprise one of my Lakenvelder roosters squawked. I then quickly pulled him out. He was shaken but only stirred. Alive and free.

It was hard saying goodbye to Cracker the Rooster but, when you surround yourself with life, death happens! Although it is so worth the enjoyment!

In this picuture you will see:

From Back to front, Right to left.

Fawn duck: you only see the legs and body.
Swiss duck: You only see his breast. He is in a row with the fawn duck!

Lakenvelder Hen:
Wyandotte Hen:
Lakenvelder Hen: This is the garage hen who goes in our cat door and lays eggs in an old wood stove that was earlier used to raise garage kittens.
Black Star Hen: these are so hearty and great egg layers. I cross breed these with all my rare breeds to great success.
Cracker the Rooster: Strutting his stuff
Phoenix hen: Pretty girl
Lakenvelder/japanese cross: this was a miracle chick that was raised by our japanese hen. It had a broken leg and the little japanese hen nursed it and protected it until its leg healed and it was able to stand on its own two legs, pun intended.
Wyandotte/?mix rooster: We had this great rooster we called Funnycide after the great race horse. It had the most beautiful colors we bred him to one and all the hens. This little rooster was a golden laced wyandotte cross with funnycide and what a little gem he is.

I have started breeding my chickens looking for Raku Colors, irradescent and bold. Crackles, and metalic coppers. It has been very fun to see what we get.

Well, I could go on and on over our love affair with our Backyard Poultry.

If anyone is looking for chicks this spring and early summer, preorder soon! theclayempire@chadeverson.com
763-856-5629
Ask for Chad
I can not mail live birds but I understand I may be able to send eggs. If anyone is interested in the rare breeds:
Lakenvelder
Black & White Polish
Golden Polish
Phoenix:
Phoenix: silver
Blue/red wyandotte
and my merry mix of chicken and duck eggs.
Give me a shout!

I am also going to be creating some chicken coops. I have a North Dakota Landscape idea. If you are interested drop me a line.

~Teddy Bear