Gave 3 of the hens to a new friend who mentioned within minutes of our knowing each other that he has been combing St. Louis for some time in search of laying hens. Having twice unsuccessfully arranged for my friend Mohamed from Sierra Leone to come over and "take care" of my extras, this was a lifesaver for several transient beings. Upon arrival at their new home, they quickly segregated, causing alarm for I have inadvertently raised bigot Buff Orpingtons. Thankfully, my flock has increased in diversity, preventing possible blunders such as this embarrassment. Even if you try to raise 'em right...
Here they are sleeping in their new home (on the bottom)
Recently, I have been brought into question by friends in nursing school as to whether or not my chicken-feeding practices are ethical because of an experiment that I thought was funny and cute. What does one do with an extreme surplus of eggs which they can't sell and have already given them out to the mailman, police waiting at the speed trap, the neighbors, yoga teacher and friend at school? Especially since it was cold outside, I cracked a dozen eggs or so, whipped them up with the shells and gave the hens a warm scrambled egg breakfast which they gobbled down with fall-time delight. I thought it was great!
Other small updates:
The Auracana either escaped or her departure was facilitated by a larger mammal or bird of prey. This is the same one which I have twice jumped the fence to rescue it from the Airedales next door so I am wondering if it expired via terrier. Either way, I was a little p.o.'d because that's my only hen which would have laid "easter eggs." They can lay pink, blue, green or speckled eggs but none of my girls from this season have started laying yet and I don't suppose they will until the weather warms up again.
Wanting to give away 2 more hens. Takers?
Need to sell 1 chicken coop which needs minimal work and one frame. Takers again?
With winter coming, the demand for coops, chicken-ware, accessories and guidance has followed my fall metabolism and slowed to a crawl.
My booth at the Green Homes expo seemed to generate a significant amount of interest in backyard chickening. There was a lecture (posted at the Green Homes Festival Site here: http://greenhomesstlouis.org/festival_workshops.html
Tips for winterizing your coop:
Ensure a draft-free, enclosed space for your hens to roost at night with at least 10 inches per bird of perch space. The roost should have 9 inches on either side so the hens have enough space to get on and off. To insulate, stack hay bales on the North side to block cold winds and allow sun to enter on the South side where it is strongest. The East and South sides may be insulated as well, being sure there is enough of a roof or awning to prevent snow from blowing in on your poor birds! Be sure to send them to bed with a belly-full of scratch so they can metabolize the high-fat and high protein snack while they sleep which keep them warm.
In case you'd like to predator-proof your feathered friends: Chicken Saddle Thanks for the link, JSM. Also, here's these funny chicken diapers if you want to give them a break from winter weather indoors without the poop clean-up: Diapers
Also, my friend Chris Powers band, The Griddle Kids had a show recently at the Stone Spiral . When you combine their super clever lyrics with a harmonica, folk string instruments, drums using drum brushes (which was nice to not leave the coffee shop deaf), a sing-along, a great follow-along program AND hot chocolate...for sure the perfect way to spend a cold night. Here's the program:
And one more link - I don't know how this guy got in there, but I want in too...assuming he'd leave once I claimed the flying egg and I could read books about herbs and folklore all day long. The Nest Rest
