Cherry Chickens

Chickens in the Snow

2010-01-15T14:37:00.000-05:00

We all survived the big Virginia snow of December 2009. Depending where you were in Virginia, you got anywhere from 14"-24". The biggest snow we've seen since the early 90s. It was beautiful!

The chickens did just fine. I wasn't sure if they would have to be cooped up or not but once I put down a bit of fresh straw in the runs, all their apprehension disappeared and they came out to play. They even seemed to enjoy it. It has been a bit more work to keep their frozen water replaced quite often but I know warmer days are coming and this too, we'll survive.

A milestone was recently passed in the chicken kingdom. All five girls layed on the same day. That hasn't happened before. A very exciting day indeed.

Home Canning and Fresh Eggs

2009-07-22T10:48:00.019-04:00

Some of the the goodies from the garden have been coming in nicely. I've had squash, cucumber, okra, banana peppers, and tomatoes. I expect the tomatoes to come rolling in over the next couple of weeks and have my empty canning jars ready. I plan to make spaghetti sauce, salsa, and stewed tomatoes. I've already canned squash, and made both sweet and dill pickles using fresh dill from my garden. This was my first attempt at making pickles and I am anxious to see how they taste later on. I've been getting brown eggs just about everyday but no white eggs in awhile. I pickled some eggs for lunches and pulverized all the shells I've been collecting lately. I rinse the egg shells, pulverize them, put them in a jar in the frig and add them to the chickens dish a couple of times a week. They gobble them up when they are mixed with a treat and it's good not only for their digestion but puts needed calcium back in their little bodies. Pictured above are various pictures of "the girls," preparing for canning, and various other pictures of what's been going on around here. I wish I knew how to add my pictures with captions under them and disperse the pictures throughout my text. However, I have not figured out how to do that yet. I welcome any tips on how to do that.

So Peaceful

2009-07-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/15/garden/20090716-chickens-slideshow/index.html

Summer Time Goodies from the Garden

2009-07-15T13:46:00.008-04:00

The squash is coming in fast and furious and I have had many requests for my Squash Cornbread recipe. It's a really simple and healthy recipe containing a fresh picked vegetable and delicious, smooth cottage cheese (mmmmm). Let me hear how your family likes it.

<div>Squash Cornbread

Ingredients

2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix

14 ounces small curd cottage cheese

1 stick butter (I use unsalted)

4 cups crookneck squashed, sliced thinly

3 large eggs, whisked

1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter.

In large mixing bowl, combine cornbread mix, cottage cheese, milk, and eggs. Mix thoroughly. Pour into 13 x 9 baking dish or distribute evenly among three loaf pans. Pour melted butter over top and bake for 30 minutes or until edge start to turn golden brown.

Variations: add crumbled bacon and/or grated cheddar cheese to the mix.

Coop Sweet Coop #2

2009-07-14T14:00:00.018-04:00

Work on Suite Coop #2 is just about finished. It still needs a little trim work where panels meet, but other than that, it's dreamy (for Paddy Cakes and Marty McFly anyway!). The house itself is smaller than Coop #1 because I realized a second coop did not need as much space. The size of the coop is 4 foot by 4 foot by 4 foot. I wanted something that I could reach well (I'm totally claustrophobic!), airy and light. For two little girls, this size is just perfect. We used project 2x3's, T-111 siding and PVC corrugated roofing (Clear View). The roofing turned out to be a most excellent choice as it lets in so much light. I probably would not have chosen this if this coop were not in the shade because the sun shining in the roof most of the day would probably be too much. The run is 6 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and 8 feet long. It is built of pressure treated 2x4's and 1-inch chicken wire. After construction was completed I did some painting and landscaping. I added some Japanese Painted Fern, Vinca, and rocks. I plan to paint the run soon in white to match the house trim (and the other coop) and will add some more shade plants around also. Again, I am really really pleased with the roof of the house. It lets in lots of light and extends the daylight inside for better egg production (I hope). I will supplement that with a light bulb in the dark days of winter just like in the other coop. Paddy, of course, has been laying since September and I expect Marty to begin in September as well. She is still too young to lay and is the youngest in the Blue Moon neighborhood. The new diggs turned out real cute and "there's just one thing left to say. Welcome home family, welcome home." (Ty Pennington could not be here).

Fireplace Mural Project

2009-07-09T13:06:00.009-04:00

What started out as a blank wall now has become a beautiful and fun focal point in the living room. The artist who designed and created this mural, especially for me, is Beth Whitman. You can see how it started and progressed and a picture of the artist. After she finished the mural I started on my first ever tile project. I am quite pleased and the whole thing turned out even better than I was expecting. Beth you rock! Beth is available to create a beautiful mural for your home too. Just contact cherrychickens@gmail.com for more information.

Love Rain On Me

2009-06-02T17:08:00.001-04:00

Only love can make it rain the way the beach is kissed by the sea. Only love can make it rain like the sweat of lovers layin’ in the fields.

