Homestead Happenings

Welcome back to Homestead Happenings,

where we share what's going on here

on our Piedmont property.

There has been a slow down in activity,

as the temps are not conducive to working outside.

Several small indoor tasks have been completed,

like changing out the holiday decor, and

finally deciding on some new curtains for the living room.

Extra time has also been set aside for napping and reading.

This baling twine comes in handy for so many

outdoor projects.

It has been saved from the straw bales I buy

to use in and around the coops over winter

to keep the chooks just a bit toastier.

It's sturdy stuff.

With concerns about looming hawks near the large chook run,

the baling twine is being used to deter the predators.

The twine is strung across the fenceline in a grid fashion

to keep those hungry hawks away from our girls.

About halfway completed, I hope to get back out there

when the weather is a little warmer.

As the fencing is 6 feet tall,

it shouldn't interfere with the maintenance of the run.

With our frigid overnight temperatures,

the water in our waterers often freezes.

Omlet just came out with these new waterers,

which are supposed to keep the water from freezing.

These were just installed yesterday,

so we have yet to see how they work.

This is what the assembled waterer looks like.

The unit comes with both cups and nipples,

depending on what the chicken keeper prefers.

The appeal for me was the amount of water it holds,

as well as the fact that it's a closed system,

so the water should remain clean.

We decided to hang ours up in the run,

although it also comes with legs.

I'll report back after we've been using it for a while.

Unfortunately, Matilda is experiencing her first molt

during this cold spell we're having.

She looks absolutely pitiful,

but she is not poorly, just lacks feathers.

Adding straw to the coop along with 

bottles containing hot water should help her

get through the night.

She is one tough cookie, despite being our smallest chook.

I look forward to seeing her new feathers come in.

No doubt she'll be stunning!

Fresh milled flour is the way to go!

With cold and rainy weather predicted all weekend,

I'll be experimenting with some new recipes.

What a wonderful discovery this has been!

What do you like to do on cold, winter(ish) days?