Thanksgiving Dinner

Well, it is almost that time of year again. Time to come together and sacrifice a huge bird. I know, I know...I am just being obnoxious. I have spent the better part of my life participating in this ritual. This will be the first year I will not partake in fowl (or for that matter pork) consumption. People are already asking me. "How are you going to do it?" Simple. Just eat the rest of the food! Honestly, doesn't everyone complain about how full they are after thanksgiving? I will be just as happy with some mashed potatoes, dressing, lima beans, pies and a big glass of wine!

Here's hoping you have a GREAT THANKSGIVING! I know I will...even without the bird!

Blissfullness Shattered....

First of all let me preface the situation. My family and I live in my grandparents house in the country (built in 1957). Plenty of undeveloped land behind us, no neighbors to the left of us and three houses to the left of us.

I was getting a start to the day with a soak in the hot tub at 6:30a.m. this beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was coming up, the birds were singing their wonderous tunes and the world around me was awakening and preparing for winter at the same time.....then BANG!.....BANG!......(a few seconds later)....BANG!

It deeply saddened me, as I knew what the gunshots were for.  Within 10 minutes, I had heard shots from the North, East and South. It is hunting season...AND...I live in the country. I wished with all my heart that the little deer got away.

Upon my return from work today at 1:30, there was not only one, but two deer hanging in the tree within 100' of my house prepared to be slaughtered.

I know "to each his own", but it is pretty tough to watch.


I thought about it the rest of the day.

It's getting cold...

It is a good thing that our little flying friends are almost fully matured and have a full plume of feathers. The weather lately has been very cool. I haven't noticed too much difference in the birds behaviors...other than they "fluff" up a lot more often. It is quite neat to see, as it make them look almost twice their size. The look all puffy. You just want to go up and touch them.

Chickens go through a lot of water daily. This presents a bit of a problem now that the temps overnight have been below freezing. The water being in a metal container doesn't help. I have to manually break their ice water in the morning and hope it doesn't refreeze while I am gone. I am aware that there are some manufacturers that make little heaters that sit under the metal waterers. I must purchase one of these soon!

Hey! Is it Easter!?

Eggs, Eggs, and more Eggs! Well, not really. It is kind of funny how the few eggs that are laid end up in different places. Of course, the majority of the eggs end up in the nest box, which is nice and soft and secluded. However, upon visiting the chickens recently, it seems that we have a few chickens that are not quite sure where to drop the eggs. We have found them in the grass, in the dirt under the sun shelter....AND...right out in the middle of the dirt. The other chickens just step right over them. I suspect it won't take long for the mis-laying chickens to find comfort in the nest box. Anyway...It kind of feels like EASTER!

Benefits of Raising Chickens

Here are a few things that I have learned while raising my little feathered friends. 

1) Eggs from well-tended backyard chickens are healthier. 

2) Eggs from backyard chickens are tastier. 

3) Chicken droppings enrich your compost. 

4) Chickens provide natural insect control. A

5) Their scratching for bugs is good for the soil. 

6) Chickens are a great way to meet people and start conversations. 

7) Chickens are fun and interesting. 

8) Backyard chickens provide lessons for children about responsibility and where food comes from. 

So ask yourself! If you have the room....WHY NOT RAISE CHICKENS!?

Changes in attitudes......

Well, we are averaging about 2 eggs a day from our laying ladies. I suspect we will be getting more soon. We have noticed some behavioral changes with the chickens lately. Usually chickens are kind of like cats, they are fine with you holding them, its just you need to go get them....and depending on the time of day, that can sometimes be difficult.

Now, if you get close to a few of the chickens and make a sudden move, they will drop to the ground and assume the mating position. This position caught me off guard at first. The chickens will squat with their tail feathers in the air, spread their wings a little bit and not move. So some of the chickens that were once challenging to pick are now easy to get......VERY INTERESTING.

Good for the kids.....

Raising chickens has been a wonderful experience for us. To see them grow from one day old chicks to egg laying hens is amazing. It has also been a learning experience for our children. They are excited every morning to go let the chickens out of their coop and even more excited now that there is an occasional egg in the nest for them to bring inside. Much like a horse or cows, tending to livestock brings you closer to nature. You get to see the sun rise and the sun set. You can feel the cool breeze and hot humidity as you care for your outdoor pets. I am quite sure my children will remember these times their  whole life. I am glad to be a part of it......