Only love can bring the rain that makes you yearn to the sky. Only love can bring the rain that falls like tears from all high.
I can’t sleep and I lay and I think. The night is hot and black as ink. Oh God, I need a drink of cool, cool rain.

Love, reign over me Rain on me, on me

The Biggest Little Snow in Town

2009-03-09T13:58:00.010-04:00

You'd have to be a local to understand the title that goes with the first picture. On March 1, 2009, we had the biggest snow we've had in years. We had 10 inches here in the 'burg with some of the surrounding counties getting up to 14 inches. I realize that's not big to North Easterners, but here it is. The anticipation was great - first the weather reports, then the trying not to get too excited because it probably wasn't going to happen anyway. Sunday evening it started sleeting and snowing around 7:00 PM. By 7:45 I was happily planning a walk and bundling up. (I got to wear my new boots!) We started up the street but the sleet was stinging our faces so we turned and walked down the street. After getting splashed by several passing cars, we walked faster. When we got back to the house I felt so energized - my heart rate was up and I could breathe! It was terrific if only for a short time.

Monday morning when I woke, the neighborhood was blanketed in the beautiful fluffy stuff. What a joy it was to see and smell and feel. We shoveled the drive and sidewalk in no time at all. Two glorious snow days home!

Re-use and Recycle

2009-03-09T12:54:00.003-04:00

March 9, 2009

After years of off and on recycling, I've made a commitment to be more consistent with my recycling efforts. Re-use has ALWAYS been a priority with me but I've been lack at times with the recycling. Another priority of mine has been to save as much as possible on electricity. I admit, this has been more of a self-centered endeavor as it's been to cut down the cost of my use of electricity. I cringe and am amazed when I go to someones house and it seems every light is on in the house and the TV runs constantly with no one watching. Growing up here in the city, the local schools really promoted recycling and reusing with my sons class, with many of the schools having their own recycling programs and contests. The students were excited and had valuable life long learning experiences. Speaking of re-use, I've discovered reusable shopping totes and have stocked up! My house is running over with plastic bags. I re-use them for a lot of things but not nearly enough to keep up with the constant supply. How sad is it to see these bags stuck in tree and shrubbery flapping in the breeze all the time? It occured to me several months ago to just make my own shopping totes. My son thought that was a lame idea (obviously he doesn't appreciate my sense of creativity or coolness). I nixed that idea as soon as I saw more and more of the reusables popping up at my favorite shopping destinations. What really inspired me was the cute cute cute totes at Walgreens. By the way, JoAnn Fabrics has some awesome reusable green bags and they hold about what three regular sized grocery store plastics hold. I was under the impression you had to actually have the store brand bag in order to use it in a particular store. Not so I found out yesterday as I used my first one in the grocery store. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I picked up my tote and walked back to my car. What normally takes about three bags only took the one. This girl is sold on reusable totes!!!

Wooo hoooo

2008-12-16T20:24:00.004-05:00

December 18, 2008

Wooooo hoooo! Finally - second day in a row I got a brown egg. It's definately Paddy Cakes. She is up and running around and not sitting on the nest any longer. I can see the little nubs where her feathers are coming back in. The molt is over!!! Now, if I can just get little Bok Choy off the nest maybe I can start eating some fresh eggs again. I hadn't had any eggs since before Thanksgiving. Now I have 2 pretty little browns in the frig!

Egg Production Way Down

2008-12-01T18:58:00.004-05:00

I've gotten no eggs for six days now! I actually had to buy 1/2 dozen eggs at the grocery store! Not only do I have 2 hens that are broody but for some reason, my two Polish Crested aren't laying either. I wonder if it's the cold? I just don't know. I miss the fresh eggs. Update: December 2 - Here is an excellant article I found regarding reduction in egg production. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw565/

Broody

2008-11-25T13:26:00.005-05:00

November 25, 2008

Paddy Cakes and Bok Choy have both gone broody. I noticed that Paddy was not coming out from behind the feed can where everyone sleeps and lays about three weeks or so ago. Poor little thing, not only is she broody but has gone into an early molt as well. First, she lost the feathers on her head, then neck, then breast. I make Paddy get up twice a day to go outside for some exercise, fresh water, and food. She doesn't stay out of her nest for long and then it's back inside to sit. Now, I've discovered Bok Choy has joined her in the land of Wanna Be Mothers. Bok Choy is less reluctant to get up off the nest, perhaps it's because she hasn't been nesting for as long as Paddy. Yesterday I found a toy in her nest (if you look closely at the picture you can see it sticking out). It's funny what you find in the nest - lots of feathers, scraps of burlap, and straw. I've read that nesting chicks will even pluck their own feathers to add to their nest. I have given them both faux eggs to sit on hoping that will reduce the stress on them. Paddy looks just terrible. Even her little comb looks shriveled and pale. Bok Choy still looks silky and pretty. I'm not sure how long they will stay broody but look forward to the time when they are finished with that phase. (Pictures include Paddy looking quite pitiful with no feathers on her head, and a shriveled up comb. Also, a picture of Bok Choy sitting).

