Cornish X - Part 2

As I warned in my last post, Cornish X - Part 1, you may want to skip this one if you find butchering offensive.  I cropped photos to make them less graphic, in my opinion.  If you choose to read on and find that you disagree, my apologies.

In total, we butchered 6 Cornish X and one layer for a friend.  Our Freedom/Reds are several weeks out yet. 

We started around 9am and finished by 12pm.  I didn't think this was too bad for first-timers.

Who hasn't heard the old stories our parents and grandparents tell about "running around like a chicken with it's head cut off"?  I certainly wanted no part of that, so Pig Pen fashioned a stand and secured "kill cones" to it.

As you can see, it is a very simple design.  For the kill cones, he rolled thin galvanized steel and taped them shut with barricade tape.  They did need to be shortened more than what is shown there.

The bird goes head first into the cone.  A light stretch of the neck to extend it completely down thru the bottom hole, a quick slit of the throat, and within a few short minutes, it is done.  The cone holds the body of the bird so that any reflex is kept to a minimum.  It worked very well for all intents and purposes.

We placed a bucket under the cones.  I had read beforehand that a chicken only has 2-3 Tablespoons of blood.  I would say this was about right.  The actual deed itself wasn't as bad as I had expected in that regard. 

Each bird that came to the cone was told that I was sorry and that they had been good birds.  Pig Pen asked if I was going to talk to each bird and of course, I did. 

We set up our other work area in the barn and out of the breeze.  The double propane burner worked great. 

This is what Pig Pen has been working on lately...Our Chicken Plucker!

He found the rubber fingers online at a very reasonable price.  He ordered 200, leaving us some to spare.  Drilling all the holes was a pain, he said.

The starting purchase price of a cheaply made poultry plucker online is around $500.  The good ones can go into the thousands.  Sending our birds out for processing was not something we wanted to do.  For one, the nearest poultry processing plant is 3 hours away.  Besides the economical savings of doing it ourselves, the idea of an animal going into a plucker live -that hadn't been killed- as Patty's daughter at Let's Get Real brought to my attention and so eloquently wrote, is simply not acceptable.

After the birds had hung long enough to drain the blood, they were dunked in a large pan of hot water and sent to the Chicken Plucker. 

Just like the honey extractor he remade earlier this year, it was quickly apparent that we are going to need a more powerful motor.  The larger birds put a strain on it, however the medium to smaller of the birds were no problem.

Here you will see how quickly and how well the machine worked:

The plucker did a great job!  An occasional hose down of the feathers or a stuck limb was it!  No broken bones!  There were minimal pin feathers left and we did not need to singe at all.

After the birds were cleaned out, we moved into the house for final clean and packaging.

From six birds, a few days past 8 weeks of age, we packaged just under 40 pounds of meat.  They weighed in individually at:

• 8.5
• 8
• 7
• 7.5
• 5.25
• 3.5

The last two listed were hens and the others were roosters.  One breast from the largest rooster weighed 1.75 lbs alone! 

As to the appearance of the finished birds: the skins had a healthy color unlike anything I have seen from the grocery store.  More notable was the lack of fat on these birds.  I'm sure many of you have purchased chicken from the store and as you were cleaning/preparing it, you came across a yellowish, bubbly, glob of a fat pocket?  There was none.  Only healthy skin and meat.  I was very pleased and a bit surprised actually.

What we learned from our first experience:

• The temperature of the water at 145-155 was about right.  I had originally put it up to 165, which was too high.
• 10-15 seconds in the water was sufficient when using a plucker.  A couple of the birds were done at too high a temp or dunked a bit too long resulting in torn skin.
• Remove the heads before they go into the plucker.  It didn't take but one for us to learn.
• Get a larger motor if the birds reach 7+ lbs.  I don't think the others will be a problem.  We will probably get to them before this weight.
• Install a utility sink in the barn.  Already in the works!  Thanks Pops!!

So there you have it, as promised.  I don't think I forgot any major point other than to thank my Mom for helping out!  She had said to warn her so she wouldn't come over that day.  Too many memories from doing alot of plucking as a kid was her defense.  But like a trooper, she marched on!  She said next time, she's wearing a mask.  I'll give her that one!  The smell is distinct...wet feathers are worse than a wet dog.  It sticks with you for a little while.

