Hello Painted Bliss,
Doe you paint too? What kind of chickens did you have. Were they layers or show? I'm very sorry to hear of the predator - devastating! I'm in Northeast Ohio, so my weather is probably similar to your and I have to say that we hatched 5 banntam buckeyes at the begining of august, so they're not 2.5 months old and I'm worried about them making it through the winter. I just talked last night with my hubby about should we bring them into the basement until spring. Part of me wants to do that and part of me dreads doing that... I really desire to learn how to make soap! How did you learn - any tips you could provide for me would be greatly appreciated. Welcome aboard!