Layers: As of Saturday, 24 October, we have 4o pullets no
w in their coop and pasture area! These are Australorps. As biddies, they were tiny and adorable in feather color. As pullets, they are lengthy and disheveled looking, but very active. We use a feathernet to keep them "corraled" in their 
pasture area, and to prevent predators from enjoying a meal
. Hopefully, by February 2010, we will have beautiful, black hens laying beautiful brown eggs (eggs for sale).Broilers: We are nearing the day (this
Saturday) for chicken processing. Keith (with help from family) built the 
shelter (near the barn) and then we moved it to the hay field (good use of "fertilizer"!). Moving the shelter had a steep learning curve. First we started with body power, then moved to truck power, then lightening the load we used both. The broiler pullets were small at 2 weeks of age when they began to enjoy the pasture meals. Now, they have grown into large, plump birds. Daily 
moving the shelter provided the broilers with new grass and new bugs to enjoy. Even though we have heard coyotes at night, the shelter design has provided excellent pr
otection for 
the birds. Learning curve intensifies as we prepare for chicken processing!
Puppies: Chipper's puppies have grown into beautiful and handsome young dogs! With 13 of them we had to put them in the big kennel at the farm. They are always happy to see us coming. The day we "boxed" them up and trucked them to the vet for first shots was an experience. We let them out of the pen for exercise before the "boxing" and they scattered in 13 different directions: to the house, the other side of the house, into the woods, under vehicles... and Chipper was so frustrated running in all these same directions in order to keep tabs on each one. We carried her to the vet also to prevent further frustration if left at home without them. Each day is full of playtime with them. We are seeking homes for these cuties (not Chipper - she's here to stay!).