Cornish X - Part 1

Over Labor Day weekend, we mercifully ended the Cornish X.  I haven't talked about the birds out in the tractor much.  As you may know, we opted to try two types of meat birds.  The Cornish X and the Freedom Ranger or Red Broilers.

I have been searching for the appropriate words so not to upset or discourage anyone.  When we decided to do this, even I was uncertain.  Which is why I felt that as first time chicken keepers, the best way for us was to experience both breeds firsthand.  Nothing works better than learning for yourself!  My Dad always said you learn from your mistakes, but that a smart person learns from other peoples mistakes.  Funny how I have always found that when you do it yourself; however, that's when it really sinks in.  Guess I am not one of those 'smart' people! :o}

That said, I would not classify the Cornish X as a "mistake" by any means.  I will come back to this point...

Here are my observations and my own personal conclusions on our experience with the Cornish X:

• They are indeed, a very sweet bird.  Not once did I get pecked at.  They like to talk to you.
• We had zero problems with leg issues.  Although towards the end, one of them did have trouble holding itself up on both legs as it was rather large.  But he could and did walk.
• The roosters in particular, grow at a very rapid pace.
• They had no interest whatsoever in foraging or treats you may throw down.  They looked upon treats as foreign objects and never once even pecked in investigation.
• They eat and drink constantly.  Yes, they even lay down to do it.
• They have man-size poop.  Ohhhh, the poop!
• Only one hen feathered out completely.  The rest of them grew so fast and layed down so much, that their breasts never feathered properly nor did their hind ends.
• They always looked and indeed were, very dirty birds.  Now before you assume anything, they were moved daily and had clean space.  The Reds that share the exact same space feathered just fine and look like real chickens.
• We had no issues with breast blisters even though they lacked full feather in that area.  When people tell you their breasts are huge, they aren't kidding.  It definitely throws off their balance...even with their gargantuan feet!  Boy did thay have huge feet!

So those were my personal observations of the breed. 

My personal thoughts when compared to the Freedom/Reds and our layers however...

I felt sorry for the Cornish X.  Yes, I understand that their purpose is to put meat on the table.  I don't think this has anything to do with our methods (seeing as how we have 36 other happy chickens), but the Cornish X, in my opinion, doesn't know how to be a chicken.  Even as a hunting family, the things we hunt get to be whatever it is they are supposed to be.  So to me, this is sad.

Now, back to why I am not sorry we raised them...because after having read all that, you'd probably think I was.  And it all boils down to one word:

Exposure

We were able to expose many people to the reality of what they buy in the store.  Countless family members and friends would walk out to visit all the chickens and as soon as they saw "the white birds", their noses would wrinkle.  In a nutshell...everyone thought they were "gross".  To which I always told them, "That's what you buy at the store."  (more noise wrinkles)

Do I think it will change how they look at the chicken on their plate?  Probably not.  But in their defense, not everyone has the luxury of raising their own food. 

Will it change us?  Yes.
Would I raise Cornish X again?  No.
Will I raise Freedoms again?  Yes.

Part 2 of the Cornish X will follow shortly.  That of course comes with a warning!  I did NOT take pictures that contain blood or guts, but I did take a video clip of Pig Pens Chicken Plucker that he built.  He's pretty proud of it and it worked real well...so I want to share that. 

If you are like a car wreck and a rubber neck - do your best skip Part 2.

Weekend Reunions

Who else is going to sleep a little sounder tonight now that our East Coast friends are starting to check in? 

We sure will!  Isn't it funny how this little thing we do here has connected us in more ways than we thought possible?  Well I wouldn't want it any other way!  Now we can all keep our fingers crossed that the aftermath is minimal.  I am sure many of you will be posting those pictures soon enough.  We are still holding out hope that all the blight got blown from your gardens and nothing more!!!

I also want to thank you from the fullest part of my heart for visiting our cousin Diane's new blog and welcoming her so wonderfully!  My gosh...you guys left such encouraging words here and at her site!  It just goes to show there are ALOT of good people in the world still!  You guys done good...real good!  I am proud to be in such great company!  Thank you!!

This weekend we were finally able to catch up with My Jenny Girl!  It has been EIGHT months since she's been here and alot has changed.

She got to hold Mr. Wickets and meet all the chickens for the first time!

Notice anything unusual about that birds name?  Have I told y'all that story yet?  Mr. Wickets is one of our layers...which the most astute of you realize that he is really a she.  Yet her name is MR. Wickets.

