Coturnix Quail Are Here!

My hubby surprised me with 20 Coturnix (aka "Pharoah", "Japanese") quail chicks a few days ago. They are a week old and probably the cutest things I've ever seen!

We have been wanting to get into quail for a while now, but were just waiting for a good deal. We are hoping there will be a good male\female ratio. Its hard to believe these little quail will be laying eggs in just 8-10 weeks! AND they will also be mature enough to eat at that time. That is one of the many reasons quail are a popular choice when it comes to raising poultry for meat and eggs. Other good qualities at the top of the list: Quail eggs hatch in just 17 days Some people pickle their eggs. (Im looking forward to trying it) Eggs are VERY Nutritious        -high in iron, potassium, calcium, protein and Vitamins A & B. Just to name a few. Cleaning quail is MUCH easier than cleaning a chicken. I was in search of a good tutorial for cleaning quail and this one was the best I found. Seems easy enough(: Now on to making a hutch for them!

DIY Compost Bin

Over the past few months, I have been really wanting a compost bin. But, being that they are going for about $40 USED, of course I was looking to make one instead. I've found lots of different kinds of homemade compost bins online and decided to just pick tips from all of them to make my own. We've collected a few 55 gallon barrels lately. Although I have plans for some of them for other things, I thought it would work great for my bin! We we're given the barrels for free, so total cost so far for my compost bin was $0. Bought 1 pack of small hinges($2 total) and a latch ($2). That's a $4 compost bin..definitely approved by me! (: There are just a few tools needed to make this A saw of some sort(we used a skill saw) A drill 1/2 inch drill bit First, we flipped the barrel over. I wanted to do it this way so the knobs weren't in the way. -Cut the lid Rinse inside -Add hinges and latch Drill holes -Fill er' up! :) I'm sure you know what does and doesn't go into the bin, but in case you want to freshen up on that list, head here for a very detailed list! Set in a place where it will get both sun and some shade. * mix the compost once a week.. just make sure the latch is closed and secure, tip the bin over on it's side and roll it a few times. Happy Composting!