The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Scott H]

See that little smiley face 1/2 way down the quote? That's all I could muster on this dang thing. ..

 

[TeaChick]

flashlight in your mouth......I couldn't live without the headlamps - especially in the winter when it is dark all the time. Lets me do all my chicken chores (feeding, watering, poop removal, egg gathering, health checks, litter fluffing.......)with two hands. Lets me carry two jugs of water to the coop. I used flashlights until this fall when my sweetie, Sue, gave me a couple of headlamps. I keep them in my jacket pocket and when I come home at night I can check the girls without going to the house first.

here's a $6 one from sierra trading. you can spend 50 bucks on one, but....why?

Aw, man! I was enjoying the mental image of someone drooling all over their flashlight while manhandling their chickens.

@ Sally. ..I can't imagine peanuts processed thru a chicken could be a allergen.... I'm not a scientist.. But I did stay at a Holliday Express last night.

 

[TeaChick]

the top crust would be the disc of crust that covers the apples in an apple pie. When I make it, I cut 1 heart shaped hole in the center and 5-6 small circle holes around the heart hole for venting. other just make a lattice topping. once the crust in in plaace over the apples, I use a pastry brush to get the milk spread in a thin layer, just enough for the sugar to stick to something. Then I dust the top milk coated crust with granulated sugar. Then I bake until bubbling. typically at 375-400 as I like lighter brown crusts.

Step one it to put flour in bowl, add salt and possibly sugar. stir with fingers or fork to mix in salt. Add fat, shortening, butter, lard, ...Personally I find the butter must be precut to help with the next step. Once the fat is in the bowl, place fingers in the flour in the bowl and gradually work in the fat, as long as your fingers stay flour coated, the fat won't stick to your fingers. once the flour is mixed with the fat it should be grainy looking like sugar coated peas, it should not be over mixed. next is the messier part of gradually adding the water. First make a miniature funnel shapped area by scooting the flour fat mix to the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add 3/4 of the water called for as humidity in the air can change the amount needed. gently pour the water into your funnel area. using your flour but dry hands slowly mix flour from the sides into the water. as long as your hands stay between the bowl edge and the flour, you won't get too much o a sticky feeling. if more water is needed add it. the pie crust should not be super moist / sticky unless it is really hot in the kitchen. once the pie crust dough is made, cover and place in fridge for 10 minutes while you prep the rolling area. LIGHTLY flour dust the rolling area. roll out the crust but only roll in two directions to prevent overworking the gluten in the flour. I ten to roll away from me about 3-4 rolls then from right to left about 3-4 rolls. I typically end up with a square. once the crust is in the pie place I fill with the fruit and such. Then I roll out the next square and top the pie. Then crimp and trim the edges / add venting, top with milk + sugar and here is the part my children love. I take those scraps and re-roll them out. I top with butter , cinnamon, and sugar. I then roll into a log and bake as a treat for the children. I bake the log while the oven is preheating so no set time just until it looks done. Then the pie goes in. and the children stay still long enough to snack on the cinnamon log.

I have a lot of fun doing the lattice top!!! =)

Someone's going to have to explain to me how a bacteria can become "genetically lodged"...

I'm no scientist (and I did not stay in a Holliday Inn last night), but.... I have done some research on latent viruses and discovered that if you do not take care of yourself (so your body can fight and kill "all" of the virus cells), then the virus cells will begin multiplying with your cells, that virus has become latent. That means that your body can usually keep it in check, but when your body's systems are compromised, the virus rears its ugly head and you "become symptomatic"; when you are symptomatic, then you are also contagious. It's like getting the same cold or whatever the virus causes again and again.
I wonder if something like this is what's meant by "genetically lodged"???

well, a big sigh of relief, it was only -21 this morning at 6 am. THe hens thorougly enjoyed the heat lamps, there are already 3 eggs in the nests even though it was dark outside and I think they all had their breakfast already! Coop was at -5 with the two heat lamps running.

Booster, however, was up on the high roosts by himself. I noticed he was being chased constantly by Buster yesterday during the warm spell when everyone was outside. So far no sign of injury or actual fighting. Not sure if that will continue. I'm worrying that he won't be able to get food and water, and am considering putting some up on the high shelves near the roost.

In the spring, assuming I haven't culled him for agressiveness, I can separate out Booster and a few hens to a separate coop, but I was thinking of using that for the sulmtalers if and when I get a rooster.

He is so good at skywatching and hawk detection. And he hasn't attacked me for a few days. Since I'm usually in sorrel boots that come up to my knees, he is no match for my boots, so his attacks aren't worrisome. it will be different when I am barelegged in the spring.

How is Booster's comb?
Is the comb the reason why Buster is chasing him?

Unless I am mistaken about animals in general or unless this does not apply to chickens, I would say that you not worrying about him attacking you probably has a lot to do with him not even attempting it. I'm sure you're doing a good job of showing him who's boss, but if you walk out there with an I sure hope he doesn't attack my legs today attitude, I would think he'd be more likely to attack, right?

 

[TeaChick]

Your very own igloo... very smart. ;-)

I don't have any snow or ice to build an igloo!
And I miss my flip flops too!!!!
Limbo stinks!!!

Out of spinach today (what the heck am I going to put in my salad for lunch tomorrow) so they got kale and tomatoes. ...

lol
I can't imagine being worried about the salad course for my chickens.
They're about to get romaine if my DD doesn't start listening and eating it in the afternoons!!! >:-(

 

[Leahs Mom]

See that little smiley face 1/2 way down the quote? That's all I could muster on this dang thing. ..

I did, indeed, see it

 

[Leahs Mom]

We have now been issued a blizzard warning and lake effect snow will follow the system. I'm thinking at least 2 ft. already.

 

[Scott H]

Quote:
I'm not worried about their salad course....it's mine I'm concerned about. ;-)
I eat a huge salad for lunch every day I work and spinach is the bulk of it.

 

[Scott H]

We have now been issued a blizzard warning and lake effect snow will follow the system. I'm thinking at least 2 ft. already.

We are in a drought....no snow on the ground...highly unusual.

 

[Leahs Mom]

All our shoveling, plowing, etc. is totally covered over. Wind has now picked up and a lot of drifting. State of emergency declared...wonder if that will keep my husband from going to work tomorrow?

Sometimes guys can be really ... what's the word? (Maybe I shouldn't say it in polite company if I can figure out what it is...)

 

[armorfirelady]

We have now been issued a blizzard warning and lake effect snow will follow the system.  I'm thinking at least 2 ft. already.

Ah yes it should be here starting tomorrow.....well the winds and cold first then the snow.

I sure wish I could stay home when there are driving bans and states of emergencies..........that's the only downfall of working for emergency services . (And they would come pick me up if I said I couldn't make it in lol)