Keeping Our Hens Happy

 With the addition of 75 more hens last spring, we needed to make more room in the inn.  Rather than adding on to the existing henhouse, we decided to build an second one.    My criteria, as usual, was that it had to be cute.  Cute with a budget of $0.00.  Thank goodness my man is creative!  Most of the materials were left over from building our our house and barn.  The screen door was in someone's trash.  It has a rip, but that adds to the charm, right?

The ladies are low maintenance.  They only require two things in their house: nesting boxes and roosting poles.

Yes, those are left over closet poles from our house.  They are the perfect size and freeee!

Even though this picture is taken at an angle like I'm standing on the side of a mountain, it shows the back of the hen house.  Notice how much we've grown since our original coop!

 I know all the magazines and blogs make chicken farming look very charming, which it is.  But the reality is that it is also messy and poopy.  The picture below is what real life is like, taken on coop poop clean-up day.

My handsome farmer takes care of the dirty work.  He knows my limits.

The ladies are having a little snack

It takes the whole family to run the farm.  We all collect, wash, and package the eggs.

This is our little work station.

When we planned our house, this sink was supposed to be in the garage, but due to some very thick foundational walls, the plumbing was impossible.  With a little huff I agreed to move the sink into the mud room.  Best mistake ever!!!

Now we can rinse the eggs and package them in the house rather than in the garage.

 November is a tough month for chicken farmers.  The girls molt and walk around half-nekked.  I'm embarrassed for them, really.  Their egg productions drops considerably.  So, if you are a regular customer of ours, hang tight.  They'll put their clothes back on, get their dignity back, and return to work soon.

In the Chicken Business

Over the summer, we raised some chickens for friends who wanted farm raised, hormone-free chicken meat. Last Saturday was slaughter day.  I don't really like the word slaughter because it sounds so barbaric.  We did a lot of research to make sure we handled it in the most humane and sanitary way.  

This was our fourth batch of meat birds, so we have figured out some things along the way.

1. It takes work and money to raise meat birds.  The special feed is more expensive and they require daily attention.  This particular order was mostly roosters, so we had to keep them in a separate area, away from the attractive ladies.  Therefore, it was another area to keep clean and protected.  So if you were ever wondering why farm raised, organic birds are so expensive, this is why.

 2. It takes a village.  We have found that many of our (male) friends want to experience this day with us. We have had several parents ask if their older kids could come see the process because we live in a society where most kids think chicken meat comes from the grocery store.  It is a great educational adventure for anyone over the age of 10.
So when the teenage boys offer to help, we don't turn them down.  These boys (and my farm girl) had the job of catching the chickens.

3. It takes good equipment.  I'll spare you the gory details, but essentially, we use restraining cones because it is quick and less traumatic for the birds.  No, we don't let them run around with their heads cut off.
We also use a chicken plucker machine.  This saves time and is much more sanitary than plucking by hand.  The first step, after the cone, is a quick dip into boiling water to loosen the feathers (seen in the top left of the photo below).  Then the birds take a spin in the plucker.  

 It only takes about 20-30 seconds for all of the feathers to come loose.  In the photo below you can see the pile of wet feathers on the ground.

When that step is completed, they basically look like a whole chicken you would buy in the grocery store.  It really is amazing.

4. It takes a well planned operation.  Each person had their assigned job to keep the assembly (or disassembly) line moving.  Of course, we allowed them to change jobs to get to experience the whole process.  Once the birds have been plucked, they need to be cleaned, gutted, and prepared for the freezer.  We use a stainless steel table for this part of the process, which can be washed an sanitized between each pair of birds.

Since I dry heave while cutting up a whole chicken bought at the grocery store, I leave this part of the process up to my daughter.  She is a girly-girl, but she jumps right in!  In fact, this time around, she was giving lessons to the boys.  Yes, we believe in raising well rounded kids. ;)

The whole process is not for the faint of heart.  Which I am, so I simply take pictures and stand back.  However, it does build a sense of community and an appreciation for our forefathers/mothers who had to work so hard to put meat on their tables.

Farm Living: Little Surprises

 A friend recently asked what keeps me busy at the farm.  I thought it was a great question, and since I've never lived on a farm before it's one worth pondering. I think what took me by surprise is the constant work.  Not overwhelming, unhappy work, but just the day to day stuff.  I thought more acreage would simply mean more grass to mow; however, it's much more than that.  Fencing alone (building, repairing, changing) could be a full time job.  Now I understand why ranchers have hired help for the fences.  My sweet man does 90% of the work around here but my muscles still ache in the evenings.

