Pampered Pastures

03/12/2026

It’s not Mother’s Day for a while but I stumbled on to this old video. Never take for granted a good momma! 🤗🐣

03/07/2026

I am thrilled to share the extraordinary news that I have formed a remarkable partnership with the esteemed McCarty Farms, under the expert guidance of Debra McCarty, a distinguished breeder of English Orpington and Silkies with an impressive tenure of over two decades! This year, I have the privilege of hatching some of her exceptional birds, and I will be able to offer them to my valued customers! I must confess that I am in awe of her incredible collection, which I firmly believe encompasses every color of Orpington and most of Silkie. I will soon share more photographs with you, but rest assured that she possesses nothing but the finest birds, as evident from her numerous accolades at poultry shows. In a gesture of unwavering support, she has graciously allowed me to offer these exceptional chicks to you for $15 each, as I continue to rebuild after a challenging year.

02/28/2026

What You Need to Know About Ayam Cemani Breeding

This breed is recognized for having a high cull rate, meaning that even flawless breeders can produce chicks with defects.

Achieving success with this breed requires years of selective breeding, choosing the best specimens from each hatch to incorporate into the breeding program, and culling the rest. Currently in my fourth year, I am eager to observe this year's chicks.

I have included links to several videos below that explain the characteristics of a cull and why these birds can command thousands of dollars.

The ultimate objective and challenge is to produce a 100 percent black bird, including the mouth and tongue. While a grey mouth is acceptable, any pink coloration is undesirable. As I did not import my birds and therefore did not pay a premium for them, I began with grey-mouthed specimens and have since selectively bred for the darkest mouths to incorporate into my breeding program.

Another issue that has been raised regarding this breed is its reportedly low fertility and egg production. However, in my experience, these issues are nonexistent, with my birds laying year-round and achieving at least a 95 percent hatch rate.

In conclusion, I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of continually improving my line. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions. 🤗

https://youtube.com/shorts/zYbonzhqsw8?si=YIRjx16-75p4sLgI

https://youtu.be/OsDuXBMOdNs?si=9yJCwtHziOyr_XnA

linktr.ee/nicholscounty

06/02/2025

I’m in love. 🥰 he is so pretty.

04/19/2025

HATCH THIS WEEK
25 black Australorp $6
13 Easter Eggers $7
9 Ayam Cemani $10
1 cream Legbar pullet $15 (one Legbar still hatching)

04/13/2025

I've teamed up with a builder to create chicken mansions, aka coops and brooders. Check out the first masterpiece - 6ft wide, 12ft long, 6ft tall. It's ridiculously well-built and a total steal at $1500. Order yours today and get ready for some serious egg-pectations

04/13/2025

What is the difference in Ameraucana and Easter egger?

The key difference between an Ameraucana and an Easter Egger lies in their genetic purity and egg color guarantee. Ameraucanas are a recognized breed with a specific genetic makeup that guarantees they will lay blue eggs and reproduce true to breed standards. Easter Eggers, on the other hand, are a mix of breeds, often carrying the blue egg gene but can lay eggs ranging from blue to green, pink, or brown, depending on their parentage.

When you are buying Ameraucana pay close attention to the spelling. Hatcheries will advertise Americana, but it’s spelled wrong so you can’t hold them to the standards of a true Ameraucana.

Here's a more detailed comparison:

AMERAUCANA:
Breed: A recognized breed with specific standards for feathering, comb type, and leg color.

Egg Color: Guaranteed to lay blue eggs.
Appearance: Can be bearded and/or tufted, full hackles and tail feathers, and have pea combs.

Reproduction: Breeding two Ameraucanas will produce Ameraucana chicks true to breed.

Shanks: Slate shanks and toes with white bottoms for a blue Ameraucana.

EASTER EGGER:
Breed: Not a recognized breed; they are hybrids or mixed breeds.

Egg Color: Can lay eggs ranging from blue to green, pink, or brown.

Appearance: Can have varied feathering, comb types, and leg colors depending on their parentage.

Reproduction: Breeding two Easter Eggers will not produce only Easter Egger chicks; their offspring will have varied appearances and egg colors.

Shanks: Shanks can be various colors, often dark olive but can be any color.

In essence, if you're looking for a chicken that consistently lays blue eggs and reproduces true to breed, an Ameraucana is the way to go. If you're open to a wider range of egg colors and appearances and don't mind having a mixed breed, an Easter Egger might be a better choice.

04/13/2025

WHAT IS AN EASTER EGGER
An "Easter Egger" is a term used for mixed-breed chickens, typically derived from crosses between blue-egg-laying breeds like Ameraucanas and Araucanas with other breeds, resulting in a wide variety of appearances and colored egg-laying abilities. They are not a distinct breed themselves but rather a group of chickens that exhibit a unique combination of traits.

Mixed Breed:
Easter Eggers are not a purebred chicken breed, but rather a mix of different breeds. This means they can have a wide range of physical characteristics and temperaments.

Blue Egg Heritage:
The term "Easter Egger" often refers to chickens with blue-egg-laying genes, typically inherited from Ameraucana or Araucana breeds. These genes can result in a range of egg colors, including blue, green, and even pink.

Variety of Traits:
Easter Eggers can exhibit various physical traits, such as muffs, beards, pea combs, and different color patterns. They can also have a variety of egg colors, depending on their specific genetic makeup.

Popularity:
Easter Eggers are popular among backyard chicken keepers due to their unique egg colors and friendly temperaments.

04/06/2025

Chicks available in McLoud
Black Australorp
Splash Australorp
Easter Egger
Ayam Cemani

03/12/2025

Black Australorp

03/12/2025

Cream and Frosted White Legbar. Cream will be pure cream. The Frosted White Legbar is in a project pen with my Cream to see what colors I get. (Please ignore my poor cockerel that lost his comb in the last freeze 🥲)