Livestock

So now that I'm sort of caught up to this year, I suppose it's time to bring up the chickens. For the past couple of years I've been trying to work my friends with a big yard around to the idea of chickens. We live close, I could look after them, eggs, fertilizer, companionship, what could be better? Many polite nods and plans for fruit trees in my secretly chosen coop spot put paid to that.

Then I read by The Omnivore's Dilemma Michael Pollan. A fabulous and funny exploration of what we put into ourselves these days (lots of corn, apparently), and what other creatures and people go through to feed us. Apparently cage free chickens are not necessarily happier chickens. Free to be pecked and poked and still living in a big barn with 10, 000 other chickens. Sure I could give up eggs, but why when having my own chickens AND homemade mayonaise sounds like much more fun?

So I did some research, borrowed some chick paraphernalia, rode all around town looking at chicks, feed stores, you name it. Settled on Wyandottes, and a barred Plymouth Rock. I was in luck, Livingscape Nursery had all the breeds and colors I was looking for! Four fluffballs came home with me before I realized what I was getting into. Ever since they've grown, and grown, and grown. Like feathered kudzu. Still they have no coop and are cheeping on my kitchen table. And today I got vegetable starts; yet another new project. Now to conjure 28 hours in the day (and hope the chickens only grow in 24!)