Tag Archives: chickens

Chicken Addiction

Posted in 7 Things About Me, Animal Rights/Animals, Chicks and Hens, Uncategorized by

Let me start off with the very true statement = Chicken Math is 100% a real thing.  I always say to Nick, that to me, raising baby chickens seems like it might be like child birth – without the excruciating pain, of course. It seems like such an amazing idea to bring them home with their fuzzy bodies and their lil peepers – peep peep peeping. A few weeks pass, fuzz fades and THEN you want to jump off a bridge. They start getting bigger, and dirtier and smellier.  Of course, by the time you put them outside in the coop, you forget the smells and poop. And that’s why ….. you end up getting new babies- every …single…. year.

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The love of my life – Birdie. She’s as sweet as she looks!

It’s a never ending cycle of love, annoyance, aggravation, and relief.

 

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One of our new Buff Orpingtons- look at those teeny tiny tail feathers!

 

Prior to my new, fancy coop being built and much to the chagrin of my nostrils, I always kept my chicks in my dining room for about 2 – 3 months. Now, thankfully, we have a grow out pen: right in the coop. That makes it easier on the nose and the transition for the chicks.

Is it all worth it? Stinky smells and all? Absolutely.  Im sure any chicken owner would tell you the same thing:

Big Reg! King of the Farm.

All that hard work and stinky smells are a thing of the past the first time your have your very first fresh egg.

This year Nick built me a new run/coop where everyone can be safe and stretch out. We’ve also added 7 more pullets to the flock! Two Silver Spangled Hamburg’s, a Colombian Wyandotte, A Silver Laced Wyandotte, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, Ancona and a White Conchin! What a crew!

Overall, chicken keeping continues to amaze and entertain me. The girls (and Reggie, of course) bring so much to our family. We have so many laughs – I couldn’t imagine my life without them.

You Chick I Chick We ALL Chick for Chicken Coops

Posted in Animal Rights/Animals, Chicks and Hens, Life in General, Uncategorized, Update by

Well – it’s finally been done! We came together and built the ladies a nice big coop.  Though it isn’t exactly the coop I had in mind – we bought a nice sized coop from Tractor Supply Stores.  I like to think of it as a temporary coop for my ladies until we can afford a nicer coop. Like a “starter” coop, if you will.  What I loved about this project is that it was a chance for  Nick and his boys to get together and work on a project.

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I did some “whitewashing” and then resigned to baking the boys some chocolate cookies – for all their hard work.  It was really nice to see them work together and know that their efforts as a team would pay off.   Now, the ladies have four nice nesting boxes and a decent sized run to play and lounge in this summer.  I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon and a team of fantastic guys to make my dream come true!

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Thanks, guys! For all your hard work! I’m sure the ladies will appreciate all of your endeavors as much as I do! xoxo

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I NEED that …. Vol. 2

Posted in Life in General, Things I Need by

It’s funny – because truth be told – I am honestly super content with my life. I always remember my father saying to my mom and me , “You’re millionaires, guys. We have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, our health AND most importantly – we’re together.” And he was right. I was a millionaire then …. and even though my dad isn’t with me anymore – I’m a millionaire now.  I have faith, a job, an amazing-supportive family, 4 great animals, and a roof over my head.

BUT …. there’s always that little inkling – that little voice whispering – “Oh you could really use that, Susie”. So, once again I’ve compiled a nice list of things I NEED – to make my perfect life – a little bit “comfortable” if you will. 🙂

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  1. Snugglens™ –ETSY (Snugglens Camera Bags) – when I got my camera years ago – Nick ended up buying me a run of the mill Nikon case.  While it was a nice surprise – it’s big and bulky and he usually ends up carrying it.  Snugglens – offers fashionable camera cases with extra pockets (for phones, etc) and they’re specially made to order. By a woman who took early retirement. To move to the Ozark Mountains. To raise mules.  SOLD (UPDATE – Since I began writing this list – the Shop Owner, Judy, has had to for a stem-cell/bone marrow transplant. There are bags still available – but right now I am just wishing her a speedy and easy recovery!! Prayers are with you!!
  2. A Buff Orpington or 10 – www.backyard chickens.com – As Buff Hooligans (how can you not love that name?) comments on her write-up about Buffys – they’re the Scarlett Johansson’s of the chicken world. Her write up is hysterical and honestly – although I’ve had my mind made up about the breed for some time now – this article TOTALLY just made me want them more.
  3. Another season of The Borgias – www.sho.com/sho/the-borgias/home– Well this one isn’t going to happen and I’m super bummed that I caught on to it so late. I’ll just miss seeing Francois Arnaud on my TV. Thank God – I can always re-watch (YAY onDemand and Netflix)  and will have Norman Reedus and The Walking Dead to occupy my time 🙂
  4. The Unpaper Towel – http://www.theunpapertowel.com – Nick and I have long been using cloth napkins and it definitely cuts down on the cost of paper napkins. But we couldn’t quite get out of the habit of using paper towels – especially with the dogs. But paper towels cost money. Not to mention it brings with it the difficult task of trying to find companies that are Cruelty Free. (Surprisingly – a lot of unassuming products are still considered “not cruelty free” because of parent companies.)  So, why not cut out the middleman, help the environment and still have the convenience of multi sheet paper towels? The Unpaper Towel appears to do just that.  There is also an awesome MORE!?! link on their page that offers a bunch of other alternative uses for their product.
  5. Hunter Rain Boots-  http://us.hunterboots.com  I am, without a doubt, a fan of all things BOOT. There was a time when I would only wear boots. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.  I have a nice pair of INDULGE-2033’s from the Goth Days, Brown Lace Up’s by Steve Madden – from my BoHo days, brown riding books, black riding boots, LL Bean – Snow Boots, Cheap Groupon boots, Jessica Simpson past the knee boots. … the list goes on!  Now – I try to minimize my Spring/Summer boot wearing to my cowboy boots. BUT one type of boot – I haven’t owned in years.  A Rain BOOT.  Winters are rough here, Spring is rainy here and our property is muddy.  Sounds like a personally good reason to invest in a nice, fashionable pair of Hunter Rain Boots. Christmas list item #1 – thank you SANTA. (UPDATE – I GOT THESE, they are perfect!!

What are your opinions on my NEEDS list this week? What are some things you have been dying to get yourself?

*please note – all photos are copyrighted by their owners – and have either been asked for permission and/or credited via a link on this blog*