We all work together.  Mostly happily... sometimes with attitudes that match the mud on the bottom of our boots.  The kids help best when there is a bribe of riding 4wheelers or going into town for a shaved ice.  They're kids, after all.  And I'm not above parental bribery.

I discovered a huge, wild rose bush in our backyard this May.  The blooms are so fragrant.  They only lasted a couple of weeks, but they were a wonderful little treat.  I felt like they were a bouquet sent from God.

 Farm life isn't always work.  I love that my kids can step away (sometimes into another world) into a good book.  My sweet boy just finished reading all 7 books of The Chronicles of Narnia.  When he finished, he declared, "time to start over!"  That boy sure knows how to make me melt.

In the 7 months we've lived at the farm, we've had more than 8 major events at the farm.  I think my fear of isolation has completely dissolved.  A pleasant surprise.  We've had maybe three Saturdays without anyone stopping by; and those were probably rainy Saturdays.  We love that friends and family want to come out for a visit.

If you cook it, they will come.   NC is famous for its vinegary bbq sauce and my husband's family recipe is noteworthy. I don't really like pork, but they still let me live here and make the side fixins'.  

Our visitors come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Rocky and Neicy came for a 5 month visit.  The timing was perfect, right after Pickles the goat died.  Good medicine for my heartbroken girl. 

Since our goat visitors left, we've added 3 new goats to the farm.  More pics to come.

 Overall, I think the tranquillity (mixed with the physical labor) has been the most surprising.  In the evenings, when the shadows are long, I love walking out to the field.  I would have never guessed that a field full of happy chickens could bring such a sense of peace.

 My kids have found peace here, too.  After arriving home from a visit to the mountains, my daughter (who happened to be the one least excited about moving to a farm) said, "I love it here.  We have found our true home."

As I type these last words, I am overwhelmed by a sense of contentment.  Not because of a new place to live, but because my children belong here.  Their own sense of contentment should not come as a surprise, but it does.  And I am grateful.

Springtime Chicks Q&A

We are expanding ... again!  The demand for farm fresh eggs has increased and we've been selling out each week. Recently, my husband did the happy dance as he looked at the books and said, "the girls are finally paying for their own feed!"  Now that we are breaking even, it is time to add to our production line.  50 egg layers and 25 meat birds arrived today.

Q: Where do you get your chicks?
A:This is how they arrive at our house:

 Yep!  The friendly people at the local post office call to let us know they are ready to be picked up!  This set came from Mt. Healthy Hatchery. We've also ordered from Murray McMurray Hatchery.  All the chicks arrive healthy and ready for their new home.

Q: Why do you have to order them?  Can't you just let some of your eggs incubate into chicks?
A: We do not have a rooster, so our eggs are never fertilized.  The benefit is that we don't ever have to worry that a customer will get a surprise when they crack open an egg for their omelet.

Q: How can a hen lay an egg if there is no rooster?
A: Good question!  (Probably our most asked question!) Just like humans, the females produce an egg during ovulation.  Humans ovulate once a month but hens produce an egg about once a day.  The eggs (human or chicken) won't produce a baby unless the rooster is there to fertilize it.  Now does the "birds and the bees" phrase make sense?  Check out these amazing books for a beautiful explanation of the process (3 books in the series).  They are also a great resource for laying the groundwork  for THE talk.  ;)

Q: How many eggs can a hen lay in a day?
A: No more than one.  Some birds, depending on their breed will lay only 2-3 per week.  Since we are in the egg business, we choose breeds that are prolific layers; but that still means one per day, max.

Q: How old are the chicks when they arrive?
A: Usually 1-2 days old.  They grow quickly, so we have to capture their cuteness with the camera within a week of their arrival.

Q: What do baby chicks need?
A: A safe place, free from predators.  A heat lamp ... they are still babies!  Fresh water and food designed specifically for their small tummies.

We keep them in these galvanized tubs with a heating lamp for a few weeks.  Then they will be given the freedom of the hen house.  When they are old enough, they will move out into the hen yard.  Soon they will be free range birds enjoying tasty bugs and grass!

Q: What are "free range birds?"

A: That depends.  There is a broad definition of free range birds.  Our birds enjoy a couple of acres of open space that is surrounded by fence.  While the fence provides safety from most predators, hawks have been known to visit the farm.  We have a large area that surrounds the hen house that is covered with bird netting.  This is where we keep their water and food dispensers.  We rotate the birds to fresh grassy areas every few weeks so they can enjoy the bugs and tasty morsels as well as fertilize the grass.  

Q: How do you get the hens into the henhouse each night?
A: They put themselves to bed!  Each night, just before dusk, the birds make their way to the henhouse.  We close the door each night to protect them from nocturnal predators.

