Chicken Improv

Coyote trouble means the Ladies are on lock down until we can get a larger area fenced off for them. They have been less than thrilled so  to make up for it I did put together some chicken treats/entertainment.

Photo Filler Wednesday

Having survived a whirlwind of finals, last weeks of school, and surprise visits from the Sailor- we've been a little too busy to do any major projects around the homestead. We have plans- oh so many plans! But they'll have to wait until this weekend when we have a little sun and everyone is officially on summer break.

Guest-Author-Girl-Child here advocating that the veggie garden looks AWESOME. I'm really excited, mostly because I've never gotten past the watering-indoor-plants stage. Inevitably, any horticultural feats are eaten by my cats before I can endeavor for something braver. Growing veggies from seed and being successful just blows my mind.

Mesculin in the bottom left, red peppers immediately to their right, onions next to them and radishes taking up the lower right hand corner. Tomatoes line the back wall- caged are store bought but in the top right hand corner you can see the seedlings I started in the green house happily growing along. 

Oh and cucumbers! Those are growing nicely too! We opted to just use the seeds we had and take note of what sprouts and what doesn't- so far everything sowed (sewn?) in the raised garden beds are thriving. 

Those trays in the greenhouse filled with the remainder of our test seeds isn't as productive. So far only this one pot is sprouting anything of interest. One more has hints of green, so I'm just keeping an eye on them for now. 

Local grocery store had a sale on fuchsia trees- this one happily greets us by the front door. 

Mum moved this old wheel barrow from near the chicken coop (between those two trees in the far back of this image) and planted some fun bright flowers. They're still adjusting but as long as the chickens leave them alone they should thrive.

Mum has these fantastic mock wine barrels. This one, we filled the bottom with upside down plastic pots and then covered with fresh soil. Mum liberally sprinkled some of our herb seeds, just to test if they were any good. So far it seems so! Parsley, English thyme, Basil, Dill, and Cilantro to get us started. The plan is still to make one of the out door areas a permanent herb garden, but this will suffice until we can weed and pull tree stumps and get the area prepped. 

I'll see if I can snap any photos of our fast flying visitors- there are at least 2 species of hummingbirds who frequent the hanging baskets. Mum picked up a new feeder and dusted off some of our old ones and now we've constant visitations. The cats go crazy, moving chairs to situate themselves for their new favorite show.

Better photos of our deceased back yard denizen, general consensus is that it's a badger. The front canines aren't as long as some of the other photos I've seen- but the orbital cavity  and the coronoid process seem right. A super helpful website has been the Museum of Osteology and its supplier Skulls Unlimited International.

Rear view- we found it beneath that tree trunk and assume that it fell or was crushed by the tree.

Upside down view haha- but you can get a good look at its jaw and orbital cavity. Definitely an omnivore!

More photos- found most of his bones beneath the ferns, 

Found a bunch of vertebrae! 

Future project time! Mum identified these plants as NOT hydrangeas. Initially mum moved them from the middle of one of the garden beds to the window outside the downstairs studio/office. She thought they were some kind of hydrangeas but they are DEFINITELY NOT. There will be a mystery plant Monday explanation as soon as Mum sits down and types it up. We were quite startled with the discovery that these are NOT hydrangeas. DEFINITELY NOT. 

Future project will involve moving them to another part of the property. 

Hopefully this midweek update will tide you over- until then enjoy the outdoors and keep your fingers crossed that I do well at my interview!

Snapshot Saturday - FINALLY!

Finally! They finally figured it out.

The Dingle Twits have gone into the coop on their own four days in a row.  How you ask? I have NO IDEA.

In desperation and frustration, I kept them in the run for a few days, but let the Goddesses out hoping that would do it. Then I let them out too and waited. . . They waited until almost dark and perched in the tree.

I decided to try something different. I waited until they were asleep and moved them into the coop and put them on the perch. I also put the Goddesses on the perch since they were just dog-piling on the floor.

After that . . .

The funny thing is that the second night of voluntary cooping (don't know what else to call it) they reminded me of siblings in a fight that draw a line down the center of the bedroom.  The Dingle Twits were on the left, the Goddesses on the right and two feet of space was between them.


I don't care how or why they set themselves up in the coop as long as they do it and I don't have to fish anyone from trees.

Here are some of their favorite gathering place (of course, their favorites tend to be mine and I have to hose the deck or nurse potted plants but I'll take little victories).

These two do this at some point every day. It's like kids swinging at the park. 

They tend to gather here in the afternoons for a dirt bath or just to chill in the shade. 

I planted "Chicken Salad" in the boxes outside the coop: It's a seed packet from My Pet Chicken I found containing Dwarf Essex Rape, Purple Top Turnip, Bracco White Mustard, Forage Kale, and Landino Clover. We'll see what the girls think.

