As an extra little read, there are going to be great things coming from having these sweet chickens! Babies we will sell or give to friends that want to raise chickens. Eggs will be given to family and friends, and used OFTEN around the house! Feathers that have been shed will be used in artwork, especially some gorgeous rooster ones. They will help to control bugs and pests as an added benefit, just like the local Purple Martins we have houses and feeders out for.
The birds will have a large pen, 100% outside at all times! We are always on high alert for predators- even one of our dogs. The other day I stepped outside and the dog ran off just barking and growling! I was wondering- what is this crazy Jack Russell doing?! I look up and he had alerted us to a huge hawk flying over! (We don't play with predators around here)
It is important, for us, to hold on to tradition- thus I managed to find a basket just like the one my Grandmother used to have for egg collecting. She'd send my little cousin and I out, each equipped with one basket, and we would race each other (carefully) to collect the most eggs like it was Easter every afternoon. These are my fond childhood memories, and when we one day have children, this is the life they will lead.
Next comes rabbits for meat, fur, and sale! Then meat pigs. And soon, two male calves so I can start training our oxen for pulling out logs when my husband mills lumber. I also have in mind to train them to a cart, so we can ride a few miles down the road on the cart to the feed store when we need animal feed, plants for the garden, equipment and tools, or even just for a soda!
Thank you for reading- God Bless! Tomorrow is a Sunday, which means no work in our household!
-HomesteaderWife
