chickwithawhistle

Winter Cold

The cold temperatures have finally arrived and for the first time a few of the eggs are cracking due to freezing. Not a huge deal until you realize my egg production is down to 5 eggs a day. I have some ideas how to resolve this. We will have to see if they areContinue reading “Winter Cold”

Jack Frost has arrived

We have been blessed with a mild winter this December, however that luck ran out this week. Low temperatures and high winds have been dropping our temperatures. The worst is the wind. The chickens have been doing well in the barn but have no interest for snow or going outside. I have still been gettingContinue reading “Jack Frost has arrived”

Salt Update

After spending 4 hours at the emergency vet with Salt a few days ago I was doing a strict routine of, ironically, salt baths to try and soften her behind. It slowly seems to be working but we are not out of the woods yet. Salt has become quite accustomed to this routine and doesn’tContinue reading “Salt Update”

Chicken Hospital Run

As we have continued down this farm journey we have occasionally been concerned about a chicken that we have to make the dreaded decision to put the chicken down or head to the chicken hospital. I think it reminds we that these hens are not just for egg production but also family pets. Salt hasContinue reading “Chicken Hospital Run”

We have enjoyed some unseasonably warm weather lately for November so we took advantage and did a barn clean out. What we were chuckling about was the goats relaxing and enjoying the view while we were doing all the labor. It is also nice to use all this old hay for the pigs. TheContinue reading

Halloween “Farm” Style

One of the important criteria we discussed as a family in settling on this house was the true mix between country and suburban life. We have our acres for the animals and gardens but we also have neighbors. And I will admit these are not just normal neighbors. There are approximately 10-12 houses in ourContinue reading “Halloween “Farm” Style”

October Farm Fun

Broody Lahaina One of the first things you learn if you own Silkies is when they say that they are a good mothers, they are very serious. Lahaina takes it very serious her broodiness and we were able to catch it on video tonight. Enjoy! My youngest chicks are approximately 15 weeks now andContinue reading “October Farm Fun”

Mackinac Island, MI Fall Road Trip

The family took advantage of a couple days off and headed to Mackinac Island. The kids and I had headed there in July but wanted to see how the fall colors were. Heading from MN we enjoyed all the barn quilts that we could see throughout east Wisconsin. We enjoyed taking the ferry from MackinawContinue reading “Mackinac Island, MI Fall Road Trip”

Happy as a pig in mud

Here is a fun video of the pigs playing in the mud in a beautiful fall day. They love free ranging in the pasture and have done wonders to the overgrown weeds. And, boy have they hit a growth spurt. We have discovered who is the alpha male. He is significantly larger and bossier aroundContinue reading “Happy as a pig in mud”

A Really Long Farm Update Before Fall.

The weather has dramatically begun to turn into fall over the past couple of days and with the busy work schedule, I realized I have not posted for awhile. This is a quick review of farm activities over the past couple of weeks leading up to our last few days of warm weather. COOKBOOK: MyContinue reading “A Really Long Farm Update Before Fall.”