Hello, friends. Joseph has been working on the chicken coop addition, in anticipation of the day old chicks, arriving in a few weeks. The current chickens have yet to figure out the new compost system. I tried putting an upright log next to it, and put scratch on top. They'd get up on the log and eat it, but then jump back down. Joseph placed a ramp to it, and again, we tried the scratch on it, but they still didn't go in. I even tried putting a hen who was at the top of the ramp into the compost, but she jumped right back down. The compost is inside a 2' chicken wire ring, with scratch sprinkled on top. They can fly into it, if they choose. We've seen videos of it in action, so we know it can work. It may be we have to wait until the new ones get old enough. It's funny how personalities can differ so much, in the various flocks I've had over the years.
With the refrigerator as empty as it ever gets, I took time to clean it well. Somehow, I can never figure out how to get the crisper drawers back in correctly, and have to call J for help. It's the same with the drawer below the stove. At least for me, they are not user-friendly. It's always nice to open the fridge, when all is clean. I noticed before the holidays I was not able to find Miyoko's plant butter, in the usual stores. Thankfully, I had frozen a couple of lbs., being I had to drive an hour to buy it. Recently, I found she'd run into financial troubles, and the company was bought out from under her by a competitor, whose product is of a lesser quality. She has kindly made videos, as well as a cookbook, showing how to make her products. I made my first batch of butter. The recipe calls for a neutral oil for one of the ingredients, and I used up some grapeseed oil I had. It's OK, but I've got some avocado oil on the way, which should give it a more buttery flavor.
One morning, early in the week, Guinness was very excited as I was getting up, and peed on a large wool rug. I'd read of cleaning rugs in the snow, and tried it. It seemed to work quite well. As cold as it was last week, when I thought of doing anything other than what was necessary outside, it made me shiver. I've been wanting to gather seeds for winter sowing, and finally did that on Sunday, anticipating a few warmer days this week. As usual, I've got quite a pile to plant. Probably more than the available containers. But, it's a start. I don't know about you, but I'm very much looking forward to warmer days.
6 comments:
I have a ring like that in our bigger chook run, and only one of our girls (the most adventurous Matilda), will jump in there.
Yes, I read about Miyoko's difficulties with her company. I subscribe to her YouTube channel and she seems to be a most delightful and generous soul.
Recently, sister told me about a recipe for "butter", using olive oil and coconut oil. I can't remember the exact measurements, but maybe you can find it somewhere.
I cleaned out our fridge this weekend as well. I love having a clean fridge and freezer. I also use acrylic bins to keep things organized, which helps.
It's good to see Guiness. Any chance he will be getting a companion?
Enjoy the warm up, friend!
Nice chicken coop/house! A good project for the winter (as long as it isn't too cold). So nice of the owner to post directions, etc. sorry she lost her business.
Frozen weather cleaning of the rug sounds good! andrea
Good to know about your chicken ring. I hope the new chicks will be more adventurous. Miyoko does seem to be a lovely soul. Her butter recipe uses coconut oil too, plus the neutral tasting oil. I always have olive oil on hand, but wanted to follow her directions the first time making it. I may give it a try, depending on how we like the avocado version, which is what she used. Thanks for that! No plans to get a companion for Guinness at the moment. I could be talked into another dog most any time, but J is a harder sell. You enjoy the warmer days too!
The chicken addition is coming along nicely. It's roofed in, and all the siding is on. He needs to find a door to connect the two next. It did sound like an underhanded deal for Miyoko. I was happy the rug on snow trick worked!
YES as to your comment about flocks having different personalities. Even chickens within those flocks! My grandparents always had chickens on their farm, and as a child feeding them or collecting eggs, I knew who was a friend and who to avoid like the dickens!
They sure do! Some are great foragers, some are more adventurous and willing to try new things, and others not so much.
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