Backwoods Living with the Foxfire Woman

21 Days and Counting Down

Yesterday, I did my first ritual of spring.  No, not cleaning.  J  I fired up the incubator and set four dozen eggs to hatch.  Estimated due date March 9. 

This year, IÂ’m attempting a few new things in the hatching process.  One, IÂ’ve got the incubator in the living room instead of the bathroom.  My thought for that is the living room (where the wood stove is) will stay a more consistent ambient temperature than the bathroom does.  Also, the washing machine wonÂ’t shake the eggs as it goes through the spin cycles.

The other thing IÂ’m trying is that instead of laying the eggs directly on the wire (I donÂ’t have an automatic turner), I lined the incubator with paper egg cartons.  Each egg now has its own little place and it makes it easier to remember if IÂ’ve turned them.  Points up in the daytime, points down at night.

In the past, IÂ’ve generally managed a 50 – 60 percent hatch rate; IÂ’m hoping that what IÂ’m experimenting with this time around will increase that percentage.  Especially since, I have to split 50-50 on the pullets with the neighbor that furnished the eggs.

I also got loofa seeds started yesterday.  Hopefully by the time they can go in the ground the roots will have already established themselves enough that they will really take off.  Last year I waited too late to start them and the harvest wasnÂ’t near enough to last all year.

Today I may start peppers for indoor containers to go with the tomatoes.  I do miss the taste of fresh veggies.  J

Weather forecast for my part of the Ozarks (in fact, all of Northern Arkansas) is calling for a possible ice storm and snow this weekend.  This afternoon, IÂ’ll be filling water jugs and buckets just in case we lose electricity.  Heat and cooking wonÂ’t be a problem; weÂ’ll just use the woodstove and firepit.  During the winter, we use the firepit quite often on weekends anyway as itÂ’s the perfect way to cook beans, stews and soups. 

Better half did ask what I was going to do about the hatching eggs if we did lose power.  After thinking about it a bit, and putting a thermometer on top of the warming cabinet on the woodstove, I hope IÂ’ve got it figured out.  IÂ’ll line the roasting pan with a towel, lay the eggs in gently and cover.  Should keep them warm enough until the lights come back on.

Babies coming!

{ 12:06, 2006-Feb-16 } { Posted by spinninggrandma }

How cool! I love incubators!! I love baby chicks!! Good luck with your hatch ... I think you should be all right with the electricty, should it go.

Oh, excellent

{ 04:22, 2006-Feb-16 } { Posted by Greenberry }

to have chicks on the way. Looking forward to hearing how well your innovations work!

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{ 10:14, 2006-Feb-18 } { Posted by southofthegnatline }

- loofa seeds - sounds pretty cool - how do you start your seeds inside? I saw a great idea using toilet paper tubes cut into thirds and putting in a tray, cover w/soil and then put your seeds in each cup and cover with more soil - nice recycle seed start project.

You are definately prepared for no elect - fingers and toes crossed that you'll not lose your power.

Blessings,
Harriette Jacobs

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{ 11:16, 2006-Feb-27 } { Posted by Boltbabe }

Good luck with your htatch this time around. I will be interested to see your results. I never would have thought of the egg carton sections.

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{ 10:12, 2006-Jun-18 } { Posted by HSBFrontPorch }

Hey There! Just stopping by to meet all the homesteaders and hope you'll stop by the Front Porch of HSB soon to meet all the new contributors. Hope you'll be posting soon!

Nancy Carter
Senior Editor of Homestead Blogger

firepit?

{ 12:03, 2007-May-20 } { Posted by Anonymous }

Thank you for sharing descriptions of your life and work here. I too aspire toward some measure of self-sufficiency and have made small measures of progress, only because I have been so inspired (and educated) by other women - those who share their experiences - like you!!
I was thinking of doing this chick-hatching-share thing with my neighbor, and you have shown me how to go about doing that!
We also have a woodstove for heat, but no "firepit". You said: "During the winter, we use the firepit quite often on weekends anyway as it’s the perfect way to cook beans, stews and soups." This is a nevel idea (to me, an EX-City-Slicker). The only firepit I can imagine is one outdoors... how is this accomplished to cook on? Would you mind sharing your set-up, or a picture of your firepit?
Thank you so much!!
-Illoura
(http://ParadiseRanch.spaces.live.com/ - my pictoral blog)

rural Ozarks

{ 03:45, 2008-Feb-26 } { Posted by Anonymous }

I just happened to find your blog and have read most of it today.
We have been to the Ozarks 3 times looking for property......from Yellville,Ar. to Ava,Mo. and most every where in between. You are blessed to live there.
I love your writing. New babies........how great!!

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{ 03:46, 2008-Feb-26 } { Posted by Anonymous }

I just happened to find your blog and have read most of it today.
We have been to the Ozarks 3 times looking for property......from Yellville,Ar. to Ava,Mo. and most every where in between. You are blessed to live there.
I love your writing. New babies........how great!!