But I'm not ready for colder weather....

Weather has been so odd and I had a feeling after the last years weather, we would end up paying for it. I have read it on many blogs, describing the early signs and the outlook on the incoming. Rooster Hill mentioned it and gave an interesting link to Farmers almanac for the regions winter weather. I am not prepared yet. I have not picked tomato's from Hilgerts for my tomato sauces or the banana peppers I planned to stuff & freeze. I was hoping to get more veggies frozen (like broccoli) and more of Meats like pork. And if those hens have not layed by the end of this month.... it will be freezer camp for the Black widow (australorp) & 5 Pennies (buff orps).

The Black widows husbands are in there already. She was the only hen out of all the australorps I ordered, so she was spared- at the time. They are 26 1/2 weeks now. I have 12 hens- 2 of which give me an egg and they are the ones over 2 years old. So I am sure you can understand my frustration. I do not want poor laying hens during the winter to feed or to raise chicks from late bloomers in case it can be inherited. So 6 can be used for meat or I will just sell them at auction. 4 of the Pennies comb's are still pink. The rest have reddened and I have seen the Turken roo try to mate them on occasion. I just do not want to feed 14 chickens and in return get not even enough eggs to feed everyone breakfast. GRRRR...
An addition to the goat house must be made before the cold hits too. If there are going to be babies, then there must be a doubling of space for them to cuddle up in the weather.They will be living in the basement their first few months, but then they will need the room for roaming in the goat house. It is just enough for my 2 ladies but add any more and it would be inadequate.
I'm off to find more culled lumber..
~Tammie