Chicken Visit

Happy First Day of Spring!

This year is so exciting because we are getting to witness
a true awakening of Mother Earth.
In Florida, the seasons were not too different,
(10 months of summer with a few variations the other 2 months),
so I relish the fact that we are about to experience our first true springtime in years!

A fellow gardening student invited me to come see her chickens.
That was an offer I couldn't refuse!

 Stephanie and her family live on a 10-acre farm right here in Lincolnton.
They relocated here from Arizona over a year ago
and bought this sprawling piece of gorgeous property.
 They currrently host almost 2 dozen Barred Rock and Australop chickens.
On the day I visited, they were enjoying pilfering through the garden area,
no doubt finding many a mouth-watering morsel.
One of the most invaluable tasks that chickens perform
is pest control in the garden.

Stephanie told me that the layers are part of their quest 

for a better life, enabling them to be more self-sufficient 
and have the ability to control at least some of what sits atop their dinner table.

Chuck, her husband even built this spacious coop for the girls.

The design is unique, as this whole side of door panels opens up

for easy cleaning.  There is plenty of ventilation with the chicken wire

surrounding the top of the panels.  The wire has been partially covered with cardboard

in order to retain more heat in the coop during the wintertime.

Inside, it was quite cozy, even though there was ample room for the chicks.

Suspended feeders and waterers help to keep things sanitary,

as birds aren't stepping in or soiling their rations.

As you can see, there are sufficient roosting spots for evening dozing.

A few of the girls were preparing for egg-laying.

These crates laid on their sides were just the right fit.

Shortly after we left the coop,

Stephanie pointed out the unique sound they make when their mission is accomplished.

Along with contributing to the family's focus on better health,

these ladies provide hours of entertainment.

Each has her own personality and almost certainly

adds delight and contentment to the family's days.

This visit brought me a bit closer to wanting our own flock.

Stephanie showed me some of her veggie seedlings that she houses in one of the outbuildings.

She's got a great start to her spring garden.

Her green thumb is undeniable,

even though growing conditions here are far different than from where she came. 

Her fascination with gardening spurs her on to learn more.

Hmmm, sounds familiar! 

The family has plans to expand their farm in the future,

possibly adding other animals and increasing the number of fruit trees on the property.

I so appreciate those who are willing to share their farming life with me.
It has been a source of motivation and intrigue,
 and there is always something to glean from others' experiences.
It's all about keeping the good stuff moving...

"Too often, parents whose children express an interest in farming
squelch it because they envision dirt, dust, poverty and hermit living.
But great stories come out of great farming."
~Joel Salatin

Too often, parents whose children express an interest in farming squelch it because they envision dirt, dust, poverty, and hermit living. But great stories come out of great farming. Joel Salatin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=farming

Too often, parents whose children express an interest in farming squelch it because they envision dirt, dust, poverty, and hermit living. But great stories come out of great farming. Joel Salatin
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=farming