I've been trying to balance my To Do list for the new school year with the To Do List at Our Haven and finding balance has been difficult.  

Thanks for reading - come back soon.

Wishful Wednesday

I really, REALLY wish the Dingle Twits would figure out they are supposed to go IN the run/coop at dusk. 

Monday, both flocks went in the coop without preamble. Around 7:30, I walked over to check on their food and water and the next thing I knew I could hear chicken feet running behind me. When I got to the coop/run I opened the door and in they all went.  They were perfectly happy to stay, so all I had to do was come out and lock up when they were all in the coop in their spots.  

If I miss that dusk time, the Goddesses tuck themselves in, which is great. The Dingle Twits can't seem to figure it out.  I'm told when the Wyandottes get bigger they won't be able to achieve as much lift, so hopefully that will help. 

THIS (image below) is what I found tonight.

The four on the lower branches were reachable, but boy did they squawk. The fifth one, up top, decided that she wasn't coming down and climbed to an even higher branch while I was putting the others away. She squawked and squawked - was having none of going in. 

  I shook the tree and sternly told her it was time to go and reminded her that her friends were already abed (I know, talking to a chicken like she'd understand).  Well, the next thing I knew . . .

SHE STOPPED SQUAWKING, FLEW DOWN, and walked into the run on her own.  I just stood there, shaking my head. 

Fabulous Friday - a new recipe to try!

Things are gearing up for me - getting things ready for the  new school year and a grade change. I realized looking at my calendar that there isn't much time left and I needed to get busy. As a result, I've been a bit focused on school stuff and less on house projects - but I'm seeking balance. 

First, an update on the Dingle Twits. They've been sequestered to the coop and run until they figure out that it is their home.  So far it's been working - I've only had to go lock up - everyone's been inside. This decision came Monday when I went to close up: three of the Dingle Twits were sitting on TOP of the umbrella. A fourth was trying to climb up to sit with. The fifth was on a tree branch waiting her turn.  Just as I was getting close enough to take a picture, the fourth one made it to the top - and brought the whole umbrella toppling down. Missed the picture by seconds, but got one of them on the ground looking at it as if to say, "Well, THAT didn't go as planned!"  Too funny. 

I've let the Goddesses out everyday to give the Dingle Twits some time to get used to the run. It's been nice - by 7:30 the goddesses are all hanging out by the door, so I let them in. I have only had to go lock up at 9:15. Fingers crossed this keeps working. 

Now for the recipe . . . 

I mentioned that I've been pretty busy with curriculum work - the last thing I want to do is spend a ton of time in the kitchen making food.  My solution: Mexican Wontons

Ingredients: 
wontons
favorite nacho/burrito/taco ingredients


I lined a cupcake pan with three wontons (overlapping to make a cup because my pan makes large cupcakes) 

Then I added:
 a scoop of re-fried beans
some shredded cheese
some salsa
some chopped olives
Mrs. Dash chili lime seasoning

I topped it with another wonton and some cheese and salsa and baked it at 385 until the wontons were crispy and golden. 


They popped right out of my silpat pans - and right into our mouths. Yummo! 

So many things to do - not enough hours in the day

My day started in the chicken coop -  now it's raked clean, wiped down, and smelling pretty. 

• I made an coop air freshener and I really like how it turned out. 

 4 ounces dish soap

 12 ounces water

 10 drops tea-tree oil

10 drops lavender oil

10 drops peppermint oil

10 drops grapefruit extract 

I put it all in a spray bottle, gave it a swirl, and misted the coop when I finished cleaning up - now the coop smells fresh and clean. 

• I tried a recipe for a chicken treat but I  think it will be back to the drawing board for this one - they barely touched it.  I used ingredients from the treat list I've been working through and the consistency was similar to the Chicken Pumpkin Pie recipe I came across some time ago but they turned up their nose  at it:

I had an avocado I needed to use or toss (bought some for making guacamole and had an extra). I combined the flesh of it with some oats and some Omega egg yummies.    I mixed it together and served it on a pretty plate. I'll make it with pumpkin next time -- I just didn't have any, fresh or canned. 

• I assembled all my materials for a Chicken First Aid box and placed an order for the items I didn't have (I found everything at Amazon which beat driving all over creation and at least 6 stores to find the items on my list.  I REALLY need to find a good feed/farm store around here. 

Ordered from Amazon (couldn't find them locally without going to 6 stores and driving all over creation)

1. Blu-Kote
2. Vetericyn
3. VetRx
4. Nutridrench
5. Kocci-Free

Pick up from grocery store or round up at home:

1. Honey
2. Cornstarch (stops bleeding)
3. Gauze pads
4. Q-Tips
5. sharp scissors
6. Tweezers
7. Saline Solution

I'm going to put it all together in a sealed bucket or galvanized tin and I'm all set in the event we need it.

