Play Ball

Our chickens know how to umpire a game of baseball

The Barking Fox

Lying awake last night, I heard the barking of a fox.  It's a distinct sound, similar to a yappy little dog and yet not like a dog.  Sometimes it even sounds like a cat. Have a listen here.

 I worry about those chickens of mine. They're not only my own personal egg factory, they're pets with distinct personalities. They chase the cat, they chase the horses and while they don't chase the dogs, Big Bertha has been known to peck my chocolate lab on the nose from time to time. 

I think Bertha thinks she can take just about anything.

Winter

First snowfall of the winter- The Apple Tree

Love those country traffic jams

Big Bertha has to check everything out.

Gibbs the cool cat

Emergency Preparedness

There's a storm bearing down on the East Coast bringing with a 90% chance of gale force winds, heavy rains, flooding and possibly snow.  Make sure you remember to take care of your furry friends!  Here's a few tips:

• Make sure water troughs are filled
• Fill any extra buckets with water
• Make sure you muck those stalls and clean out those coops before the storm hits. Who knows if you'll need to lock your livestock in or how long they might be "cooped up"
• Make sure you protect livestock from the weather. I plan on using plastic sheeting to offer a wind and rain buffer for my chickens. 
• Remove or tie up any loose items- buckets, toys, etc
• Make sure you have plenty of food- SPCA states 5 days worth per animal
• Make note of emergency shelter rules and know which shelters allow pets. Plan accordingly!
• Have current photos of your animals in the event they become lost.
• Have first aid kit on hand for animals.
• Have leashes, collars, pet carriers, halters, lead lines, etc on hand
• Make sure fences, gates, etc are secure  

 Stay safe!

Farm Chic

Boots for the stylish Chicken Herder

My mom bought me these boots last fall.  

I was looking for something that was waterproof and easy to slip on for those early morning and late night dog walks.  

It was the rooster weather vane design that really got my blood pumping in regards to keeping chickens. 

 I could see myself walking out to my chicken coop to feed my chickens wearing these boots.  

The idea of feeding chickens in my magenta boots with gold rooster weather vanes

 lead to reading this book.

Which in turn lead to chickens

And now I spend my early morning and my late afternoons walking to the chicken coop 

and stylin' in my magenta boots.

Best when paired with lime green athletic shorts and a purple shirt.

When You Don't Have a Truck

You make do with what you have.

It might look like a mini van, but it acts like a truck!

We Got Eggs

My son checked the coop a couple of days ago and discovered this egg sitting on the ladder to the run. 

 I'm glad I included that cozy nest box in the coop design.  

Since then, we've had an egg a day.  

Those other cluckers better get busy!