"CLUCK!" Up to this point, the girls have made a variety of noises that range from their infant "peeps" to sing-songy trills. But this time it was undeniable. Loretta goes down as the first chick to cluck. It was throaty, and confident. Just as I would expect from her. Hours later there's a dust-up in …
A day on the homestead
Today was a busy day on our urban homestead. While Matt was away running an errand, I got to thinking about poop. Specifically a better way to clean it up. First I want to report that my Stand-n-Scoop arrived in the mail, and I absolutely love it. I'm able to pick up poop in the …
A big, big world
Normally when I go out at dusk, the girls already are tucked away in the hen house. But last night, they busily munched away on a large piece of watermelon. We had a rare 86-degree May day, and the girls were riled up. I opened the coop door and told them it was time for …
Week seven: Pecking order
Just seven short weeks ago, I was teaching three little chicks how to drink ... and marveling at their fuzzball antics. Today, they are miniature chickens, testing their wings and chasing worms. My, how time flies. Loretta, Nellie and Gigi just finished their first full week in the chicken coop. The first night was cold …
Poop scoop boogie
Tonight, on their third night in the coop, two of the three chicks walked up the ramp and into the hen house all on their own! Once the birds saw Matt and I walking toward them, Gigi immediately flew up on the ramp and went right in. Nellie and Loretta weren't as sure about this …
Week six: Freedom!
I was at once excited and dreadful about putting the chicks out in the coop overnight for the first time. The temperature was to drop down to 34 degrees. I worried about whether or not I should leave food and water. Despite my worries, I'm happy to report Loretta, Nellie and Gigi made it through …
Bears confinement well
While researching which breeds to select for our chicks, one attribute stood out to me: bears confinement well. The Dominique, Black French Copper Marans and the Olive Egger (half Marans) all fell in this category. I dutifully took note, but didn't really give it much thought until the last couple days. The birds are growing …
Week five: Drawing blood
Sunday started out simply. With temperatures in the 70s, I planned to re-stain the coop. I also knew the warm weather would be perfect for the chicks to spend the day in the run. After getting everyone settled, I put on some music and started to paint. About a half-hour in, a neighbor stopped by …
Week four: A breakthrough and bald spots
Loretta's been playing hard to get. Literally. Every time I reach in to pick her up, she runs screaming. Once I have her securely in my hands, she frantically wiggles her wings free and beats them until I put her down. I was convinced she hated me. Until tonight. I managed to pick her up, …
Chicken acrobatics
"MATT?!?! Can you come downstairs?" I had to scream it three times before he heard me. "I've got a chicken on my back!" He found me bent over at the waist, with Gigi proudly perched on top of me. "How did that happen?" he asked, not expecting an answer. He gently cupped her gray feathers …
Chicken Scratch Fever 