Posts on Hickory Hill Ranch

Heifers are expecting!

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:30:58 +0000

We just got back from the vet and we have some big news!

Pheasants are getting bigger

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:30:58 +0000

The pheasants are enjoying being out in the flight pen.

Cattle in the Pasture

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:30:58 +0000

These guys are loving the fresh grass, they can never get enough!

Prepping the Pheasant Pen

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:30:58 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to start prepparing the pen for more pheasants!

The Pheasant Chicks are Here!

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:50:58 +0000

In the middle of june we picked up 840 day old pheasant chicks.

The Cattle are done with Winter

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:20:58 +0000

The Cattle have had enough of winter and are looking forward to warmer days.

Pheasants heading out

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:50:58 +0000

A good day to be a pig

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Turkeys Last Ride

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Bringing in the Big Bales...

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:50:58 +0000

So we aren’t going to be able to cut enough hay off of our property to feed all the animals this year. So we bought 32 Tons of large square bales!

The Birds are here!

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:50:58 +0000

First Cutting of Hay

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Chickens are processed!

Sun, 28 May 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Cattle in the Pasture

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Meat Chickens are getting big!

Sat, 20 May 2023 12:50:58 +0000

And this little piggy went home

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:50:58 +0000

Turkeys Growing

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:13:40 -0500

In the middle of March we picked up fifteen Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. They are getting bigger every day and are so adorable!

Pasture Overhaul

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:13:40 -0500

Pasture Overhaul

Baby Meat Chickens

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:13:40 -0500

Meat Chicks

Starting Seed

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:13:40 -0500

We’re starting our garden from seed, and the seedlings are growing fast!

Happy Cattle

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 17:13:40 -0500

The cattle are happy to have a new hay bale.

New Ducks have hatched!

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:11:13 -0500

23 new ducklings hatched today! There is nothing like the sounds of baby ducks as they explore their new world.

Feeding cattle in winter

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:17:40 -0500

There are several challenges to feeding steer during the winter time, particularly for those who live in areas with cold climates or who experience harsh winter weather. Some of the challenges of feeding steer in the wintertime include:

Processing Poultry

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 11:17:40 -0500

Processing quail and pheasants involves many of the same steps as processing other poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Here is a general overview of the process:

Pheasants in the Pen

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 11:17:40 -0500

Pheasants are a type of poultry that are known for their striking appearance and distinctive calls. When pheasants are raised in a flight pen, they have the opportunity to move around and explore their environment.

Hatching Quail Eggs

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:17:40 -0500

The process of hatching quail eggs involves incubating the eggs in a specialized incubator that is designed to regulate the temperature and humidity. The incubator is checked regularly to make sure that the eggs are developing properly.

Calves in Summer Pasture

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:17:40 -0500

I took the Holstein and Holstein Angus cross cattle out to the grass pasture on a beautiful summer day. The herd consisted of a variety of breeds, including Holsteins and Holstein Angus crosses. As the cows munched on the lush green grass, they seemed to be in a state of pure contentment. Their bellies were full and their spirits were high as they enjoyed the freedom and wide open spaces of the pasture.

New Calves

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:17:40 -0500

As a meat producer, getting new Holstein steers can be an exciting experience for me. Holstein cows are known for their high milk production, but their offspring can also be raised for meat. The arrival of a new steer is a momentous occasion for me, as it marks the continuation of my herd and the beginning of a new generation.

Meat Chickens are getting bigger!

Sun, 01 May 2022 11:17:40 -0500

Rasing Cornish Cross chickens is pretty straight forward, I make sure to provide them with a protected shelter to live in and access to an outdoor area where they can move around and get sunlight. I also make sure to feed them a diet that is high in protein and other nutrients to support their rapid growth.

Prepping the Garden

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 13:26:58 -0500

We’re excited about having a big garden next year. We’ve been working to get it in shape. Today we took the bedding from the pheasants pen and spread it over the top of the garden. There’s a twofold benefit to doing this. One, the soil benefits from the bird droppings, a natural fertalizer. Two, the straw protects the exposed the tilled soil during the winter.

Hazards of Cleaning

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 13:26:37 -0500

Raising pheasants in an enclosed room has it’s challenges, one of them is cleaning out the bedding on a regular basis. If you’re not carefull, they might just take flight! Don’t believe anyone that says that birds have to be in a flight pen to be good flyers, if you want proof just come help us clean out the room!

Pheasants ready to fly!

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:44:44 -0500

Our melanistic pheasants just celebrated their 20th week of life! This week the remaining pheasants will leave us, making more room for the ringneck pheasants.

Cattle Up Close

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:17:50 -0500

We love having cattle, the swiss jerseys in particular. We have two swiss jersey bulls, one with brown ears and one with black ears. They’re both really curious and anytime you’re nearby they’ll come by and say hi!