The storms just keep rolling through our corner of the world.
We welcome each one and revel in whatever rain or snow falls upon us.
Here is what the mountain looked like just a few days ago...
This is the view standing near Mr. P's garden.
When I checked the weather this morning, I saw that it was supposed to rain this afternoon, and since my wood shed out back was getting very low, I decided I better get an early start on the day. So before breakfast I spent some time hauling up three carts of wood. It's good to have plenty of Bruce fodder close at hand when you know you might be in for some rough weather.
Since I was already out I opened up the chicken coop earlier than usual. Jill was there at the door to greet me. I sat down on the floor to let her eat out of my hand for a little bit. All the other girls were still up on the roost watching. For the last week or so, I have been giving them little pep talks about the lengthening days and the warmer temperatures and perhaps it would be a good time to think about laying a few eggs. This morning was no exception. It was a nice little talk, about Spring, and sunshine, and our wheat field that is still alive and well... and at one point I motioned to the nests and reminded them where to go, should they feel the urge to promote the general welfare of the homestead by getting on with their particular job.
As I pointed, I glanced over there myself, and in the darkish corner nest noticed something not quite the same. The wooden egg was there as usual. But nestled next to it was a REAL egg!
When I picked it up, I recognized the particular shape of Lydia's eggs.
Well, I had to make a fuss over her and tell her what a good girl she had been. I think I embarrassed her truth to tell. She tried to hide behind Phoebe. I don't know if it has anything to do with chicken society, but Lydia is the head hen now, and perhaps she is taking the lead in letting the other girls know it's time to get down to business.
We shall see if they take the hint.
I took the hint and decided to spruce up the coop a bit to encourage the girls. I brought up more clean straw, cleared off the poop board and put new hay and dried lavender in the nests. I drove to the feed store and bought a bag of layer feed. They have been eating corn, milo, and wheat over the winter which is cheaper. But if there are going to be eggs, well they need the proper food to produce good ones.
When I got all finished with the chicken chores, I gave Jill another pet, because she is so friendly and was following me around. It is an encouraging development that when I pet Jill on her back, she squats down and spreads her wings a little, which is a sign that she is ready to begin laying eggs. I'm looking forward to her first egg. If she stays true to her breed, her eggs should be light brown with speckles.
Anyway, here's a picture of Lydia's first egg of 2016...
May it be joined by many more in the months to come.
I'm still waiting to make baked custard with our very own eggs.
In the meantime. Let the storm begin.
We're ready.
This is the view standing near Mr. P's garden.
When I checked the weather this morning, I saw that it was supposed to rain this afternoon, and since my wood shed out back was getting very low, I decided I better get an early start on the day. So before breakfast I spent some time hauling up three carts of wood. It's good to have plenty of Bruce fodder close at hand when you know you might be in for some rough weather.
Since I was already out I opened up the chicken coop earlier than usual. Jill was there at the door to greet me. I sat down on the floor to let her eat out of my hand for a little bit. All the other girls were still up on the roost watching. For the last week or so, I have been giving them little pep talks about the lengthening days and the warmer temperatures and perhaps it would be a good time to think about laying a few eggs. This morning was no exception. It was a nice little talk, about Spring, and sunshine, and our wheat field that is still alive and well... and at one point I motioned to the nests and reminded them where to go, should they feel the urge to promote the general welfare of the homestead by getting on with their particular job.
As I pointed, I glanced over there myself, and in the darkish corner nest noticed something not quite the same. The wooden egg was there as usual. But nestled next to it was a REAL egg!
When I picked it up, I recognized the particular shape of Lydia's eggs.
Well, I had to make a fuss over her and tell her what a good girl she had been. I think I embarrassed her truth to tell. She tried to hide behind Phoebe. I don't know if it has anything to do with chicken society, but Lydia is the head hen now, and perhaps she is taking the lead in letting the other girls know it's time to get down to business.
We shall see if they take the hint.
I took the hint and decided to spruce up the coop a bit to encourage the girls. I brought up more clean straw, cleared off the poop board and put new hay and dried lavender in the nests. I drove to the feed store and bought a bag of layer feed. They have been eating corn, milo, and wheat over the winter which is cheaper. But if there are going to be eggs, well they need the proper food to produce good ones.
When I got all finished with the chicken chores, I gave Jill another pet, because she is so friendly and was following me around. It is an encouraging development that when I pet Jill on her back, she squats down and spreads her wings a little, which is a sign that she is ready to begin laying eggs. I'm looking forward to her first egg. If she stays true to her breed, her eggs should be light brown with speckles.
Anyway, here's a picture of Lydia's first egg of 2016...
May it be joined by many more in the months to come.
I'm still waiting to make baked custard with our very own eggs.
In the meantime. Let the storm begin.
We're ready.