Liz, I thought there would be a learning curve with our order of chicks, so I over bought, thinking that I would lose some to inexperience.  I was very surprised that we didn't lose any.  Now we ... more »

Liz, I thought there would be a learning curve with our order of chicks, so I over bought, thinking that I would lose some to inexperience.  I was very surprised that we didn't lose any.  Now we get 8 eggs every day.  I give away a lot to family and friends. They have thrived eating bugs and grasses and seeds in our yard. I think the only thing I would have done differently is to handle them more. Actually picking them up and petting them.  We learned that you can hypnotize a chicken by laying it on it's back and stroking the breast.  It works.  This makes dusting with DE and inspection a lot easier. We held them some as chicks and younger birds.  Mine will be a year old end of this month.  It has been SO much fun watching them play and grow. We have tested several waterers.  The red tips looked really good, but we were unsucessful at training them how to use it.  They prefer the trough watering bucket.  I do believe they get comfortable at an early age with the types of waterers and feeders you use, so decide now and implement early so they accept that form of waterer. The Watermiser was what we wanted, but decided after they were 6 months old and they would not accept it. I would have liked to know they are so particular early on...but didn't.  Hope that helps you. (less)

also we put hay in their coup, to catch the feces when they roost.  every couple days...as we see it's piling up, we rake it out and put it in the compost pile...layered with grass clippings and veget... more »

also we put hay in their coup, to catch the feces when they roost.  every couple days...as we see it's piling up, we rake it out and put it in the compost pile...layered with grass clippings and vegetable matter.  We have already harvested some of the compost...aka black gold and tilled into or top dressed the gardens.  LOVE that benefit of keeping chickens. (less)

Yes, Belinda they are BUG eaters supreme! 

I have been giving them weeds from the garden, feed, scratch grains and fruit and salad scraps daily.  They have also been getting fresh water with a tablespoon of applecider vinegar per gallon to help the acidity in their crops, which helps their digestion.  We are composting the hay from the coop directly in the garden area that we are getting ready for Spring.  There is so much of the litter that the compost bin is almost full, so we started putting it directly into the Spring area.  The flies were a problem at first, until I found fly paper on a wide roll at tractor supply.  That works great!!!

Have an awesome day!  I am celebrating the birth of my second grandchild, Claire Elizabeth born 8/10/12.  She is beautiful and healthy.  My son and his wife are adapting to parenthood well. Claire came to visit today while my daughter and her son were also here.  Such a treat to have both grandkids here at the same time.  I am blessed!

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Ok...here's my latest receipe: Eggplant Omlet 8 eggs Salt and pepper 3 small eggplant thin sliced 1/2 med white onion diced 1/2 red pepper diced 2 slice... more »

Ok...here's my latest receipe: Eggplant Omlet 8 eggs Salt and pepper 3 small eggplant thin sliced 1/2 med white onion diced 1/2 red pepper diced 2 slices pepper jack cheese 2 roma tomatoes diced 2 tablespoons real butter Herb of choice...ive used dill, basil and tarragon- each different result Saute onion, eggplant and pepper in skillet until transparent. Some of the onion will carmelize. Beat eggs, salt and pepper until well scrambled. A little cream to make it richer is nice. Stir eggplant mixture, toss in herb of choice, cover on medium heat for a minute. Pour scrambled egg in and cover again. When Eggs begin to cook through on the bottom inch, that's when I turn the whole thing...it is messy, but I am not a chef. After turning add cheese slices and tomatoes and replace cover. Cook a minute or two more longer, depending on the stage of well done or softer that you like your eggs. serve. (less)

Yes we all have different climates and different soil types. It is interesting to see what others are doing and no one seems to mind if you use their idea. This year I got a really late start due to s... more »

Yes we all have different climates and different soil types. It is interesting to see what others are doing and no one seems to mind if you use their idea. This year I got a really late start due to some remodeling we had to do in the house in March.  We usually have already planted by mid March.  My brother moved in and paid for new floors to be put down before the acual move, so we were in a time crunch and got it done.  We decided to paint before the flooring, just due to ease of painting when you dont have to worry about drips. Anyway, Now I am a month behind and the weeds are going crazy this year! Seems that's mostly what I have been doing. I've redone a few flower beds in the front and back yards. This year I am putting weed barrier in addition to mulch. So far it's been warm...low 80s. I am not looking forward to the scortching summer. I am a native Houstonian, so I am used to it, but still I'll need to find some shade and relax with a mint iced tea. (less)

Well, your garden might be late, but new paint and new floors will be truly enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.  Sure wish I would get my painting done, Keep saying "next ye... more »

Well, your garden might be late, but new paint and new floors will be truly enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.  Sure wish I would get my painting done, Keep saying "next year".....   Well, what's one more year.  Good luck on the garden, see ya next post!  :) :) (less)