Methinks LLL needs a lesson on the birds and the bees or anatomy of something'er other.  Yup, LLL named this beauty!  And it STUCK.  Mr. Wickets is the chicken that all the kiddies and those fearful of anything feathered get to hold.  He she is the kindest and gentlest bird in the flock.  Also the largest and a great layer!  This he/she will never see the block, if ya know what I mean! 

Everyone loves Mr. Wickets!

Jenny Girl also got to drive the tractor.  I didn't get a picture dagnabbit!  Probably because I knew not to go near her while operating machinery....hehehee! 

I promise that next will be garden updates!  Been a long time since I complained about that.  :0}

Grand Champion!

Folks, it's been a very rough couple'o weeks here.  I do believe my computer/internet issues are fixed.  There goes another jinx!  It's really hard to catch up with you all when you fall so far behind!  Maybe that is why I have been in such a "Funk".  I haven't had my daily fixes of blogland laughter. 

But funk it is.  Yesterday I realized that canning 2 Qts. of Green Beans is every bit as exhausting as canning 20 in a day.  Why?  Because you still have to go thru all the motions, make all the mess, consume nearly the same amount of time...for next to nothing.  It's very depressing.  Dare I say...joyless?  This applies to all the other things I have been canning up so far this year as well.  Which is about a 10th of last years harvest.  No joke.  It's really getting to me.

There are a few good things going on that should make me happy, such as cracking open our first eggs!  I thought I would tap lightly on them as I was pretty sure the shells might be weaker than what I was used to.  Boy was I wrong!  They were solid as a rock!  Can you see the difference? 

I didn't even get it cracked thru all the way.  I am sure there is a technical word for that membrane thingee, but frankly, I'm just not feelin' it right now.   :o}

They really are like a round little orb of sunshine.  Not at all yellow like the ones in the store.  Definitely orange.  And they do cook up differently.  No bouncing of rubber or watered down goo.  Nope, nice and firm yet with light body.  Total oxymoron, I know.

We are up to about 6 eggs per day.  All of which are small (about 2 to equal 1).  Not complaining!  It's a treat every day to see how many are in the boxes.

With 31 layers out there, it could get busy around here!  Maybe.  ???  Well I don't propose that my chickens are Grand Champions but look who is!

This is my second cousin, Kyle.  He's the cute two-legged one of course!  Isn't that a great looking hog?!

And the dynamic duo won the Kankakee County Fair Overall Grand Champion!  And it gets better...the IL State Fair Grand Champion in his class!

Very impressive!  We went to the State Fair this week and I can tell you there are alot of hogs all nudging in on this, so it is not an honor that is easy to earn!  I sure didn't count all the hogs, but there had to of been well over 100 on one day alone!  Or at least close.  And I wasn't even there on the day Kyle and the barrows showed.  I was there for the gilts.

Ask me how I know these things.  I don't really.  My Aunt Bena and Uncle Wally told me.  I could learn alot from Kyle too apparently.  Darn Punk Kids  - I'll show you!

Here's my hog:

Top that Kyle!  Ok, ok...yours tastes better.

Well in any case ~ Congratulations, Kyle! 

This is a huge accomplishment and your entire family is proud of you! 

Keep up the good work!

The Racket

The racket around here can only be one of two things:

1)  Me.  Throwing my computer thru the window.  It works, it doesn't work...and the cycle continues.

or

2)  The Hen House!

Monday we found the tiny dark one on the far right in a cooling spot. 

Shortly here after, one turned up in the coop! 

Since then, we've had 5 eggs! 

Of course they probably only add up to one regular egg...but they are eggs!!

I actually wasn't expecting any for a few more weeks, so this is a nice little surprise!  We check several times a day in the hen house and around the yard.  We went ahead and put the ceramic eggs in their nesting boxes too.

Speaking of which...Pig Pen sent LLL in this afternoon to check for eggs.  Oooh how I wish I had been here to see this!  LLL came out rather excited (or so I am told) "Hey, there's an egg in EACH box!!!"

Apparently I am not the only one up to no good!  :oD

Keeping Chickens Cool and What Garden???

Like most of the country, it's been too dang hot!  Today we are having a slight reprieve, but then the mercury is rising again.  Keeping our chickens cool has been a priority.  The 'how to' may be a bit haphazard, but...it's working.

The Big Girls have plenty of room to roam and find shady spots as the sun travels.  They have their holes dug and chill out in them regularly.  We keep their waterers full and feed them treats when we have them on hand.  They particularly love watermelon.  It's cool and full of water. 

