I hate to jump in the tail end of a thread, but nobody has mentioned the white neck ring. My Rouens generally get the neck ring after first molt, before the green head or the curl on the tail. I've never had a hen with a neck ring, but that could be the cross breeding, I guess. Still, I'd vote drake. Please let us know how it turns out.

Ah..... the pocket gopher. Hooray for your cats, Shauna! Job well done!! I know this is a year old post, but I thought I'd add to it. I've been battling these nasty, little, voracious critters in my yard and garden for many years now. At first, I would dig them up and "relocate" them out in the woods or the outskirts of town. Then, I began trying to repel them - without much luck. Well, after watching plant after plant being slowly pulled underground and consumed (even stinky stemmed tomato plants and fibrous sunflowers) my attitude towards them changed. We constructed tall raised beds with lathing (tightly woven metal mesh used for applying stucco to houses in the southwest) attached underneath. They haven't been able to get through this barrier. I consider these the "safe zones" of our garden. :O) Anytime we come across their tunnels, we pack the dirt down on top to close it off. BTW, their holes and tunnels are sometimes fairly close to the surface of the ground, which can result in a nasty sprained ankle - or worse - when the ground caves in as you're walking. In the near future, I plan to add some of the small wind wheels that send vibrations down into the ground. This is supposed to repel ground burrowing rodents. I have to agree with Sharon. The best way to get rid of pg's is via permanent elimination. It's always a good idea to check with your local Dept.Of Agriculture or County Extension Agency prior to working on this problem. Perhaps even call your local law enforcement agency to see what the rules are regarding the use of a firearm, or air propelled weapon (such as a pellet gun or BB gun), where you live. Better safe - than sorry. I don't like using gases or poisons because they can be lethal to other animals. Snakes can be helpful predators. We have seen some non-venomous snakes in our yard, and happily leave them alone to help with the problem. I've even opened up some of the pg holes to give the snakes an easy entrance. Bon appetite! I've heard that bubble gum works. Just drop a newly chewed piece of bubble gum into a fresh hole and cover with a rock or board. Apparently they can't digest it. I did try this method, once, but they never took the bait. So, I can't say if it really works, but it sounds good in theory. Flooding the tunnels doesn't really work all that well, as they can go on, and on, and on, and on..... However you choose to eliminate them, leave their body in the tunnel and cover it up. I've heard the smell will help to repel others. And - YES....there are others! :O/ Happy Gardening!

Coming out of lurkdom to tell you how to make your own thin mints and pb patties. Super easy.. Thin mints Take a block of almond bark melting chocolate (doesn't contain almonds, just the name). Melt in the top of a double boiler. You can add a tbs or so of shortening to thin it if you'd like. Add a few drops peppermint oil (not extract). Stir. Dip ritz crackers in one at a time and let dry on parchment paper (or wax, or quick release foil). Instant girl scout cookies. PB patties: (Easiest way): Put a bunch of smooth peanut butter into a heavy duty zip loc bag. Snip a corner of the bag. Put a splat between two ritz crackers. Refrigerate cookies for an hour or so. Melt almond bark (again, you can add shortening if needed). Stir til smooth. Dip sandwich cookies into it. Dry on parchment paper... These are MUCH better than the gs variety. My dh cannot be trusted when I make these. Enjoy. Jo

Does your husband show you affection in other ways? does he hug you,kiss you,tell you how he loves you? I'm just wondering,because if he doesnt,then his feelings about YOU may have changed. Some guys (even Elvis) have the Madonna/whore complex,where they dont view their wives as sexy anymore after they have babies. Some guys are turned off because their wives havent lost all the weight yet. If he isnt showing you any affection,he may even be cheating on you. Or,he could be addicted to PORN. Let me ask you a few questions.Does he watch his porn on the tv,or on the internet? Is he overly private about his computer? Does he make a big deal about having "time alone"? The wonderful internet has made it very easy for men to get addicted to porn.It's on 24 hours a day,in a million different varieties of what "gets them going",so they never get bored.They are ALWAYS stimulated by something new.What woman can compete with that??? Until they realize it's an "addiction" they wont stop either.They will say,"All men do it!" All men DO it to a certain extent.They dont put it before their relationships with their spouses. My husband might do it when I'm not available,but he prefers the real thing anyday to an "image".So,that excuse is not a valid one.When masterbating comes before sex with your spouse,then that is when it becomes a problem. So,if your husband is addicted to porn,he is the one who needs the counseling,NOT YOU. Someone I know,also a young female married to a guy who chooses "THAT" over her,(except she gets sex LESS then once a month) was so mad one day she poured water on her Bf's computer.She blamed it on the cat since the cat was known to pee on everything.I'm not suggesting you do anything like that,just giving you an example of someone with this problem and how upsetting to them it can be. Just like you,she started to doubt herself,didnt think she was pretty anymore.Even thought about cheating on him.