Author: Amy

Chicken Mission

Meet the Flockers

Amy5 Comments

Are four chickens enough to make a “flock”?  I’ll have to google it.  For now, I’m going to use it.  Let’s meet the little flockers!

Jenny Weasley and Minerva McGonagall.  These ladies are 2 month old Black Sex Link pullets.  Jenny (on the left) is bold and inquisitive.  Minerva is on the shy side.  This breed can begin laying as early as four months old!

Here we have Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood.  Hermione (to the rear) is the bolder of the two ladies.  Luna (although nearest the camera in this instance)is by far the most introverted of the four.  I wouldn’t go so far as to call her flightly, but she certainly ducks out quickly if conditions aren’t ideal, and her feathers disarrange easily.  That was random, but it’s like her hair’s messed up.  I think it’s funny. Anyway, these ladies are two month old Plymouth Barred Rock pullets-also reputed to be great layers.  Although they won’t begin laying until they’re around 6 months old. That’s ok, ladies. Pace yourself…

If you’ve noticed a theme with the names, it was purposeful.  My ten-year old just completed the Harry Potter series, and she demanded an active role in assigning identify.  She took one look at Jenny Weasley with her bright red neckline and it was a done deal. It makes for a very unique interpretation of Hogwarts I think.  Hogwarts Henhouse….? Sweet.

 

 

Chicken Mission

Chicken Mission Accomplished!

Amy2 Comments

We are “go”  for chickens!

I’ve been trolling Craigslist for weeks and quickly determined that given how little I know about chickens, buying my first batch of pullets from a state inspected breeder was probably the best route.  Fast forward to Tuesday of this week.  I took off work early and drove 45 minutes to Fowl Weather Farm, a not so distant breeder that seemed to fit the bill. The young proprietress of Fowl Weather Farm was helpful and professional and we ended the day Tuesday with four new friends and Chicken Mission accomplished!

I had intended to buy at least two Dominique (pronounced dominicker)  pullets and was open to the breed of the other two ladies.  I ended up with two Barred Rocks and two Black Sex Links.  Black Sex Links aren’t kinky.  A Black Sex Link is a cross between a Rhode Island Red Rooster and a Barred Rock hen.  You can tell what sex the chicken is by the coloring around its neck, hence the moniker of “sex link”.  And although their name shows a stunning lack of imagination, all should be great laying hens.  The Barred Rocks look just like a Dominique to the untrained eye, but apparently lay slightly larger eggs.  Eggs being the driving force behind this chicken mission, I was  fickle and opted for the Barred Rocks.  I have an egg dependency, you see. I’m not ashamed of it.

General

Chicken Mission…the Midlife Crisis Continues

Amy1 Comment

It’s spring and my mind has turned to thoughts of….chickens?  It’s my new learning frontier! This weekend, I am on a chicken mission.

  • Chicken Coop     –      Check
  • Feeder/Waterer  –      Check
  • Nesting Boxes     –     Check
  • Shavings              –     Check

We are go for chickens.  I’m in search of three to four sweet dispositioned young ladies.  I do not want babies.  Baby chicks are high maintenance, and we’re all full up on high maintenance around my house.  I do not want boys.  They are noisy and I like my neighbor.  He’s a very nice man who deserves peace and quiet in his own backyard.  I just want fresh eggs.  Glorious, tasty, healthy fresh eggs.  Eggs from happy, healthy, wholesome chickens!

Crochet

Seascape in Catania

Amy4 Comments

 

A variation on Pierrot 29-31 that I posted here.  You can find the pattern on their site.  I love these colors! They make me crave the beach and all things reminiscent of the sea. I used Catania mercerized cotton and I’m experiencing a little mini-obsession with this particular yarn.

Perfect for a lacy all-weather scarf.  Let’s play hooky and go to the beach!

Get it…..hooky….?

Crochet

The Siren Call of Yarn…

Amy2 Comments

You’ve taught yourself a few stitches, maybe even made your first simple crochet item with from one of the “Learn to Crochet” resources we discussed earlier.  You’re starting to get excited and you’re ready to pick out something a little more substantial.

Here’s what I remember about those first forays to the craft stores.  Whether you’re at a Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Joann’s, whatever, the patterns, yarns and books can be pretty overwhelming.  I had a terrible habit of buying yarn, and then trying to figure out what I wanted to do with it.  Not your best path forward folks.  You wind up with the wrong amounts, or the wrong weight yarn and you wind up going back to the store for more.  You’ll be better served to 1) look at what’s available online. 2) Make a decision about your pattern, and 3) then go in search of yarn.

I know, I know, it sounds like a no brainer, but the siren call of yarn can be a powerful thing.  I’m trying to save you some money and closet space.  Repeat after me…'”First pick the Project.”  Go ahead, repeat it…Now, “Then Pick the Yarn.”  Good.  Repeat it again. “First pick the Project. Then Pick the Yarn.” Say it to yourself about 500 times, and you will thank me.  Your spouse and children will thank me.

Your welcome.