Renae Kaye's Blog, page 3
September 13, 2016
Renae's excitement over... chooks?
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may know that I have chooks (chickens/hens to non-Australians). I enjoy my veggie gardening and have 5 backyard chooks who provide me with eggs, fertilise the plants, and eat snails.
I love my chookies, which is why I wanted to share my excitement with you. But first a little background for those who don’t know anything about keeping chooks.
Most hens sold for backyard keeping purposes are specially bred species that are robust and strong layers. They are not always “meat birds” so can be quite thin and not suitable for a large Sunday roast (if that’s your thing.) They are bred to give a high volume of eggs.
Most breeds start laying somewhere around the 24-26 week mark – so they’re about 6 months old when they start producing eggs. They will go on to produce close to one egg a day for the next 2 years. I find that my chooks lay around 340 eggs a year – each!
As a hen grows older, this rate of production drops off. By how much and when depends on the breed and on individual animals. Diet and living conditions can help boost production, but once a hen is about three or four, she will probably be laying between 2-5 eggs a week. If she lives in a commercial operation, this is unacceptable and usually these hens are destroyed to make way for newer hens that will produce. Backyard chooks are sometimes kept long beyond their egg-laying years as they are pets. A hen may live up to 10 years old, but she probably won’t lay for the last 3-5 years.
Other things that affect egg production is if a chook is going through a moult (where they lose their feathers and new ones grow – the body’s energy goes to growing feathers instead of eggs), and egg production also drops off during winter. Commercial egg industries have a downturn in production over winter. Some hens lay fewer eggs, while some hens can take a break from laying completely, which will pick back up in the spring.
So now you know all about chooks, I’ll tell you my story.
My chookie In January 2014 I was given three chooks. They were third-hand. The woman who gave them to me had kept them for 18-months. When I asked her how old they were, she said she didn’t know as she’d got them from her brother who had to give them away when he and his wife split and sold their house. He’d had them at least a year, she said. She didn’t know where they’d come from.
My chooks happily laid about 16-18 eggs a week for me for a year until one died. As we are a family of four, we decided to purchase some new hens because we weren’t getting enough eggs from two, and in June 2015 we brought 3 new hens who were about 15 weeks old. Since my three new chooks started laying, they’ve basically given me an egg a day each and have been going great. These past four months I’ve noticed the eggs have progressed from a small size, to a now large egg.
Introducing my new hens to the old ones But suddenly at the beginning of winter (June 2016), my two older hens stopped laying completely. The previous winter they’d had a drop in egg production but had laid throughout the cold months. I checked them for illnesses, wormed them, fed them high quality food… but they didn’t lay. Figuring they are about 6 years old, I’ve wondered if they’ve come to the end of their cycle. Throughout this winter I’ve consistently received 3 eggs a day from the younger chooks, but not a single egg from the older ones.
Three weeks ago, I had a surprise! FOUR eggs in the nest when I went to collect them. Checking back on the eggs laid in the preceding days, I could pick she had laid at least one other egg (as it is a slightly darker colour and softer shelled). I hadn’t seen it as the kids had collected the eggs. Over the next week she then laid about every 2-3 days.
For the past 8 days I’ve received four eggs daily – making me wonder if she was laying daily, or whether her sister had begun production too. Then today:
COUNT 'EM!! Forgive the poo visible in the nest. It’s a fact that they sometimes poo there. But WOW – I’m so excited! So now all five of my chooks are laying. I’m assuming I will now be receiving close to 30 eggs a week from them for the next 8 months.
So I’m giddy with happiness today that my chookies are all well and content to be laying.
Okay. I'm going to stop gushing about my chooks now and go back to writing.
xx,
Renae
I love my chookies, which is why I wanted to share my excitement with you. But first a little background for those who don’t know anything about keeping chooks.
Most hens sold for backyard keeping purposes are specially bred species that are robust and strong layers. They are not always “meat birds” so can be quite thin and not suitable for a large Sunday roast (if that’s your thing.) They are bred to give a high volume of eggs.
