Archive for the ‘Lucy’s Coop’ Category
06.20.2012
Holtkamp House Chickens Update
So what’s a chicken to do when the temperatures reach the 90s and it’s humid as humid can get? (And you don’t have a superior functioning AC from the leading HVAC company in the metro Atlanta area?) You take a siesta, of course! The ladies are getting quite large. (Remember they were born the first week of April.) So, Margaret decided the new chickies needed a little bit of a spa exeperience. She wrestled some gardening stakes away from me and found some fencing in the garage. A short 30 minutes later, she had the perimeter set up and began transporting the chickens into their vacation spot. A cabana, nice cool water bar and all-you-can-eat buffet completed the 5 Star experience. The chickies thoroughly enjoyed their day. So much so that they immediately booked the facility for the entire next week. Only one piece of somewhat disturbing news – Sunshine began crowing shortly after having checked into her room. Hence, we have renamed HIM “Sonny” and his fate is yet to be determined.
05.11.2012
Spring Means Chicks at Holtkamp House!
It just wouldn’t be spring in Buford, Georgia if the postman (or lady!) didn’t bring chicks to the Holtkamp House. This year we received eight tiny little fluffballs, yes, overnighted, from our favorite chicken hatchery. They came in a box chirping and ready to explore the world. And they were hungry! We nestled them into a washtub while Eleanor, our dog, watched most intently. They immediately began eating and drinking and all was well. Our daughters had “chickie duty” the first night, having to rise several times to make sure there was no distress in Chickie Land. It’s been about a month now, and the girls are growing quickly! See below for a chickie photo album update!
07.20.2011
Holtkamp House Chicken Update – Welcome New Family!
I have been getting inquiries lately as to the status of our fine-feathered friends, the chickies. I can’t believe I forgot to write about the spring brood! We added 11 new baby chicks to the family. They were shipped overnight, like all the others we have. Here is how they arrived! Unfortunately, we lost two in the first 24 hours which is not uncommon. The other 9 remained very snuggly in the garage in a huge AC box (of course!!) specially prepared just for them. About a month ago, we discovered that Ethel and Roxanne were really Eddie and Rocky, so they found another home. So we were then down to 7. Their names are Rose, Sophie, Priscilla, Genevieve, Ruby, Josephine, and Charlotte. The last three grew up and since we couldn’t tell them apart, we renamed them “The Triplets”. Can’t believe it’s been 5 months now and two are starting to lay eggs. Here’s a few pics! Demand for Holtkamp House eggs has now exceeded supply. So I mentioned this to Margaret (our daughter). She promptly replied, “Well, then, you’d better tell the chickens that!” And I’ll end with that tidbit of wisdom.
09.24.2010
Best of Gwinnett – Time to Vote
It’s that time of year again. Thanks to everyone who voted us Best Home Services for 2009. Holtkamp Heating & Air is nominated again this year and we hope you take a few minutes to cast your vote! The deadline is Friday, Oct. 1. Thank you! Click here to cast your vote.
09.08.2010
Poor Nellie
I was awakened to a cock-a-doodle doo a few weeks ago. I wiped the sleep from my eyes to realize something was dreadfully wrong. You see, our nine new hens were about to start laying eggs and we were all aflutter with anticipation. Alas, our hopes were somewhat dashed upon realizing that Nellie was making all the noise. Yep, that’s right. Nellie is really Ned. Explains why she’s (excuse me, he’s) been bossing all the girls around for the last month, including Lucy (see her blog entry). Figures. Anyhoo, we called a trusted customer – also a chicken lover – and released Ned to his care. He said, quote, “Ned will be receiving an ‘opportunity’”. Interpret that as you wish. Harriet (another new hen) is quite lost without her/him. (Anyone a Little House on the Prairie fan?) Goodbye Ned. Play nice in Walnut Grove.
04.27.2010
Lucy'sCoop – Written by the Lovable Holtkamp Chicken
I have discovered that I am not the only member of the family with a love of prose. I have given you below the first (of many, I am sure) diary entries from our beloved Lucy, the buff orpington chicken. (Just a note: our new chicks arrived last week and stay tuned for pictures!) Lucy writes: the days are getting longer. The girls and I are spending more time outdoors, away from the coop. We’ve had lots of time to notice certain peculiar things happening, like little creatures making their homes in the oddest places. Chipmunks (I think they’re called) and a few rodents. I even caught myself a vole the other day. He had breakfast written all over him until the Holtkamp girl wrestled me to the ground and reminded me I was a vegetarian. But I digress. These animals seem to be causing the worst of problems, like gnawing holes in electrical wires and making nests in the back of that air conditioning unit thing. Didn’t seem like a big deal to me until the Big Holtkamp Man kept talking about the damage those varmin cause. He told the neighbor he should check his outdoor areas and make sure […]
12.08.2009
Holtkamp Chickie Update – Can You Stand It?
Well, we’re parents again. Not sure if we should celebrate or have an omelette. Huh? We were rewarded with our first egg last Saturday at 2:34 p.m. (Yes, I know the exact time it happened.) Lucy, our buff orpington chicken, started acting a little funny and walking in and out of the coop, which she never does. She usually stays outside to cluck at every man, woman, and SUV that comes down the driveway. All the sudden she reimerged all prancy-like. I ran over to the nesting boxes and lifted the lid and wahoo, a nice, warm, very clean brown egg. Knew you’d want pictures. Here they are! (It’s 2 inches and 1.5 oz. just for the record.)
