Wet Weather Mishaps

So, I'm slogging around back and forth from barn to barn tending the animals in the morning (while still dark) and slip smack dab in a hefty pile of unknown slop. We have a few different varieties of animals on the property so to specifically identify the exact nature of the slop is somewhat difficult - especially when the rain has been coming down for three days.


I got up, checked for broken eggs in my pocket (only broke two, cracked three - the other five remain little gems of gold) and in any other situation I would have dusted myself off but the reality is...this isn't dust. It's mud. I'll find myself a hose before going back into the house.

Fast forward to the evening feeding schedule: There I am again, in the barn attempting to get a bale of hay off the top of the six bale stack - whoops, slipped and slammed my left thigh across the gate and did a real special endo onto my left shoulder. I lay there like a complete moron trying to determine if the pain I was feeling was from the fall or perhaps the hay hook had taken a personal and un-welcomed stab into my body.

I still don't know what happened to that hay hook - it's missing, but my left thigh looks like I rolled in blackberry pie and feels tough like an abalone.

If you are reading this I hope you are laughing.
My hope is that your chicken tending adventures are fun, fun, fun - just a little less embarrassing and painful.

I can GUARANTEE you this little darling(pictured hiding in the goat house)won't be stepping out into the rain today.

Rain Tips

It's cold. It's windy. It's wet.
Do give your flock the opportunity to get out and enjoy the muddy earth between their toes. There's ample bugs and worms for them to grab a beak full of and they'll enjoy it.

Here's some hens hiding out underneath the barn.


If it's possible be certain to have dry bedding for them in their coop. The bedding acts as a great insulator for these damp and wet evenings.

Dry food is a MUST. If their pellets, crumble (or whatever concoction you are feeding to your flock) gets wet - discard it. Don't let it mold. Toss it in the trash. Don't try to compost it.

And, clean water. Oh, dear. Chickens must have clean water available to them. The cooler the better which just so happens to be what we are featuring around here with this weather and all.

Anyone else have any suggestions? We are all ears.

Thoughs on Moving

Well, it's clear that we are on the move. Or at least moving toward being on the move. For every box that is packed and each and every trailer load that we have towed thus far you would think we have made a dent in the progress. Every bone and muscle in my body aches and Darnit - my lips are chapped from the new chilly mountain air.

The top photo is what we have grown accustomed to viewing.
The photo below it is the reason for the chapped lips and cool mountain air.

Our temporary chicken coop (below with high fence surrounding it) is just that - TEMPORARY! In need of much work but it will do until construction on the barn begins.




Fences need to be built & barns constructed from scratch. Horse stalls taken down, driven a zillion+ miles into the mountains and reassembled. OMG!!

Wonder how the chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats and horses are going to fare in the high mountain desert? It's Chapstick for all.

How Fresh Are Those Eggs?

According to Consumer Reports (Sample Issue, 2010), for most food, the expiration date indicates the last day the food should be consumed. Why is there an exception for eggs?

Hmmm? It seems (not our opinion) that Federally graded eggs in their shells are safe for three to five weeks after the expiration date on the carton, as long as you keep them refrigerated.

Allow us to give you a little information on the benefits of the magical protective layer that a fresh chicken eggs comes equipped with? There's no need for washing or refrigerating. It's the oh-natural way.

Going to the Market?

When shopping at the market whether it be a Farmer's Market or big chain store please keep in mind that when you are purchasing your meat, seafood or poultry you should pick those items up last. Very last and then zoom home to the freezer.

Horrifingly enough, there was a test compiled in 2007 (a test among chain stores, NOT FARMER'S MARKETS)that reported that out of 525 chickens tested - only 17% were free from salmonella and campylobacter. Gross, right?
You bet.

Don't get all freaked out. Just make a simple alteration to your normal market schedule and get your frozen and refrigerated items last - and then go home!
Bon Appetite!

2010 BRINGS ABOUT MANY CHANGES FOR RANCH HAG HENS.

In the Spring of 2010 Ranch Hag Hens, family and farm animals will roost in higher elevations in a remote location in Northern California. As a result, Ranch Hag Hens will focus primarily on Treats for Chickens, their Heritage breeding program and the "Ranch Hag" herself will be completing the Great American Novel - her chicken care and behavior book - due late 2010, early 2011.

Thank you to everyone who supported the backyard chicken movement! At this time all of the beautifully feathered ladies have flown the coop.

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