The Coop

Our chickens enjoying apples in the snow

Allow me to introduce you to the chickens, 28 of the most scaredy of cats you’ll ever meet. The good news is we have a totally enclosed run to protect them from any famished felines or other predators.

We started raising chickens in 2010 because Mom and I were concerned about buying eggs from production birds kept in small cages. We also wanted our eggs to be fresh, since eggs in the grocery store can be over 3 weeks old when you buy them.

One of our Barred Rocks when we first got her

All of our chickens are Heritage Breeds. Heritage Breeds lay less eggs than production birds, so they are generally not used by large egg producers. Our breeds include: Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas, Delawares, Barred Plymoth Rocks, Speckled Sussex, and New Hampshire Reds.

These birds all lay brown eggs, except for the Ameraucana, or “Easter Egg Chicken” that lays green eggs. Brown eggs have no nutritional difference from white eggs. However, brown eggsusuallycome from the Heritage Breeds of chickens and not the production breeds.

Doesn't get any fresher than this!

Meet the Kids

Since I just started this blog I thought I’d introduce you to the most important part of our farm, the animals! In this post I’ll introduce you to the goats; in later posts you’ll get to meet the chickens, rabbits, and the cows. All my goats are Alpines, which is one of the biggest breeds of goats. Alpines are known for their hardiness, milk production, and high energy levels.

Sekula was born April 2, 2008, and is my oldest doe (female goat). She was one of the 3 original goats I purchased to start my herd. Sekula is a very personable and friendly goat. She is due to kid (give birth) for the second time next month.

Sekula

Sekula gave birth for the first time last March to a set of twins. Her kids are named Frodo and Ellie. Ellie is very energetic and playful. She is big for her age and won Junior Champion at the fair last year. This year Ellie will be shown as a Dry Yearling.

Ellie

 

Frodo is Ellie’s twin brother. He is a wether that I want to train to pull a cart. His disposition is perfect for this, since he is very sweet and gentle.

Frodo

 

 

 

Miracle

 

Female goats, called does, produce milk. Does must give birth before they start giving milk.

 

 

 

Pregnant Sekula & Miracle