Most breeds start laying somewhere around the 24-26 week mark – so they’re about 6 months old when they start producing eggs. They will go on to produce close to one egg a day for the next 2 years. I find that my chooks lay around 340 eggs a year – each!
As a hen grows older, this rate of production drops off. By how much and when depends on the breed and on individual animals. Diet and living conditions can help boost production, but once a hen is about three or four, she will probably be laying between 2-5 eggs a week. If she lives in a commercial operation, this is unacceptable and usually these hens are destroyed to make way for newer hens that will produce. Backyard chooks are sometimes kept long beyond their egg-laying years as they are pets. A hen may live up to 10 years old, but she probably won’t lay for the last 3-5 years.
Other things that affect egg production is if a chook is going through a moult (where they lose their feathers and new ones grow – the body’s energy goes to growing feathers instead of eggs), and egg production also drops off during winter. Commercial egg industries have a downturn in production over winter. Some hens lay fewer eggs, while some hens can take a break from laying completely, which will pick back up in the spring.
So now you know all about chooks, I’ll tell you my story.
My chookie In January 2014 I was given three chooks. They were third-hand. The woman who gave them to me had kept them for 18-months. When I asked her how old they were, she said she didn’t know as she’d got them from her brother who had to give them away when he and his wife split and sold their house. He’d had them at least a year, she said. She didn’t know where they’d come from.My chooks happily laid about 16-18 eggs a week for me for a year until one died. As we are a family of four, we decided to purchase some new hens because we weren’t getting enough eggs from two, and in June 2015 we brought 3 new hens who were about 15 weeks old. Since my three new chooks started laying, they’ve basically given me an egg a day each and have been going great. These past four months I’ve noticed the eggs have progressed from a small size, to a now large egg.
Introducing my new hens to the old ones But suddenly at the beginning of winter (June 2016), my two older hens stopped laying completely. The previous winter they’d had a drop in egg production but had laid throughout the cold months. I checked them for illnesses, wormed them, fed them high quality food… but they didn’t lay. Figuring they are about 6 years old, I’ve wondered if they’ve come to the end of their cycle. Throughout this winter I’ve consistently received 3 eggs a day from the younger chooks, but not a single egg from the older ones.
Three weeks ago, I had a surprise! FOUR eggs in the nest when I went to collect them. Checking back on the eggs laid in the preceding days, I could pick she had laid at least one other egg (as it is a slightly darker colour and softer shelled). I hadn’t seen it as the kids had collected the eggs. Over the next week she then laid about every 2-3 days.
For the past 8 days I’ve received four eggs daily – making me wonder if she was laying daily, or whether her sister had begun production too. Then today:
COUNT 'EM!! Forgive the poo visible in the nest. It’s a fact that they sometimes poo there. But WOW – I’m so excited! So now all five of my chooks are laying. I’m assuming I will now be receiving close to 30 eggs a week from them for the next 8 months. So I’m giddy with happiness today that my chookies are all well and content to be laying.
Okay. I'm going to stop gushing about my chooks now and go back to writing.
xx,
Renae
August 25, 2016
Day 30: Kee & Tate
So - it's the eve of release day. Tomorrow Kee and Tate will unleash their story on the world and I hope you all enjoy. Their story is to entertain you. So grab a copy, sit back... and laugh along with them.
Thank you for following my 30 day writing challenge I set for the guys. You can scroll down and see their other answers.
Don't Twunk With My Heart is available from all the normal outlets - in ebook and paperback.
30. One thing you’re excited for
Kee: Living the rest of my life. I know it sounds cheesy, and it’s not like I was suicidal, but there was a point in my life where I wondered whether this living business was worth it. It was the same thing, day in, day out. And I was stuck in a funk. But now, I swear, I’m looking forward to every day.
Tate: Funny. Because I’m looking forward to the same thing. I can’t wait to live the rest of my life with you.