I now have to keep a small waterer on the other side of the fence for the Convicts (escapees) as well.  I don't want them to get overheated and not have water to cool their little throats down!

Caught in the act!

Now the Peeps are another story.  They aren't full feathered yet and technically shouldn't be out and about.  However, rather than a heat lamp, we needed to install a window A/C unit!  So, out of the brooder they came and into the completed Chicken Tractor they went!

We put them up by the house first so that I could monitor them closely.

At 80 degrees when we first put them out, they did very well.  At first they were of course scared, but within an hour, they found out that grass and such is fun and the chicken antics commenced.

Exactly what I was hoping for as I am monitoring their behavior as well.  Based on all your comments and thoughts from my Chicken Pickin' post of course.  (Thank you!)

I tried to get a shot of the two breeds side by side so that you could see the growth difference.  This was the best one I came up with:

Cornish X on Left - Freedom Ranger on Right
3 Weeks Old

It wasn't long after we moved them out that the temperatures sky rocketed.  So we had to "Ghetto Up" our pretty little Chicken Tractor fast!

We moved it to a spot that is shaded thru out most the day, covered the run with an old blanket and started using frozen gallon jugs of water.  We simply emptied a bit of the water and froze them.

Eight frozen jugs seems to be the magic number in keeping them rotated in/out and allowing enough time for the re-freeze.  I put one in the coop itself and one outside -in front of a box fan. 

Yes...I felt so sorry for those little panting buggers that we got them a box fan.  The air is so thick you can cut it with a knife!  We even had fog/haze cutting visibility at night! 

They especially appreciate the one inside the coop.  I think it actually stayed cooler inside than out.  Just remember to keep things as dry as possible too.  The jugs sweat.

Above you can see that they liked sitting near the jugs.  Maybe you can also see the difference in the size of the two breeds legs?  It's pretty notable when you see them up close actually.

So, that is how we are trying to help the Chickens make it thru this hot, hot summer!  What are you doing for yours and any other livestock you have?

I'm all ears!

Even if these aren't...after being knocked down for the second dang time!  But at least we had a little bit of rain.  An inch.  Just north of us...8" in one hour.  It now goes down for them as the wettest July on record.  For us...it's now the 3rd hottest on record.  And dry...

I can now up my garden harvest to the .25 oz of peas picked last week and a handful of green beans the other day.  Seriously.  Not even photo worthy.  :o(

Convicts, Crops and Coincidence?

The Chicken Convicts are on the loose daily now.  Every.Stinkin.Day.  At least they don't go far.  They run the fence and talk to each other instead.  I don't understand why they can't figure out how to get back in if they were smart enough to get out. 

Remember when I said all that rain we had last month would hit us on the opposite end of the spectrum?  Yup.  Dry as the bone out there.  We went from 15" one month to .11" this month and I am having to water. 

Last month:

This month:

I have spotted grasshoppers here and there but not too many other pesky critters.  And although the Japanese Beetles haven't been bad this year, they are terrorizing my raspberries.  If they keep it up, I am going to sick The Convicts on them.

After what seems like a very long 'forever' this year, we had our first whopping garden harvest:

A whole .25 oz.!  I think I should leave the peas to the professionals.  Planting on both sides of the trellis didn't even overcome a bad year here!  Bummer.  Debating if I should plant a Fall crop of peas or not.  I will say this, Lincoln did better than the Little Marvel for me.  Worth the learning curve.

We pulled all the garlic too.  It was a bit disappointing also, but I will take what I can get.  I was lucky to have found the marker stakes because for the life of me, I could not remember what varieties we planted.

This is the Little River Giant:

They are the closest to size one may be accustomed to.  So I will try these again next year based on best production in our ground.

This is the Inchdium:

Like the Chesnok Red and Ailsa Craig, they are very small.  I suppose in the end and all things considered how this season has gone, I am pleased enough.  We harvested several hundred bulbs.

The weather has given us a few beautiful days at least.  It got so hot that I managed a few sewing days even:

I have a few other projects to work on when this next heat wave hits as well.  Seeing as how the weeds are relatively under control at least.  Last year by this time, I picked blueberries on July 9th.  They aren't even ready yet.  Next thing you know, it will frost.  Errrrr

And how do you like this for a coincidence? 