• I made a self-feeder for my chickens. 

I followed a plan I found on The Chicken Chick and it all came together without too much fuss. 

I cut a 10 foot section of 4" wide PVC pipe in half  so I have enough for 2 feeders. 

I made a oyster shell feeder from one of the pipe caps

The only difference I had with my construction was the attachment. I used long zip ties and secured the pipe directly  to one of the 4x4 support beams instead of to a 2x4. It's holding quite well and the chickens took right to it. 

I made a open dispenser for oyster shells for the chicks too. 

I built a new perch for the run area of the coop.

This natural perch is by far their favorite - they were hopping onto it before I even finished putting it in.  I think I might switch out the other 1x2 perches we originally put it with more natural ones. Goodness knows we have enough branches about, I could make hundreds of them.   

I think I also need to switch out the 2x4 perch I put in the coop for a natural round branch - maybe that's why they don't use their perch inside much. We'll see. 

• I harvested some raspberries and blackberries - enough to eat as a snack or make a tart, but not enough for jam. There's so many more - I just can't get to them. 

While I was trying to reach the berries in the middle of the stands I got an idea for next season. When things go dormant this year I want to move them apart and anchor them onto an arbor high trellis that way I can walk down the middle and still reach everything. 

• I did some research on riding lawn mowers V. garden tractor  - - garden tractor for the win! 

Husqvarna GT52XLS (52") 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor (2013 Model) - I could buy 3 of these for the cost of the one below, but the Kubota  could be used for SO much more at Our Haven. . . 

So, I will be mowing the lawn by hand for a while some time more. 

• I finished the geography unit I'm designing for my 4th graders 

It has turned out well and I'm very happy with it. It just needs a few finishing touches, then I'm going to package it and offer it on my TpT store with a few other things I've been thinking of putting out there. 

Then it's on to the next thing on my ToDo list for the new school year. 

My dinner's in the oven and my "wish" now is to enjoy it with with a few boys - either "Mike" or "Jose"  Not sure wish.     ^.^

Snapshot Saturday - a chicken update

Ever had one of those days? 
Ever had one of those days that lasted a week?

That was my week.  It began when a 400+ pound elk decided to meet my son while he was driving my daughter's truck to work. We were told he was lucky it was a baby.  Son is fine. Truck will be fine. . . eventually. Elk - not so much.  

There so many things to keep up with and projects at Our Haven, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. 

On top of that, I'm working on curriculum for when school starts and I have to teach my "little humans" -- because changing grade levels isn't a quick process.  Needless to say, I didn't do much blogging last week. Not sure how consistent I will be in the coming days - but I will breathe (in, out, repeat, let go) as has become my mantra.  

I am finding more often that when I feel stressed or overwhelmed I go spend time watching the Goddesses and Dingle Twits. It works.  So, today I thought I'd share some of what they've been up to. 

These are the Dingle Twits - not enough individuality to have separate names yet. They received this name after the fourth night of me having to round them up since they don't have enough intelligence to come in at night like the Goddesses do. It's not too bad, I don't have to chase them down or anything. Usually they're together, and I just walk behind them herding them in the right direction.

The funny thing is that the Goddesses gather outside the run - preen and whatever and then file in to the run and coop and tuck themselves in. 


The first few nights, Hera and a Ariadne came back out a couple times and squawked at these guys like they were telling them it was time.  ^.^  The Dingle Twits just sat there (they're a month younger and I'm working on integrating the flocks). 

After the second night of trying to convince them, the goddess just stopped expecting them to follow and did their own thing. Last week, as I was heading out to lock up, I asked my daughter whether she thought the Dingle Twits would be in or not. The name stuck and they've been the Dingle Twits ever since.   

I thought we had a eureka after that because I found everyone inside three nights in a row.  Just when I was beginning to think they might get it, the Dingle Twits ride again.  The other night THIS is what we found. The glowing dots are the Dingle Twits about 15 feet in the air.  

They had used the bench to get to the lower branches and the lower branches to get to the umbrella. Then used the umbrella to get to the higher branches. 
I put the umbrella there, by the way, to provide some shade as the trees are still young and it was a warm day. I thought I was being a good chicken mama! Lol. 

They seemed very happy to stay there for the night. Getting them down took some patience - - and a broom.   


Then there are the goddesses. This clip is from treat time. I've been working my way through a treat list I found on Backyard Chickens to see what the girls like.  By far their favorite thing right now is yogurt.  They come running when they think I have yogurt. 