I love Surprises!

2008-10-31T14:52:00.004-04:00

The past two weeks have been really difficult for me. What a blessing to come home and find this cute little fellow hanging on my front door knob along with a secret note to cherrychickens! He is made of felt, fabric, and beads. Isn't he just the cutest? It warmed my heart and made me feel so much better. Thanks S, whoever you are.

Fresh Eggs and Pumpkins, and Plants Oh My!

2008-10-23T13:26:00.008-04:00

It has been awhile since I have written about what's going on at Blue Moon Cottage. I finally received enough eggs in one week to fill up my first package (thanks girls!). I gave the very first package to my next door neighbor. He was pleased to have them and said they were beautiful! Mr. Tucker gives me pretty homegrown squash and tomatoes from his garden and recently a huge pumpkin! I am trying to find the time to glean all the good stuff from inside, make a couple of pies, roast the seeds, and feed the rest to the chickens.

The days and nights have turned chillier and I have been keeping an eye on the chicks. This past week - one of the mornings was particularly cold and I found the two Polish girls hunched over and not moving when I went out at 6:00 a.m. to check on them. I immediately went back in the house to find the infra red heat lamp that I used on their brooder and hung it up in the coop. Ahhhh, they liked that. I don't keep it on constantly, just when it is going to be in the 30s or below.

Today when I went home at lunchtime I discovered that FINALLY someone was using a nesting box! I have this row of three great nesting boxes filled with fresh straw and fake eggs, and have put all the girls in there hoping they would get the idea - but no, they continue to lay behind the feed can where they sleep. Truly was in one of them and scratching around and throwing straw out. It'll be fun to go home this afternoon and find a REAL egg in there. Hey, the egg count is now up to 62!!!! I've been eating a lot of them myself but sharing as well. It's nice how a little package of fresh eggs can put a smile on someone's face. I can name a few faces that could stand that.

I've included a picture here of my Lantana and my Mexican Petunia (although I'm not quite convinced that's the real name). Both of these were picked up in my most favorite of places - Okracoke Island. I have admired the Mexican Petunia's deep purple for 3 years now and always bring home a little sprig to root from the hotel where I stay. None of them have survived. So this year - I dug up two pieces that included root and it has been doing great. Another plant that I see everywhere at OI is Lantana. It's everywhere - planted in huge pots outside of little shops and growing in cottage yards. I found some at the True Value Hardware store in Avon (I think). I was tickled to find that - it reminds me a bit of Candy Tuft except that this is pink with clusters of yellow flowers in the middle. I also saw some orange with a yellow center planted down there. I have taken such special care of these two flowers since I brought them home in July and they have quadrupled in size. Now that it's getting cold, I can't decide what to do with them. I think I'll probably bring the whole pot in and sit it next to the basement door where it will be warmer and get some light. I have to remember to keep it moist though. In the spring I will bring it out for planting in the yard.

Jadeite

2008-10-23T13:12:00.005-04:00

First of all, thanks to Yvonne for encouraging me to write again and for always inquiring about my chickens.

I recently required my first pieces of Jadeite. My good friend, Michelle, started a collection for me and I am tickled to have it. I've always loved the quiet beauty of the unassuming jadeite. It goes perfectly with the retro look that I like so much. I've learned recently from my research that Jadeite was manufactured by many companies, not just Fire King, as I thought. It was produced from the 1930s-1970s. It is heavy, durable, and was used alot by the restaurant industry. Many different items of jadeite were produced - my ultimate find will be a jadeite doorknob! I understand there are over 100 different patterns but I haven't found out the name of my pattern yet. And if I'm understanding correctly, my particular pieces (well at least the dinner plates, cups, saucers, and mugs) were made in the early 60s. I'll try to identify the art nouveau vase, and creamer and sugar bowl. Here are some pictures of my first pieces. I haven't found anything about the S&P shakers yet either. Thanks Michelle!!

Eggcitement!!!

2008-09-14T14:15:00.009-04:00

September 14, 2008

This weekend has been very egg-citing! Yesterday afternoon I went out to play with the chickens, change their water, etc. Paddy Cakes (the one in picture above) was making a funny little noise I had not heard before. I started thinking that perhaps she had laid an egg. I looked behind the feed can and sure enough, there was a beautiful little white egg. I don't think Paddy laid the egg as it's my understanding that the Cochins will lay brown eggs and the Polish will lay the white eggs. So - it must be either Lilliput or Truly. I was so excited that I immediately went in the house and called Momma, and Beth, and Kelly, and Kate. I just had to share this. I went back out and put each of the girls up in the nesting boxes with the fake eggs hoping they would get the hint that that's where I want them to lay.

