Chick's position in egg

This turkey poult pipped earlier than expected, and was still in a forced air incubator at the time. This meant that humidity was too low for hatching, and added to that, the forced air system quickly dried the membranes onto its down, making it impossible for it to move. Whilst I don't usually help chicks to hatch (they are usually too weak to survive long, or malformed), I did on this occasiion as the bird had good reason for being unable to break out unaided, so I soaked the membrane in warm water and removed it. The grateful bird was kind enough to remain in its final position long enough for me to take a photo, giving a good view of a typical chick immediately prior to hatching. As hoped, it made a full recovery, with the only apparent problem being short-term exhaustion caused by its futile attempts to escape from the dry egg.

Rhea

Our three young rhea had their first taste of relative freedom in the main field today. They are approaching one year old, and about 2/3 of their final weight and size.

Adders and Grass Snakes

The Common European Adder, vipera berus is alive and well in our area. One was spotted crossing the road last week, during one of those rare hours of sunshine. In UK these snakes are protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which basically makes it illegal to kill, harm in any way, or sell them. Missed the photo opportunity on my doorstep, but here is one from the common archives showing the normal diamond pattern and the less common melanistic colour. Generally the male is lighter in colour, and the female brownish with darker diamonds.

The adder is our only venomous snake, with its bite being painful but rarely fatal. It is not an aggressive creature, only biting if alarmed, cornered or hurt. In short - don't interfere, and the snake will leave you be!

Adders eat small mammals, frogs, occasionally (very low flying!) birds, nestlings on the ground or low in hedges, and eggs. If they come after my eggs they will have to take their place in the queue though, behind the rooks and the badger!

 

Also very close to Rope Yarn Grass Snakes, Natrix natrix, are beginning to become active. As their name implies (Natrix from Latin Natare, "to swim") they are usually found near water, and are not slow to clear grden ponds of frogs or fish! Again, they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act in UK. Thanks to Wikimedia Commons fro use of these photo's.

 

Southern England is also the most Northern home of the Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca. I've never seen one - but it would be greta to hear from anyone who has spotted onein recent years!

Spinning Lambs

 Well there's wool on it and it smells like Mum... maybe we need to turn that wheel to get the milk out?"

Turkeys on Parade

My older turkeys - Crollwitzer and Bourbon Red - are beginning to display themselves and "strutt their stuff" for the attention of their girls. The unusually cold weather has meant that all the birds are coming into lay late, although I did get half a dozen eggs from the Crollwitzer girls last week  - until this weeks cold snatch stopped them in their tracks!

Wensleydale ewe lambs

Two single white Wensleydale ewe lambs born this morning. Perfect start to a sunny day!

My Birthday Lambs

March 31st, and I'm presented with the perfect birthday present in the form of two little black Wensleydale twin ram lambs!