That's my chicken update on Snapshot Saturday. 

Wishful Wednesday - There's gotta be a better way of doing this...

I love my Goddesses (chickens) - I do. Sometimes, however, it's like having another pet around. Even when they range about most of the day like ours do, there's still maintenance that needs to be done.  

It's kind of like having cats - LOVE having them . . . dealing with all the husbandry that goes with? Not so much.  Cleaning the chicken coop/run is rather like cleaning the catbox: It needs to be done regularly and completely sanitized every so often. 

Cleaning the run and coop with the little scoop and pail I was using was taking it's toll on my back, not to mention using precious time. This is where my Wishful Wednesday comes in. The other morning I was trolling my favorite chicken pages, doing research on the care and keeping of the little creatures (I'm a new chicken mama!) when I read about how someone made basically and extra large cat scoop out of wire and a rake. I thought I'd give it a try.




I used some of the extra hardware cloth from building our run to create the mesh and wired it to a hay fork -- I don't know what it's called, found it in the barn :)  

Here it is all finished. It took me the better part of an hour but I had a great view while I worked (I parked myself on the deck, listened to the river go by). It turned out exactly as I wanted.  

I wire fit it to make it really tight using 15 gauge wire (made my own twist ties). Then fastened the cloth to the pitchfork.  It works GREAT! 


 Here's our coop and run. It is fully enclosed for their protection. We used hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for it's durability and to protect against predators (like coyote, bobcat, weasel, hawk, eagle, bear - yes, I said bear 'cause that's where I live).

Hen Haven: Our coop and run houses 14 birds. 

They've gotten SO big in just the few weeks we've had them. The Goddesses are about 14 weeks old. The little bits (in their separate "look but don't touch area" while I'm trying to integrate flocks) are about 10 weeks.

Look how nice and clean the run is - and my back isn't sore in the least.
Love it when incentive and ingenuity work together to make wishes come true! 

Field Trip!

             Guest post today! While Mum was out teaching her humans, I got to take the chickie-babies on their very first field trip dun dun dun .... outside.

The weather was questionable last week, sunny and 70's and then suddenly hail for two hours. Not prime baby chick weather to say the least. But for the last three days it's been sunny and gorgeous.

There was a pet corral hidden in the barn which ended up being perfect, just tall enough that the bigg'uns can't fly out but low enough that I can get in if I need to. They had water, food, and I draped some shade over one corner when I noticed them panting. 

At first they refused to leave the bedding, but soon adjusted to the new environment. Eris was first to investigate and also first to inform me that the little ones can escape.  They're still juuuust small enough that they can squeeze through the spaces in the grate. Luckily, she was more panicked about getting back to her friends than running away.

Such a variety of coloration!

Yes, I'm ready for my close up

Ariadne's partridge coloring

Diva (center) is the lightest of our giant cochins and the fluffiest!

When they were nervous about leaving the bedding, I ended up leaping in the pen myself and bribing them to explore. Of course, I sat still too long and it was decided that I make a perfect perch. When Circe made her "grass is greener on the other side of the bars" attempt, I had three chicks sleeping on one arm and two more preening on my knee. Not my swiftest rescue attempt, as you can imagine.

I was hesitant to leave them alone, even if it was just a quick dash to the garage for more feed. If you listen closely, at around 1:10, you can hear why.

All in all, I think they had a fun time- I know I certainly did! They definitely tuckered themselves out playing "keep-away" with all the new things they found (leaves, dandelions  spiderwebs). As long as the weather keeps, these afternoon field trips should become a daily occurrence until the run is ready.

Meet the Goddesses

They grow up so fast!  We didn't name them right away, although we put together a list of names of goddesses. We wanted to see whose personality would match - give time, sure enough, that's just what happened. The Cochins are three weeks old now; the Orpingtons are two weeks old. 

Meet the Goddesses: 

She is growing light bluish black feathers with white tips - quite interesting

She seems to be the watcher - always on the lookout and guardian of the little ones. 

These two are hard to tell apart, but I can usually find them together - preening.

Li'l Bit here has me a bit concerned - she's half the size of the other Cochins. She eats plenty, and gets rest. She's even smaller than my Orphingtons. Wonder if she's maybe a bantam in disguise. 

These two are pretty oblivious to everything. 

Eris & Circe - like Thing One and Thing Two . . . always up to mischief. We had to make a chicken jail just for them and they were only two days old!  They would dive-bomb the others and bounce off their heads. Eris even reached up and grabbed one of the Cochin's legs and pulled her off the perch JUST so she could have that spot!   Chaos and Mischief I tell you and they're only somewhat better behaved after three days in chicken jail. 

Hours of entertainment - and they change a bit everyday. Their permanent home and run is our next weekend project.