This morning I found another egg just like yesterday's egg. It was not behind the feed can and it was not in the nesting boxes - it was just laying there in the middle of the house all protected by the pine shavings. I said thank you, gave them a treat and went in to fix breakfast. Peaches (kitty) enjoyed checking them out. I blew the eggs out by pricking each end with a pin so I could keep them. I won't do this to all of the eggs of course but did want to keep the first one. I got out the 'ol iron skillet and went to work. What a delight.

Anticipation is Keeping Me Waiting

2008-09-05T13:10:00.015-04:00

It's the first week in September!!!! That means my chicks are 20 weeks old and that means there could be some eggs any time now. The nesting boxes have been installed, straw added, strips of burlap to darken the boxes, faux eggs placed in the nests and a sturdy ramp has been built up to the boxes. I've put each one of the girls in one of the boxes just to acclimate them to it and to show them they actually can fly down from there. I've also put them on the ramp just for good measure. I've added a lightbulb with a timer so they have 16 hours of light. Gosh, I almost feel bad about waking them up so early. I have a frying pan in one hand and a spatula in the other . . . anticipation. This past weekend I put them in the run so I could clean out the coop, disinfected everything, put in fresh pine shavings, and sprinkled in some Seven Dust. I know, I know, I really didn't need to to that yet but I figured I'd do it now and that way, I'm covered all winter. They were put back in the coop and I proceeded to clean out the run. Didn't do the disinfecting and Seven Dust sprinkling outside of course, but did add fresh straw and a big plastic box of play sand (I swear pink is all they had) for dust bathing. I continue to take them fresh greens each morning and tomatoes when someone gives me some homegrown ones. I also have discovered that they will eat "cat treats" (you know the little moist morsels) out of my hand. We're having a good time. See pictures above of Lilliput checking out the nesting boxes (Hmm, wonder what those oval things are?), Bok Choy and Lilli, a side view of Truly Scrumptious, outdoor playtime, Truly and Lilli enjoying cucumbers, a "Hen House Party," and the nesting boxes.

Hey, dig this. I've been searching the Internet for a poultry show to attend and haven't been able to find anything or get anyone to answer my inquiries. A colleague handed me a brochure the other day of the Virginia State Fair - guess what? Poultry judging! Yeah and only 2 hours away! I'll be high-tailing it bright and early to see what it's all about.

Down By the River

2008-08-27T15:00:00.005-04:00

Knock knock!

Who's there?

Canoe.

Canoe, who?

Canoe come out and play?

Hahahahahaha. Gotta say that when I hit the river.

This weekend we put in at Allen's Creek down to Bent Creek. It was just a lovely and peaceful ride. Kelly has decided to sell the Esquiff (my all time favorite canoe I've ever experienced in my canoe career!) Sniff, sniff!!!! I want it! So this weekend we went in the Old Town - fine. But you know what? The highlight of the day was not just the beautiful weather, or the floating down the river, or the wonderful smells of the woods or the yummy sandwiches and beverages. The highlight was the biggest small mouth bass I've ever caught!!!

Obsession? and Recent Happenings

2008-08-14T10:19:00.034-04:00

August 14, 2008

obsession (n.) Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety. A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.

Someone recently said to me, "are you obsessed with with chickens or what?" Webster indicates that an obsession is an unhealthy preoccupation and something that is unreasonable and riddled with anxiety. Far from my truth. I would call myself a "chicken enthusiast" definitely. With such lovely and interesting creatures, how could I not be? However; to appease my dear Lynn, I will write about something else today. The front page of my blog indicates that it is an online journal of my adventures in raising a small flock, gardening, entertaining, decorating, fishing, and creating. Since I consider myself a somewhat well-rounded person with many interests, I'll put away the chicks and write about something else today. This past Friday my best friend Beth came for supper. Beth is an absolutely wonderful cook and I always enjoy dinner at her house. (See pic of Beth enjoying drinks and h'oderves on the porch). So I attempted to make my dinner special as well. I served fresh fish (yes, caught by yours truly in the Chesapeake Bay), steamed shrimp, corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw, homemade banana fritters, and my grandmother's cobbler (cherry) with vanilla ice cream. I will include the recipe here for anyone that might be interested. It's very simple and I've been making it for many years (see pic - yum!) You can use any fruit you like. I'm sure many people probably have this recipe and that my grandmother didn't create it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ten Dollar Fruit Pie (Lillian Parker) 1 cup of fruit, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of flour, 1 stick of butter Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in baking dish in the oven. Heat your choice of fruit separately in a saucepan on low. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, and milk and mix. Pour batter over melted butter, and spoon warm fruit over batter. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. *I also add a beaten egg to the batter and sprinkle the top with sugar after baking although this is not in the original recipe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last weekend, Kelly and I went to Maryland for some fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. We stayed at Scheible's Fishing Center. I just love that little place! The little motel has only 8 rooms with 3 twin beds each. (http://scheibles.homestead.com/Scheibles.html) I had never seen a motel with twin beds until we stayed there last October. There also is a restaurant called Scheible's Crab Pot, and Courtney's Restaurant is right around the bend. We spent about 12 hours out on Kelly's boat in the bay. I stupidly did not wear sunscreen and my lips have been paying for it all week! We caught Croaker, Blues, and Flounder. (see pic of me and a fat little Croaker). We went crabbing also but couldn't keep any as they weren't regulation size (see pic of those beauties!) We also visited Point Lookout State Park and St. Clements Island Museum. It was a fun trip and I got a nice little tan, some good fish, and a new knowledge about the first settler's in Maryland. Okay, I have to sneak in a bit about the chicks. I can't help it. The nesting boxes have been installed (thanks Kel) and filled with straw. I await with the excitement, the arrival of the first egg. You know there WILL BE pictures! (See pics of nesting boxes and my friend Kelly Marie with Bok Choy). I had my first "chicken scare" this past Sunday. My windows were open and I heard a clatter (more like screaming and honking) from the hen yard. I looked out to see some kind of body right outside the hen pen and couldn't tell what was going on. I wanted to run out to find why Lilliput was making that god awful sound like nothing I ever heard before. I finally summoned the courage to go out and found the "body" was a stray cat crouched down up against the fence eyeing my girls. I ran him away and finally coaxed the chicks back outside. It is safe to safe that Lilliput is the official "rooster" of the flock as she is the protector, defender, and all around talker of the group. Way to go Lilli!

