Here are the things I need to address this winter: Bees- order 3lb package locally Chickens- decide on breed for flock expansion and set up brooders Garden- what to plant and where; seed start area Goats- build shelter; fencing; milking stand; water and feed; medical preparations; get goats Fermentation- start brewing ACV; kombucha; kefir These … Continue reading Planning for Spring 2018
Chicken Treats
It is reeeally cold outside. So that means our time outdoors is limited and that makes for one antsy mama and an extremely rambunctious 2 year old. Today, our "science lesson" involved a nature walk searching for pinecones in the woods. We discussed pinecones and found some good specimens, then brought them inside to turn … Continue reading Chicken Treats
Over Wintering our Chickens
We've had some below freezing temps. As such, our concerns for the chickens are 3 fold: There are a couple going through a molt, so they lack feathers for body heat retention. Their water has been freezing. There's less sunlight and they aren't laying as prolifically as in the summer. The first issue of molt … Continue reading Over Wintering our Chickens
Homestead Updade
It's been nice to shift our focus the last few weeks. Call it my nesting instincts kicking in, but I've been really in to increased productivity and efficiency as of late. Something about entering 2018 with three kids under 3 years old, a new business, and new livestock is motivation to run my life as … Continue reading Homestead Updade
When Predators Attack
We lost two chickens today. I heard a ruckus that I thought initially was an "egg song" but as I listened, I could tell it was more than one bird and it sounded distinctly distressed. I went out to take a look and didn't immediately notice anything suspicious looking, until I got within 20 yards … Continue reading When Predators Attack
In the Fullness of Time
Our hens have begun to lay! We actually were surprised this morning when we went outside to muck out the coop and found 7 little eggs in a corner of the coop! We assume by the color of the eggs and the standard rate of maturity, they came from the black Australorp (brown) and either … Continue reading In the Fullness of Time
Chicken Chasing!
What a day! On the docket this week has been our church's vacation Bible school, so my husband and I and the kids are just worn out. My brain is fried, I'm not going to lie. The kids and I slept later than usual this morning- 7:15am! I know, outrageous. So I went to let … Continue reading Chicken Chasing!
What We Feed Our Chickens
Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 You know how there come those times when everyone in the family has raw nerves and short fuses ignite over the smallest thing? That happened to us Friday. I carefully plan my outings for … Continue reading What We Feed Our Chickens
Chicken Coop Building Materials List
Ugh. Lumber is expensive. I know there are ways to get it cheap or scavenged. But I didn't do that. In fact, we've spent a stupid amount of money on this daggone chicken coop and run. But ya know what? I would rather it be done the right way with quality materials and only have … Continue reading Chicken Coop Building Materials List
Chicken Update: Feed, First aid
All our girls are doing well. Before we got the chicks, I made a point of putting together a "chicken first aid kit" because I wanted to be prepared should we encounter pasty butt, coccidiosis, parasites, fungal infection, bacterial infection, respiratory infection, our cuts from bigger chicks bullying the smaller ones, etc. Fortunately, we haven't … Continue reading Chicken Update: Feed, First aid
Wholly Holy Living 
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