Poultry Tales: The Magic Of Optimism (Lavender Ameraucana Hatch #1)

21 September 202118 October 2021 ~ Forged Mettle Farm ~ 4 Comments

*Shipped Lavender Ameraucana eggs along with our own Black Copper Marans* *eggs*

When you artificially incubate eggs as often as I do, you understand that bad things can happen. That’s why I think of hatching as bittersweet: the joy brought by new hatchlings is tempered by the sadness of those that die or have problems that may adversely impact their quality of life. Despite the inevitable lows, I find that there will be experiences that profoundly affect me, and that keep me going…like the immense strength in a tiny chick’s will to live.

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Farm Fowl: In Praise Of The Poop Board

2 April 20212 April 2021 ~ Forged Mettle Farm ~ 2 Comments

*Don’t be fooled – the tiny phase doesn’t last!*

Spring is chick season, and there are undoubtedly many people who are new to chickenkeeping acquiring their first chicks. It’s an exciting experience, but those who have gone before – if you will – have tips and “lessons learned” to share. One tip I’d like to share is about the importance of the poop board. Find out why it makes chicken raising so much more manageable!

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Haiku: When You Need A Friend

27 February 20211 July 2021 ~ Forged Mettle Farm

The first hatch of the year is over, and, sadly, there’s just one chick. A combination of factors (early season eggs, a fiddly incubator, and a small number of eggs set) culminated in just one healthy, vigorous hatchling. But one is always better than none.

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Farm Fowl: Why Hatching Now Makes Sense

27 November 202027 November 2020 ~ Forged Mettle Farm

Many people think that spring is the prime time to get their hatching eggs and/or chicks, ducklings, goslings, keets, and poults – after all, the farm stores are overflowing with babies then – but hatching and raising poultry in fall (and even winter) can put a small farmer in a great position when spring arrives!

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Update: Single Gosling Integration

14 September 2020 ~ Forged Mettle Farm

Have you been wondering how our lone gosling, Puanani, has been doing? Here’s an update on her…and her former companion, Kalani. Both are doing well and growing – as young animals do – like weeds!

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Animal Tales: Lonely No More

1 August 20201 August 2020 ~ Forged Mettle Farm ~ 1 Comment

Who says chicks and goslings can’t be fast friends? Despite their obvious differences, these two have shown me just how adaptable baby animals can be…and how important companionship is to their well-being.

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