Q: Do they sleep in nesting boxes?
A: Not usually.  Chickens prefer roosting poles just as we prefer a mattress.  We use a dowel rod similar to the rod in your closet.  It is the perfect size for their feet.

Q: What do they use the nesting boxes for?
A: Hens like a special place to lay their eggs.  Nesting boxes are just the right place.  When we collect eggs, we usually will find multiple eggs in each box.  This means that the girls are sharing the boxes.  Sometimes the hens will be brooding, meaning sitting on the eggs.  The breeds we choose are gentle, so the girls allow us to slip our hands underneath and collect eggs without pecking us.

Q: Is "pecking order" for real?
A: Yes.  The birds hash it out and decide who is the boss.  The ones lower in the "pecking order" learn to just steer clear of the bossy girls.

Q: How did you learn about chickens?
A: You know how they say the best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself into the culture?  Well, that's my story on chicken lingo.  Three years ago I didn't know ANYTHING about chickens.  We've read many books/websites that have been helpful.  We've asked lots of questions; and we've done a little trial and error.

I wrote this post for the normal Joe Shmoe who is either ready to try his hand at backyard chickens or the person a wee bit curious about this crazy adventure we are on.
Have more questions about our farm?  Please ask!  I'd love to do another Q&A!

I'm linking up with Savvy Southern Style

New Around Here

 Our egg business is booming, so we are expanding the areas for our chickens to free-range.  We've put in a lot of hours creating fences.  I'd much rather do it now with a big jacket and gloves than when it is 95 degrees and the bugs are chewing on every inch of exposed flesh.  Nope, not a fan.

Working with the church youth group has its fringe benefits.  We enlisted some free help to dig fence posts.  My kids even admitted how fun the "work" was when it involved friends.  Their reward was playtime on the 4wheelers and a hot lunch when they finished.

Speaking of rewards, I felt like I discovered the 1st golden nugget in 1849 the other day when I happened upon these:

 Wow.  One of my favorite candy bars in egg form.  Yes, I do love spring!

We have a new set of foster pups at the farm.  They are big bundles of sweetness.  Their momma was a gentle German Shepherd.  I never knew German Shepherds could be so sweet!  Three girls and a boy.  They sure are a lot more calm that our last little yapperoos!

We are goat-sitting for my husband's boss.  Rocky and Niecy have joined the farm.

I'm not gonna lie.  Their horns scare me a little, but so far they've proven to be gentle.

Are you a  Moon Pie fan?  I'm not so much, but this coffee caught my eye the other day. I know Beth Moore loves Moon Pies and coffee.  Wonder if she's discovered this...

 Speaking of discoveries, I nearly popped a wheelie with my Target cart the other day.  My favorite Easter season candy is Cadbury Mini Eggs.  I didn't think it could get better than their crunchy sugar shells and melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey center until...
Until I discovered they are now available in DARK chocolate.

Yes, I know the package in the picture is a mess.  That is what happens when you have to crumple the package into a tiny space to hide them from your ferrel children who steal chocolate.  Most candy I'm willing to sacrifice.  Not this one.
What's your favorite candy of the season?

Will There Be a Chick in My Scrambled Eggs?

Now that we're in the egg business, I get asked that question a lot.  I always answer with, "don't feel silly for asking.  I asked the same question before we started down this path."
Have you ever cracked an egg and found a half developed chick?  Shudder.  It ranks right up there with cleaning up an overflowing toilet, doesn't it?

So here's a little Egg Production 101
Chickens produce eggs just like the human female body produces eggs when she ovulates.  Like the human eggs, chicken eggs will not produce a baby (chick) without fertilization.  They will remain eggs unless fertilized by a rooster.  It's a simple equation.
No rooster = no baby chicks.
It's also a great segue into THE talk with kids.  I actually loved taking the "nature" approach with that conversation.

If you are purchasing eggs from your local farmer, it's worth asking if their roosters have access to the hens.  At least you will know what to expect when you crack open your farm fresh eggs.
We do not have roosters with our hens, so if you are purchasing eggs from us, the answer will be, "you never have to worry about finding a chick in your scrambled eggs."

Business is Booming

 We have officially begun our egg business!!!  We are currently collecting about 2 dozen a day and we have sold out the past 3 weeks!  It is so rewarding to finally see our hard work come to fruition.    Most of our birds have been enjoying life at the farm since January.  They are living the high life in their 1600 ft. chicken pen.