Look familiar?  It's not the same one that crashed Greek Easter.  Yup.  The plant behind the last plant that blew had a fire yesterday.  This was a big'un.  No evacuations as it is a rendering plant.  Good thing the wind wasn't blowing in our direction.  Do you think they will send a gift certificate or free lard?

This is why people move to Minnie-soda. 

Did I get that right?  ;-}

Worth Crowing About

Since it has been a very trying garden season for all of us out there,  I thought maybe I'd show off a few good things going on here for a change!

Black Turtle Soup Beans Blossoming

 

Yellow Eyed Beans..."Beaning"
As my friend Tricia would say!

PEAS!!



We officially celebrated my nephews HS Graduation over the weekend.  Here are four generations of the boys:

Front and center is my brothers Grampa.  He turns 100 this October!  Still spry and sharp as a tack! 

Can you imagine the things he's seen? 

And what this little guy might see someday?

We got to visit our newest nephew yesterday!  We even had a brief glimpse of his eyes!

Happy Momma

Proud Grama

And for your further viewing pleasure, Julee and Gardener (no, really that's his name) brought the kids by today.

Don't you wish you could still sit like this?  And not pay for it dearly?

You may or may not find this pretty darn cute:

I know you might not believe me when I swear this...YES, I asked the questions.  I did NOT coach the answers.  She's just a little farm girl in the makings!  :o)

See anything wrong with this picture?

Why are there chickens on both sides of the fence?  Dunno, but it took me 10 minutes and a pound of sweat to wrangle her back in!

See, I told ya there were some things worth crowing about! 

Huh...well, isn't he just the star of the show?  I wonder if he realizes he only has two tail feathers?

Men

Chicken Pickin'

Some days I hate making decisions.  Let's face it, some are just easier than others.  Most days it's a snap.  Not because I am easily persuaded or a pushover.  Generally, I just know what's right for us and don't like alot of blah, blah, blah.

Ever since the Chicken Tractor magically materialized over the weekend I have been debating what breed of broilers to go with.  I have been following many of you closely on your choices too. 

Y'all know how I feel about white Chucky chickens.  Call me crazy, we all have our nightmarish phobias, right?   

However, in chatting with Stella, she has me re-thinking that many of the problems these poor birds are riddled with can be handled with proper care and nutrition. 

On the other hand, one bad birdie and it's bye-bye for me.  I have been scouring information and it all boils down to two choices:  Cornish X or the red broilers most commonly referred to as Freedom Rangers, Red Rangers or simply Red Broilers.  The last three breeds vary just slightly in some instances but for the most part are relatively the same from what I gathered.

Here is the ongoing debate in my bird brain: 

Cornish X commonly suffer from leg issues.  Their bodies grow so fast that their legs and bones can't keep up.  The tendons and ligaments can tear away, rendering them lame.  Supposedly, Freedom Rangers suffer fewer occurrences with this.

Freedom Rangers have been breed to maintain basic chicken characteristics, namely foraging.  So they are more likely to do well ranged in the Chicken Tractor and Electric Fence.  Cornish X have been known to epitomize the 'bird brain' mentality and not know what to do with a worm and walk away from it...if they can.

Cornish X have a high feed conversion to meat.  They are eating, pooping machines.  Which ultimately means they are ready to butcher in 6 - 8 weeks.  However, when they start creeping up there in 'age' you are more likely to encounter other issues as well.  Their little lungs are prone to flu-like diseases.  If they can't take in enough air, particularly in the heat and their hearts can't pump enough blood, they get lazy.  Who wouldn't?  You also run the risk of breast blisters at this point.  Apparently this can be attributed again to their legs not being strong enough to support the birds weight.  So they start laying down more often which puts pressure on the breast area where fluid can builds up (not necessarily rendering them inedible unless it gets infected).  Wait too long to butcher the Cornish X, and you could easily lose your flock on any of these accounts.

Freedom Rangers handle warmer weather better and grow a bit slower.  Typically they can be ready to butcher between 9-11 weeks.  This means more in feed costs.  However, they do forage which may balance the feed cost out.  Some folks claim they are like a fine wine and the added growth time makes them taste more "chicken-ee".

On both breed accounts, it's reported they can suffer all the same issues to some degree.  However, with proper care, the right balance of vitamins and nutrients, they both produce well.  Even to the point of getting them back on their feet in some cases.  Respiratory issues of course would require medical treatment of some sort, albeit home remedy or pharmaceuticals.

