Chicken Soap

There once was a handsome cockerel name Vegas, who freely roamed the land and crowed over his first love, Reno. Vegas was brokenhearted when he lost Reno in a tragic accident.  To ease his pain, Ugly Betty was moved into his castle and  roamed with him about the land. Granted, she claimed none of the [...]

Ugly Betty

Vegas was acting more and more like a dog, so to maintain his chicken-ness, Ugly Betty was added to our flock  recently. I almost didn’t recognize her as a White Crested Polish because her crest is pecked off. Her name may change after she grows her white crest back.  Vegas seems quite taken with her [...]

Vegas

Vegas is still adjusting to life without Reno.  He attempted to visit his brother and sisters in the big coop, but they had a big fight. They all get along great…as long as he stays outside their coop.  Sometimes he and Romeo have a crowing contest. He continues to look for friends who are free [...]

Snake in the Garage

I took pity on this snake.  It was trying so hard to get out of the garage door that had been opened for its escape.  But Bo the basset would not let it go.  And we know from past experience what Bo does when he kills a snake: he brings his dead catch inside and [...]

Pasty Butt

*WARNING*  If you have a sensitive stomach,  please do not read the following post.  The author will not be accountable for any medical problems incurred if you choose to read this material.  Thank you. Chicks it seems can get their little bottoms stopped up with poo sometimes.   And they DIE if it is not fixed. [...]

In to Raw

Raw-  Being in a natural condition; not processed or refined (thefreedictionary.com) Forming soap out of oil and lye.   Creating bowls from mud. Grinding wheat and corn to make bread.  Converting milk into yogurt and cheese.  Growing tomatoes from tiny seeds. Gathering fresh eggs from chickens in my yard. Yep, definitely in to raw.  It’s so [...]

Chicken Love

Yes, I am suffering from chicken love (This post should have been called chick love, but I was afraid of what a search engine would do with those words!)  Four new baby chicks have been added to the mix for a total flock of 15.  These chicks were in a rare breed cage at a [...]

Cheese and More

The Monterey Jack cheese that was made last week went according to plan-I think.  The curds and whey separated, although it took longer than the 45 minutes Home Cheese Making suggested.  But, the rennet and other cheese supplies have been sitting around unused for at least a couple of years–but they still work if you [...]

Uh-oh

The plants in the greenhouse were doing well-until last night that is.  The temperature was around 20 degrees this morning.  Last night, the little heater was turned up as high as possible, and I hoped for the best.  But this morning, the tomatoes are a little wilted. We’ll see how many go to tomato heaven! [...]

To Goat, or not to Goat

The goat research project has been going strong the last week.   I’ve read Storey’s Guide to raising Dairy Goats, and Hobby Farms Goats,  some homesteading blogs, and I have talked to some friends.  Most importantly,  I learned it is legal to buy raw goat milk in Arkansas (not so in Louisiana).  The start up costs [...]