Once we move to the farm, we will be able to let them roam the grassy area behind the pen. For now, though, they seem perfectly happy where they are.
Most of our chickens are Black Australorps  and Rhode Island Reds.  They are super gentle, people friendly, and consistent (daily) layers.  We still have some of the original chickens at our house.  They will be moving to the farm, soon, though.  Maybe one day we'll be able to join them. ;)

Now that we are selling eggs, I have had several people ask me about farm raised chickens and fresh eggs.  Ever worry if you might find a baby chick when you crack open an egg?  I'll share how you can be sure that won't ever happen again.  Come back for Chickens 101.

Chicken Politics

It's voting day in our area, so I thought this was perfect.  Hope it brings a smile to your face

Why did the chicken cross the road?
Barack Obabma:
The chicken crossed the road, okay, because it was time for a change. The chicken wanted a change!

Sarah Palin:
You betcha he crossed that road, because he knew how hard it is for middle class American chickens to get across the road. Especially with a lipstick wearin' hockey mom at his heels.

Hillary Clinton:
When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road.

Dick Cheney:
Where's my gun?

Bill Clinton:
I didn't cross the road with that chicken ... uh, what is your definition of crossing-the-road?

Al Gore:
I'm gonna make the world a safer place for that chicken ... no more cars allowed on roads.

Oprah:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, so instead of having him learn from his mistakes and get hit, I am going to give this chicken a car so he can just drive across the road.

Al Sharpton:
Why are all the chickens white?! We need some black chickens around here!

Anderson Cooper, CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken trying to cross the road, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

Dr. Seuss:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad?
Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

Ernest Hemingway:
To die in the rain ... alone.

Jerry Falwell:
Because that chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? If you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with phrases like "to the other side."

Grandpa:
In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. He just said he was going to do it, and that was good enough.

Aristotle:
It is the nature of the chicken to cross the road.

John Lennon:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing the roads together in peace.

Colonel Sanders:
Did I miss one?


Gretchen:
Oh, great, my husband's going to be looking for that chicken later.

Crazy is as Crazy Does

1. I don't know about you, but I welcomed October with open arms.... and candycorn nail night with my girls.  So fun!  

2. We've been official chicken owners for over a year now.  Our egg lay-ers have been producing eggs since last November.  A few weeks ago, we were up to 5 eggs a day.  Then something happened and we suddenly went from 5 to 1.  We thought maybe something was getting in the coop and collecting the eggs, like a snake or racoon.  We also noticed that our beautiful birds were looking R.O.U.G.H.  Thanks to the vast knowledge found on the internet, we discovered that our girls were molting.  They don't lay when molting.

Well, guess what happens when you don't do your job:

3. Haha!  Just kidding.  We've been raising meat birds, too.  I've got a whole post on that coming up soon... I know you're waiting on pins and needles.  Our egg layers are alive and kicking and we're patiently waiting for the egg production to pick back up.

4. On Saturday I was cutting through the parking lot of a local strip mall when suddenly I realized that I had driven right through the twilight zone middle of a Ford Fiesta Festival.

 Um, hello??  Ford Fiesta owners are proud enough to have a festival?  I've always thought of those cars as the lowest on the food chain of vehicles.  Take all kinds, I guess.  Normally when I see weird stuff unusual things, I try to casually sneak a picture or two.  Nope.  Not this one.  I decided if they were proud enough to meet in a parking lot with 100's of other Fiesta owners, they wouldn't mind the crazy lady in her giant SUV taking pictures with her zoom lens.  We're all a little crazy, aren't we?

5. Dinner conversation last week :
          Sister: My brother has a great memory.
          Brother: Yeah, I do.  I remember my birth nurse.
          Mom: Huh?  Whaaa????

6.I reached my limit last week and joyfully announced that this week would be fall break.  Whoops and shrieks ensued, and then I pulled myself together to allow the kids to respond.

7. To celebrate our first day of break, we went hiking yesterday.  It was one of those perfect mornings: sunny and brisk.  We met some dear friends who are also celebrating their fall break.  I'm not sure who had more fun, the moms or the kids.

 8.  I can't believe two days of our break are done.  I'm trying to savor each moment of just being in the role of MOM, not teacher.  It sure is fun!

What is bringing you joy this first week of October?

Out of the Blue

Our "girls" have been very busy.  Even though it is colder than usual here in NC, they don't seem to mind.  

 We collect at least one egg each day.  On Sunday my daughter (who happens to be the animal whisperer of the family) came in VERY excited from her egg collecting.  Remember our "Easter Eggers"?  They finally got the hang of things:

We have collected two blue eggs in addition to the regular brown ones.  See the color and shape difference?  The white one is from the grocery store.
I love the softness of the colors together.  Painted by the Artist of life.

*I'm linking up with Sweet Shot Tuesday.  Slip on over to see some amazing photograpy!