All that back and forth, blah, blah, blah business leads me to think that I should go with the Freedom Ranger as it may be less likely to freak me out.  I'll fly that flag!

Being the new Chicken Farmer that I am, methinks it might be the safest and less traumatic route.  However I have never been one to shy away either. 

And I'm kinda hungry.

Therefore, I may just conduct my own experiment and come to my own conclusions first hand.  I was able to find a couple of sites that I could get both breeds.  Not nearly as easy as one would have thought actually!

Of course, typically there is a minimum order of 25 chicks...Huh...gonna need a bigger Chicken Tractor!

Kidding!  Just thought I'd mess with Pig Pen a little...hehehee!

So, all you experienced Chicken Farmers, what do you think? 

Signed,
Chicken Pot Pie Gal

Friends, Fortunes and Fowl

Boy it sure has been a busy around here!  Pig Pen ended up having two weeks off, so that was a real novelty!  It also meant he had projects galore.  He's like that pink bunny without the pink. 

My niece spent the week with us last week also.  Which explains why my computer was no longer my own!  If we weren't out picking, jamming or farting around, she was online.  Since my computer is in the front room where the spare bed is and her hours are way different than mine - well that pretty well explains the lack of posts! 

We also had friends stay the weekend with us and had loads of fun!  Any time you can cavort around and just "be" is time very well spent. 

My girl, my MiniMe in the making, Tricia, and I have been conniving a Chicken Tractor for some time.  Recently, I read an article about the FDA coming clean and confirming there is arsenic in our commercial chicken.  You can read about it here.  (Erin, this would be a 'glaze over moment' for some folks I believe?)

I suppose if you put some barbecue sauce on it, most people wouldn't notice.  I suppose maybe folks feel sorry for the death of a bird as opposed to the good life it lead.  But would you choose an arsenic cocktail from a bird that never walked and lived in a 1 square foot space instead?  I digress, on with happier thoughts.  Deglaze.

We are even more determined to raise all our own meat birds and Tricia is even more determined that we girls can build it ourselves.  Surely we could, but surely it wouldn't pass Pig Pens inspection.

So Saturday afternoon, while Tricia was away a bit, I said to Pig Pen and Keith: "Hey, the four of us should build a Chicken Tractor tomorrow!  It would be fun and Tricia would be excited!"

Of course, Keith was discriminative in a humorous way.  You know, the yeah-can't-wait-to-see-this kind of way?  Well, the guys sorta wrote me off and back to the shop they went. 

Tricia was excited!  So her sister Amber, Tricia and I started surfing and investigating.  We were dead set on this and taking it very seriously!

Pig Pen came in and we got to talking.  He asked Tricia, "So how many 2x4s will you need?"

Ponder, ponder, think, think..."Six!" she says.

It's OK, you can laugh, we did too.  And no my dear girl...you will never live it down.  Ever.  :o)

Away to the shop the guys went again.  So we got down on the ground and we measured, we modified, we thought of everything!  Of course we did all this with my sewing tape measure and a steno pad!  Ha! 

She even did her best to hoist a golf cart trailer from her Dad.  No luck.  So now we have to build that part too!  It was so cute when she asked me, "How are we going to build an axle?"  I told her I didn't think we needed to, but wasn't sure. 

The couple of hours we put into our design was well spent.  We were SO proud of ourselves!  We were High Fivin' and practically dancing!  We just knew this was IT!!!  After all, her fortune cookie said so:

How could we go wrong?

Victoriously, we marched out to the garage Saturday night to cram our fabulous design straight up the nay-sayers noses!  Pleased.As.Punch!

Open the door to the shop and this:

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!!  And the worst best part of it all, they had started the darn thing before I had even suggested we do it on Sunday!

So the sneaky little liars PLAYED us!  We got played!  Keith said they were putting BEE BOXES together!

Man o man, my jaw hit the floor!  Keith's eye brows clearly read "Busted".  If only I had eyes in the back of my head and could have seen Tricia's expression, I am sure it was a priceless too!  I couldn't see Pig Pen either, but I heard him ask Keith if they were busted. 

Yup!

12 hours, about $200 bucks and some scrap, 2 sneaky little players and 2 unnecessary chicken tractor engineers later...

We have one!

Please note:  there are only 2 - 2x4s and no axles  :o)

They did real good! 

Thank You to the dirtyrottenlittleliars!  We love you!