Oh. And spring fashion, of course. I’m excited for that.
August 24, 2016
Day 29: Kee & Tate
Well, the release of Don't Twunk With My Heart is just around the corner. I'm excited and nervous and wish it was all over. But we have two more days to get through for Kee & Tate. Their story will be out on Friday.29. The night of your 21st birthday
Kee: Actually, I don’t think I remember. It’s pretty indistinguishable from basically every other party night I had. I probably went to the clubs with my friends. I probably picked up a cute guy. I probably got pretty drunk.
I do, however, remember the night of Vinnie’s 25th birthday. Vinnie wore some red shorts, and not much else. Jamie had a choc cock cake. And me? Well, I went home with the cutest guy in the joint. Not my usual style of guy, but hey – things worked out pretty well.
Tate: *laughs* I remember the night of Vinnie’s 25th too. This guy I’d never seen before came out of nowhere and challenged me to a dance-off. I still don’t know who won that round.
Kee: Me, of course.
August 23, 2016
Day 28: Kee & Tate
My favourite story is one of two people who are exact opposites for each other. Now only days away, don't forget to preorder your copy now.
Amazon
Dreamspinner
28. The word/phrase you use constantly
Kee: No.
Tate: Yes.
Amazon
Dreamspinner
28. The word/phrase you use constantly
Kee: No.
Tate: Yes.
August 22, 2016
Day 27: Kee & Tate
I've been trying not to think about it - but release day is on my doorstep. I hope you guys can't wait for Friday!
27. What you wore today
Tate: Oh, my God. I’m so glad you asked. Stop groaning over there, Kee. Renae noticed my shirt. It’s new in. It’s from Paul and Shark, only $299, and I adore the striping. It’s got the pointed collar that is buttoned down. It’s important to keep this done up, or it destroys the line. But the striping on the shirt is going to be so good for summer. Most choose to wear this shirt with dark pants or jeans, but look! It’s got orange, pink, green, purple, yellow, and light blue on the stripes. If you pick up a pair of Gant light blue chinos, it’s going to go superb. But with white pants, it’s going to rock the house.
We have some great other choices too. I’m eyeing off the Hackett London shorts in pink, and I’m hoping Gant bring in some bold oranges this coming season. It would be—
Kee: I wore jeans. And a grey T-shirt.
27. What you wore today
Tate: Oh, my God. I’m so glad you asked. Stop groaning over there, Kee. Renae noticed my shirt. It’s new in. It’s from Paul and Shark, only $299, and I adore the striping. It’s got the pointed collar that is buttoned down. It’s important to keep this done up, or it destroys the line. But the striping on the shirt is going to be so good for summer. Most choose to wear this shirt with dark pants or jeans, but look! It’s got orange, pink, green, purple, yellow, and light blue on the stripes. If you pick up a pair of Gant light blue chinos, it’s going to go superb. But with white pants, it’s going to rock the house.
We have some great other choices too. I’m eyeing off the Hackett London shorts in pink, and I’m hoping Gant bring in some bold oranges this coming season. It would be—
Kee: I wore jeans. And a grey T-shirt.
August 21, 2016
Day 26: Kee & Tate
RELEASE DAY COUNT DOWN! Only five more days. And Kee and Tate will be unleashed on the world!But in the meantime, we have the remaining five answers of the 30-Day Writing Challenge.
26. Things you’d say to an ex
Kee: Fuck off. Bugger off. Get away from me. And next time I see you, you’d better be running in the opposite direction.
Tate: Not that he doesn’t deserve it, but wow. I kinda wish he was around so I can see that conversation.
Kee: Huh. You weren’t there that night in the club. I wished you were, and then I could show him the type of guy I’m in love with now. Stop making that noise. It’s not sappy. It’s true. Now, your turn. What would you say to an ex?
Tate: Apart from “Hi, I haven’t thought of you for ages”? I’d probably say, “You took my Boss Orange shirt. Can I have it back now?”