What's in a Name?

2008-08-01T08:50:00.007-04:00

I forgot to mention that all the girls have now been officially named. I thought I would mention their names here and why I named them that. The Silver Laced Polish is Lilliput. So named because she is small, miniature like the Lilliputians from Gulliver's Travels. Paddy Cakes - named after my Paddy who has the same lovely reddish curly hair, a popular Irish boys name. Truly Scrumptious - the Golden Laced Polish. Named after the character from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She wore lovely hats and was so feminine. And finally, there's Bok Choy. She's the little Mottled Cochin whose breed hails from China. I so wanted to name her Egg Drop (in Chinese) but couldn't find anyone to translate for me. However; Bok (bok,bok,bok) Choy suits her.

New Pictures

2008-07-29T08:50:00.005-04:00

July 29, 2008

The girls are doing well and over their sneezing. Everyone seems to be getting along famously. I haven't figured out yet who the leader is yet, but think it may be Lilliput. This weekend I put down some straw in the run. They were apprehensive of it at first and very slooooooooooly came down the ramp to the run. Once they realized how fantastic it was to play in the straw they haven't stopped! Straw is always flying everywhere! They love digging around in it and finding treasures (you know leftovers or the ocassional bug). In a couple of these pictures they are enjoying leftover pancakes and raisin bran. Yep, ate every bit of it. I wish I could figure out how to put captins under each picture and place the pictures where I want to but can't seem to figure that out.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

2008-07-24T10:22:00.004-04:00

http://www.goveg.com/ecard/birdsofaFeather/index.asp A cute "film" entitled Birds of a Feather.

Interesting Article

2008-07-24T08:56:00.007-04:00

I found this fascinating article about the intelligence and social nature of chickens on goveg.com. I didn't write this but am including it on my blog for others to enjoy. The Hidden Lives of Chickens In This Feature: Social Smarts, Small Birds, Big Personalities People who have spent time with chickens know that they have complex social structures, adept communication skills, and distinct personalities, just as we do. Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Dr. Bernard Rollins notes, “[C]ontrary to what one may hear from the industry, chickens are … complex behaviorally, do quite well in learning, show a rich social organization, and have a diverse repertoire of calls. Anyone who has kept barnyard chickens recognizes their significant differences in personality.” 15 Like people, chickens each have a place or rank within their group—some birds are dominant, and others are expected to be more submissive because they are on a lower social rung. Chickens know their places within the hierarchy, and they act accordingly—for instance, when learning how to perform a new task, they often follow the lead of the dominant members in their group.16 Mench explains, “Chickens show sophisticated social behavior. … That’s what a pecking order is all about.”17 Chickens also remember the faces of those in their social group; Mench continues, “They can recognize more than a hundred other chickens and remember them.”18 Scientists agree that chickens’ complex social structures and good memories are undeniable signs of advanced intelligence comparable to that of mammals. Talkin’ Chicken Chickens communicate with each other through their “clucks”—Mench explains, “They have more than thirty types of vocalizations.”19 They have different calls to distinguish between threats that are approaching by land and those that are approaching over water, and a mother hen begins to teach these calls to her chicks before they even hatch—she clucks softly to them while sitting on the eggs, and they chirp back to her and to each other from inside their shells.20,21 Like all animals, chickens love their families and value their own lives. The social nature of chickens means that they are always looking out for their families and for other chickens in their group. In the wild, chickens spend most of their time in groups—they enjoy foraging for food, taking dustbaths, and roosting in trees together at night. After he toured United Poultry Concerns in 1998, Ira Glass, the host of National Public Radio’s This American Life, was so impressed with the personalities of the chickens he met that he hasn’t eaten chicken or any other animal flesh since. Mother hens care deeply for their babies—Jesus even refers to the loving protectiveness of a hen toward her chicks in the Gospels, which were written almost 2,000 years ago.22 Indeed, a mother hen will turn her eggs as many as five times an hour and cluck soothingly to her unborn chicks.23 Hens prefer to have private nests for their eggs in protected areas far away from predators. According to The Humane Society of the United States, “The desire [for a private nest] is so strong, in fact, that a hen will often go without food and water, if necessary, to use a nest.”24 This demonstrates the fact that hens will sacrifice their own comfort if it means protecting their chicks. Besides bonding to their young, chickens also form strong friendships and enjoy spending time with their companions, just like we do. Kim Sturla, the manager of Animal Place, a sanctuary for farmed animals near Sacramento, recounts a touching story of two chickens. “We rescued an elderly hen, Mary, from a city dump and later an elderly rooster, Notorious Boy. They bonded, and they would roost on the picnic table. One stormy night with the rain really pelting down, I went to put them in the barn and I saw the rooster had his wing extended over the hen, protecting her.”25

