We’ve been super blessed with amazing weather here in the Pacific Northwest and we’ve had some great photo-taking days! I was thrilled to capture this darling: Oh, ducks: Girls are getting back to laying regularly: Thank you so much for checking out the pics! 🙂
Chicken Chronicles: The One Disease Backyard Chicken Owners Need to Know About
There are so many things in life you learn best by simply diving in. Our adventures in homesteading is one such example. That said, there is one thing I wish I would have known before I started raising chickens: one disease that is almost everywhere and yet often unknown to most hobby farmers. Spike’s Story: Spike was a Polish Tolbunt, a rare bantam breed that had the most beautiful coloring and quirky personality. He was bought and raised for a few months by our neighbors, who then realized he was a bit too loud for their backyard, which butted up to another house behind them. Since we have a...
Chicken Chronicles: In Loving Memory…
In nearly 12 months of chicken stewardship, we’ve come to terms with one stark reality: chickens are frail little creatures. Life is precious and fleeting, but in the sad moments that come with loss, so does the celebration of the happy moments. The realities of owning backyard chickens means that death is a part of this lifestyle. Most backyard chickens have a 50% higher mortality rate than caged chickens due to predators, disease, accidents. I believe their quality of life is higher, and I know my life is far richer because of each of these feathered friends. Most recently, we lost our beloved newest resident, Spike. He brought so much joy...
Chicken Chronicles: Of Sunny Winter Days
Oh how time flies. The winter here in the Pacific Northwest has been a most favorable one — and the chickens have adored every moment of sunshine we can get. Of course, we’ve had a few rainy days, which the ducks have been big fans of! 🙂
Chicken Chronicles: Meet the New Guy, Spike
First, let’s play a game of spot-the-duck. Find her? Then you can move onto the next level. 🙂 Meet Spike, a six-month-old Polish Tolbunt rooster. He may look like he’s full of swagger and ‘tude, but he’s as sweet as can be. He’s bonded well with our two other bantam breeds, Showgirl and Pepper. Also, we’re excited to be building a bigger coop and the framing is nearly done. It will be divided to about 2/3 coop and then 1/3 for storage for all the chicken’s accessories. (Because accessories are important for all backyard chickens.) Blondie is pictured here, inspecting the workmanship. PS,...