Adventures in Raising Chickens

What I've learned from raising chickens:

1. Chickens are not affectionate. No matter how sweetly you talk to them or how much food you give them., they don't like to be held and they definitely don't like being cuddled.

2. Chickens do not enjoy photoshoots. One of our Rhode Island Reds wouldn't stop squawking till I put her back with her sisters. At least I had fun.

3. Chicken poop smells awful, but not as bad as cat poop.

4. I find it much easier to get up earlier in the morning when something so small depends on me.

5. I appreciate all the good farmish smells so much more now. All the poop related smells are still as gross though.

 

We've moved the chickadees from a cardboard box to their coop. They are already jumping around the roosts and such, so I think it's safe to say they like it.

 

 

Now to tackle the chicken run. 

The Heideman Farm

We got our chicks on Sunday! Three Rhode Island Reds and two Welsummers and they are so adorable I can't even stand it. We got them a little late in the game so their feathers are already starting to come in. They should be all grown and laying eggs by October. We haven't given them any names yet. I'm hoping I can tell them apart better as they get bigger. If not, I'll just paint their toenails different colors and name them accordingly.

This little gal is obviously over me. But just makes me love her more. 

They aren't too keen on being held right now. Some chirp non-stop till I put them down and some just mad dog me. I asked Curtis if I should sleep by them the first night to make sure they were okay. I have fond childhood memories of my mom sleeping with her head in the kennel so our new puppy wouldn't be upset. Curtis gave me the side eye and gently reminded me that they were farm animals and they would be fine.

For now, we are keeping them in the garage in their makeshift home, a cardboard box with some sawdust shavings. The weird glow is from the heating lamp which makes them look radioactive. Perhaps with the next batch of chicks, I can experiment with actual radioactivity and create a race of super chickens that will follow my every command as we strike terror into the hearts of the citizens of Colorado.

 

Nothing like celebrating after a long day of chicken pickin'.

Bar Double S

 There is nothing better than having a bar 2 miles away from your house. Except living in a bar. But some dreams aren't meant to come true and you play with the cards you are dealt.

But I digress.....

Bar Double S is most definitely our favorite bar. They have an amazing patio, awesome music and you get discounts on your drinks if you ride your bike. The sun is up later and the weather is fine. Spring in Colorado!

I love this baby so much...

...I could eat her braaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnsssssss! Frannie's a pretty good sport about it though.

Uh oh, I think she's going through the change. Watch out, Mom. She'll bite you next....

Back from the dead....

...with big news. WE'RE GETTING CHICKENS! Though hopefully not the zombie variety.

Got our coop on Sat and shopping for some cute chicks this weekend. Shit's getting real now!