Reflections

2008-07-21T11:15:00.012-04:00

I spent a lot of time alone this weekend. It was good. I played with my chickens, mowed the lawn, weeded 3 flower beds, watered everything, laundry, small amount of decorating inside, cleaned kitchen and bathroom, washed my car, and read. It was especially peaceful and quiet this weekend and a good time for reflection. I enjoyed the beautiful 3-day weekend and realized how blessed I am even though I sometimes forget it. I forget it when I'm tired, worn out, feel bogged down, or lonely. This was one of those weekends.

Ah-Choo!

2008-07-21T10:39:00.006-04:00

July 18, 2008

Paddy Cakes and Lilliput started sneezing last week. I did some research on the internet, pulled out my books, and talked with Bruce at Southern States. I decided to put them on an antibiotic for a week. I don't think it's serious as there has been no nasal discharge, no watery eyes, and no wierd poopie. However; I would rather err on the side of caution and nip this in the bud before all 4 start sneezing and it gets worse. I also wanted to treat them way before egg laying time which shouldn't be until September or October. They are not listless and continue to eat fine. They've just enjoyed some fresh Romaine lettuce and raw squash. They have gotten into their own routine now, after having lived together for a week. Ocassionally I will see Paddy Cakes peck at the new cochin (who is yet to be named) but not like at first. I spent quite a bit of time with them this weekend and took them each out individually for a cuddle. I rub them and talk to them while I kick back in my willow chair. Lilliput actually purred! I am not joking and my friend Nora was there and witnessed it as well. She purred for several minutes while I held her and stroked her crown. It was amazing. A woman that comments on my blog occasionally suggested saving the feathers for making dream catchers or other things. What a marvelous idea except I don't know how to make them. I actually have been saving them but hadn't thought of using them for anything except to fill up different vases. Any other ideas for using these pretty feathers?

You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello

2008-07-15T13:10:00.006-04:00

July 15, 2008

So much has happened in Chickendom since I last wrote. Let's see - my suspicions of having another roo were correct. One morning last week I was awakended by a crow from the backyard. I heard it again. At first I thought I was dreaming but . . . I went out (with my coffee of course) to observe through the back window without being noticed. Of course it didn't happen again and it didn't happen the next morning at all. Was I dreaming?

I spoke with Trisha on Wednesday evening and decided to pay her a visit on the weekend to let her have a look at my brood. I took Nutmeg (the suspected rooster), and the two Frizzle Cochins (Paddy Cakes and Cherry Cola) along. She pointed out the little nubs (sprouting spurs) on Nutmeg's legs. Duh!!! It didn't even occur to me to look for the beginning of spurs. I've notied his beautiful strong legs many times and rubbed them but never thought about that. He is such a gorgeous bird. He was going to be my show bird. But, you know I couldn't keep him. The two Frizzle Cochins appeared to be pullets. I traded Cherry Cola for a female Mottled Cohin (like the two little roosters I first discovered), and traded Nutmeg for a female version (Golden Laced Polish). Wow - what a difference between the male and female. She is an elf compared to him. The female Mottled Cochin is a tiny little thing also. Everyone is the same age though. (See above picture of me saying goodbye to Nutmeg, the rooster and of me with my new little Cochin and Trisha, my chicken friend).

Coop Details

2008-07-08T08:17:00.010-04:00

Well it's been almost two weeks now since the big move outside. The girls are doing well. I've learned that they really do go in when it's raining and they put themselves to bed. I go out each evening to close the pet door so they are protected at night. They enjoyed leftover corn on the cob this weekend and really cleaned up those cobs!