August 20, 2016
Day 25: Kee & Tate
25. Four weird traits that you have
Kee: Who made up these questions? “Weird” traits? Weird in whose mind? Okay:
1. I like to dance in high heels. That’s weird in anyone’s world.
2. I often like to do the exact opposite of what is expected of me.
3. I’ve never ordered a latte. I’m resisting the gay stereotype.
4. I can burp the alphabet.
Tate: You can? I think that’s a weird talent, not necessarily a trait. The trait would be wanting to practice burping the alphabet until you had it. My turn?
1. I fall asleep straight away. I’m not one of these people who lie around trying to sleep. When it’s sleep time, my brain powers down and I go off to sleep.
2. I look at people’s eyebrows. I’m always checking to see if the shape and colour. I can see who prefers natural but with some shaping, those who pluck within two hairs of width, and those who can’t be bothered. It tells me a lot about that person.
3. I turn all my clothes inside out before I wash and dry them. Even my underwear
4. I like to have sex in public places.
Kee: I can’t believe you said that in an interview.
Kee: Who made up these questions? “Weird” traits? Weird in whose mind? Okay:
1. I like to dance in high heels. That’s weird in anyone’s world.
2. I often like to do the exact opposite of what is expected of me.
3. I’ve never ordered a latte. I’m resisting the gay stereotype.
4. I can burp the alphabet.
Tate: You can? I think that’s a weird talent, not necessarily a trait. The trait would be wanting to practice burping the alphabet until you had it. My turn?
1. I fall asleep straight away. I’m not one of these people who lie around trying to sleep. When it’s sleep time, my brain powers down and I go off to sleep.
2. I look at people’s eyebrows. I’m always checking to see if the shape and colour. I can see who prefers natural but with some shaping, those who pluck within two hairs of width, and those who can’t be bothered. It tells me a lot about that person.
3. I turn all my clothes inside out before I wash and dry them. Even my underwear
4. I like to have sex in public places.
Kee: I can’t believe you said that in an interview.
August 19, 2016
Day 24: Kee & Tate
Getting super close now...
24. Something you miss
Kee: My hair. I cut it off. It’s easier to manage now, but I miss it.
Tate: But you look cute! Something I miss? My washed coral jeans.
Kee: They. Were. Pink.
24. Something you miss
Kee: My hair. I cut it off. It’s easier to manage now, but I miss it.
Tate: But you look cute! Something I miss? My washed coral jeans.
Kee: They. Were. Pink.
August 18, 2016
Day 23: Kee & Tate
23. A family member you dislike
Kee: Oh, dear. Will she read this?
Tate: Nah. She wouldn’t look at anything that has to do with gay guys. So I think it’s okay for us both to pick Jeanette as our disliked family member. But come on. We don’t really dislike her, do we? It’s just she needs to think before she opens her mouth and speaks about her mistaken beliefs.
Kee: I still think giving me any type of pointed and/or sharp implement while I’m near her is asking for trouble.
Kee: Oh, dear. Will she read this?
Tate: Nah. She wouldn’t look at anything that has to do with gay guys. So I think it’s okay for us both to pick Jeanette as our disliked family member. But come on. We don’t really dislike her, do we? It’s just she needs to think before she opens her mouth and speaks about her mistaken beliefs.
Kee: I still think giving me any type of pointed and/or sharp implement while I’m near her is asking for trouble.
August 17, 2016
Day 22: Kee & Tate
22. Your morning routineKee: I don’t get the question.
Tate: You know – like showering, then shaving, then having breakfast? Do you moisturise, exercise, minimise? Do you like to read the newspaper while making your smoothie? Do you like to jog, then do fifty pushups?
Kee: I get up and go to work. I don’t have a routine. Roll out of bed, chuck on my uniform, coffee and porridge while I’m trying to be quiet and not wake you. And more often than not I end up eating and drinking in the car while I’m driving. I start at seven, you know.
Tate: I completely envy you.