I have given them all names now. In the group picture above: Nutmeg, Cherry Cola, Lilliput, and Paddy Cakes.

I've included pictures of the coop and some of it's features. Pictures include: view of the house and run, an interior view (note the platform for future nesting boxes and storage for feed underneath), food & water area, the pet door, and the run roof (added the lattice for a bit of protection from the rain). Also, note the 2 x 4 just inside the door on the floor. This was added to enable cleaning (it slides up and out) and to keep the liter inside the house.

Moving On Up !

2008-07-02T14:12:00.006-04:00

Monday, June 30, 2008

"Well, we're moving on up to the East Side. To a deluxe apartment in the sky. Yeah, we're moving on up to the East Side. We finally got a piece of the pie."

Yesterday Kelly put the door on the run, put up some roosts, and made a platform for the nesting boxes. Beth and I carried the big box outside and transferred the chicks to the run. It was wonderful to see them with the breeze blowing in their feathers and the sun shining on their faces. They walked around and nibbled on the long thick blades of grass. It took awhile but they finally realized they could go in and out of the pet door and come down the ramp again. They found their food and water inside just fine. I went outside last night a few minutes before 9:00 to put them to bed. They were already huddled inside together sleeping. I simply closed the pet door. This morning at 7:00 I went out to let them out and they were still asleep! Must be the fresh air. I peeked through the back window first and called out to them. This afternoon they were inside napping when I came home from work. I wondered today how they did through the semi-heavy rain we had - perhaps they do know to "come in out of the rain."

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, that's the Summer Song

2008-07-02T13:59:00.006-04:00

June 29, 2008

We've just returned from vacation on Ocracoke yesterday evening. Beth and Kelly Marie came to take care of the animals while I was gone - 10 glorious days! Kelly and I enjoyed being on the little island again.

Prior to my leaving, Shannon took the 2 Cochin roosters back to the petting farm for me. It was sad to let them go, they are both so sweet and I will miss the morning song. I got some footage of them crowing on the last day they were hear. I just have to figure out how to get it from the disk to the computer.

I suspect there may be another rooster in one of the four remaining, and pretty sure it is one of the Polish but can't tell who. It's not like they stand there with their mouths open for me to see.

I can't really see much difference in their growth since I was gone but the golden laced has definitely developed more feathers on her crown. They were all black and more like a bristle brush when I left and now there are golden feather mixed in and it's fluffier. The solid black beard she has is also more developed - it's a full beard!

I am anxious to get them outside to their own house but it's not quite finished yet - the door of the run is not on yet. They are fun to watch - they are climbing up on top of the food and water jars to get a better look out of the box. They are 10 weeks and 4 days old.

Sweet Awakening!

2008-07-02T12:58:00.010-04:00

June 5, 2008

I was awakened this morning by a crow! Peaches jumped off the bed and ran into the kitchen. I followed him and found one of the mottled cochins standing by himself and crowing. It reminded me of a cartoon. The others were under the little top still laying down. He is the one that pays the most attention to me and comes running to me. I couldn't help but feel proud of him but know that he'll have to go back to the farm.

June 12

Not only one roo but two so far. I discovered that the other mottled Cochin is a roo as well. They sound like they both have laryngitis when crowing. I really do love being awakened by the sound. It just seems so natural and peaceful to me. One of the curly frizzles was pecking at Binky (the name I gave the first discovered rooster) at first whenever he crowed but I haven't seen that in the last couple of days. The two Cochin roosters get into small skirmishes sometimes. I find it interesting that the two roosters seem to be the most curious about things. Everyone else is pretty quiet and I still hear the "cheep, cheep" from them.

I keep waiting and thinking the the Golden Laced Polish will begin crowing. The only reason I've been thinking that is because she(?) is the largest of all the birds I have and has been since I brought them home at one week old. She is a beautiful, mighty looking bird, not nearly as delicate looking as the Silver Laced Polish. They both continue to be very quiet.

Work Continues on the Coop

2008-07-02T11:03:00.006-04:00

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

I moved the chicks into their third box Sunday. I taped two large boxes together and cut off the roof with about 1 and 1/2 feet left on for a little dark area in case they wanted it. The box is about 5 feet long and 18 inches tall. I put a piece of chicken wire over the open areas. They seem to enjoy being able to move around more and I put dried grass in for litter. I also noticed they peck and play with the bird toys I've hung from the wire. They no longer need a heat lamp and the box sits on the floor now instead of the table. They are still a bit skittish when I reach in but I think it's mainly because the wire scratches the box and makes a big noise. So far the treats they've tried: popcorn, macaroni salad, crushed eggshells, chopped cucumber, dried cherries (didn't care for those), and bits of fried fish.

Kelly worked on the coop again this weekend. It's looking awesome! I primed and painted. The pressure treated lumber of the posts don't really need painting but I wanted the house to be a pale yellow with white trim.

I has been really hot the past couple of days and has made me concerned about the location of the coop. The run gets sun all afternoon and evening. I'll have to come up with something to provide them some shade while outside.

Beginning the Coop & The Rooster Crows

2008-07-02T10:25:00.005-04:00

May 27, 2008

We started on the coop this weekend. It's 7' tall, 8' wide, and 4' deep. It's not the original design I had in mind but will be just fine - a fine coop. There is a door on one end and the opposite wall will hold the nexting boxes. My biggest concern is making sure the run has shade. I will plant some things around the perimeter of the run in the fall. Too hot to plant now.

May 29, 2008

Today the chicks were out in the kitchen for some exercise. They are getting more used to me and Peachy and are not as skittish. I gave them macaroni salad and they gobbled it up like it was ice cream!! They were'nt the least bit interested in dried cherries. When I came in from cutting the grass, they were standing on the edge of Peaches bowl eating his dry cat food.

I was taking a nap this afternoon and pretty sure I heard an attempted crow. There's a rooster in the house but I don't know who it is!

Cherry Cola

2008-07-02T09:02:00.005-04:00

Monday, May 12, 2008

Oh my gosh! Chickens have got to be the fastest growing animals on the planet. I can tell almost from one day to the next how much they've grown. I have had to change the water in the brooder at least 4 times a day. They seem to get the pine shavings in the water constantly and I was worried about their getting enough to drink. The feeder ends up with a lot of shavings in it as well. Friday night I decided to see what other options there are for pet litter. I found something called Care Fresh Pet Bedding. It says "extra-long, extra soft fibers for sensitive skin." It is puffy and dense and it did the trick. No more litter in the water. I only had to change their water once per day after that. It cost a bit more than pine shavings but is definitely worth it. Hey, thought of a cute name for the red frizzle - Cherry Cola. She is the same color of a cherry cola when the light shines through it.

A Little Bit of Exercise

2008-07-02T08:35:00.008-04:00

Sunday, May 4, 2008

I decided to move the chicks to a bigger box. They still fit in the Rubbermaid container but it just seems too crowded. This box is 21" x 21" x 14". They have much more room to move around. I have put their waterer and feeder on top of a 1" tall box top. I have read that alot of food gets wasted and frankly it does because they scratch around and throw the liter in both the food and water. Once they graduate to their coop I can hang them above the ground and avoid this problem.

Took the chicks out of the box and let them roam around the kitchen floor. They put up a fuss whenever I pick them up. But I talk softly to them, rub their bellies and under their wings and they calm down. It is amazing to me to be able to see the difference in them in just one week! The red frizzle has developed many more curls, the yellow and black mottled Cochin's have begun showing some white feathers on their wings and the polish crested are MUCH bigger and showing fluffy crowns.

I introduced Peaches (my kitty) to them and called them birdie boos since he knows that word for the parakeets. He pays little attention to them except to rub up against them when I hold them. While they wandered around the kitchen, Peaches just laid beside me and watched. No crouching, no pounce position, no flat ears like he was ready to stalk. That was interesting and fun.

I have lowered the temperature in their brooder by raising the light. I try to keep it about 75 degrees now. I love hearing the little peeps and they sleep alot!

The Homecoming

2008-07-01T10:24:00.006-04:00

Sunday, April 27, 2008

This afternoon I picked up my long awaited chicks from Trisha and Billy Krushwitz in Clifford, VA. They have a petting farm called KIDZ KORNER(WILDWAYFARM2001@aol.com) A man at Amherst Milling told me about her. She has over 30 breeds of chickens at their petting farm in addition to sheep, goats, cows, a pig, donkeys, guinea fowl, turkeys, peacocks, and some cats. I paid her a visit in March and fell in love even more with the Cochins and Frizzle Cochins. She called me back in April to let me know she placed the order and the chicks will arrive at her place on April 18th. I decided to let her keep them a week to get them started off right since I work two jobs and was concerned about them eating and drinking. I brought them home in a cardboard box. My order was for 1 red frizzle Cochin, 1 mottled Cochin (black w/white spots), and 1 Golden Laced Polish. I took home 3 extras to bond with because we don't know the sex of the chicks at this young age. I will return the others later. When I got home, I already had the brooder ready - a 66 quart clear Rubbermaid container which I have filled with pine shavings and hung an infrared light bulb (100 watts) over. I filled the water container and the food container with chick starter and the temperature was 90 degrees. They seem quite docile as I moved them from their cardboard box into the brooder. They immediately layed down on their bellies with their wings spread and their faces down in the soft shavings. It worried me a bit because I didn't realize they sleep like that and thought perhaps they were too hot. I called Trisha and she assured me that is the way they sleep. I am used to my parakeets roosting. All is calm.