The flock of 17 wild turkeys that have frequented the neighborhood these past few weeks are gone. Hopefully they’ve moved onto more lush grazing grounds than paved streets on the edge of suburbia. We kept trying to warn them what month it was – I hope they’ve finally listened and are hiding somewhere safe.
I’ve had a lot going on lately and haven’t thought much about Thanksgiving, but I’m now starting to get excited for the great feast. It’s one of my favorite holidays because the meal is the big deal. No presents or numerous parties, just great food that everyone loves. read more »
I’ve been walking around with a purple tongue all week, but I don’t care. When a friend gives you a huge bowl of wild blueberries you simply have to indulge. We’ve had our fill straight from the bowl, and now we’re enjoying the last of the berries in favorite desserts, pancakes and more.
I made this cobbler today and simply had to share the recipe. The sweet-tart berries are topped with delicate sweetened biscuits studded with in-season fresh corn kernels. The result is a perfect union of end-of-summer flavors. read more »
The chickens have been the center of attention lately. No, not on the table, in spite of the picture, but with all the out-of-town guests we’ve been hosting. The chickens are invariably number one on the list of things people want to see when they come to visit.
This weekend they had a visit from their fan club from St. Louis, three of the cutest kids you’ve ever seen. They came for breakfast, a cuddle with the chickens and a chicken chase. All three of the kids are fast on their feet and one is even competing at the national level in bike racing, but my girls outran them every step of the way! The kids also were certain the girls would lay them an egg or two for breakfast while they watched, just like last year, but as I’ve learned myself chickens are anything but predictable. read more »
The chickens are thoroughly enjoying their new safety of living in a gated community. The fencing contractor finally arrived last week and finished off the wooden fence that surrounds our backyard, adding gates for our ease in getting in and out. Keeping the chickens safe is of prime importance, so finishing off the fence was our top priority this summer.
Actually, the chickens rather liked the former arrangement of the temporary fence, as they could see out into the world. They also loved the thrill of escaping into the side yard with its virgin grass and shrubs. But I think that the dog attack earlier this summer convinced the chickens they were better off staying within their exclusive boundaries. read more »
How do you keep chicks cool when the heat index is 108ºF in the shade?
Earlier this week it was too cold to go swimming, and today the weather reports included warnings not to go outside in the afternoon sun — that’s Minnesota for you! Today was like walking into a bread proofing box: hot, moist, close. You sort of felt like your skin might start rising from your body just by stepping outside. But I can assure you, nobody was baking bread.
I was worried about the girls all day. Keeping chickens cool is actually harder than keeping them warm. They don’t have sweat glands and are surrounded by a billowy coat of downy feathers. When you see chickens start to pant like dogs you know they’re hot and desperately trying to cool off. read more »
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer in Minnesota. That means a lot of us are heading to “the lake,” opening up cabins and putting in docks. What do I do with the chickens while we’re away?
This year I’m seriously considering taking the chickens with us to the cabin. Yes, the cats, the chickens, all of us, etc. Well, let’s just say I’m considering it but haven’t done it yet. read more »
In between the frequent raindrops this week, I’ve been planting, weeding and generally trying to spruce up the backyard. The chickens love it. They think I’m out there to play and give them treats as I till the soil turning up bugs, worms and other goodies. It’s cute, but they are a bit of a nuisance crowding round my shovel and nibbling newly planted bushes, trees and flowers.
There are plenty of weeds I wouldn’t mind them munching but not surprisingly the girls don’t agree with me. Instead, they head first for the tender young plants. One plant the chickens and most animals ignore are the nettles growing on the edge of the woods. Known as stinging nettles, this plant lives up to its name by instantly causing a stinging sensation on your skin when touched.
What is surprising is that while this jagged leaf plant may be uncomfortable to touch, it’s a spring delicacy when cooked and served. It loses it’s stinging ability when boiled or even soaked in water. read more »
I recently did a book signing at the Bibelot Shop where they asked me to bring along one of my chickens. As Coco sat docilely letting people hold her and feed her, everyone was amazed at how friendly she was.
As I chatted with the customers, I was reminded that people who don’t have chickens often have a hard time comprehending the notion of chickens as pets. They understand chickens for eggs, fertilizer and bug control, but a quizzical look crosses their faces when you mention their appeal as pets. read more »
Special Mother’s Day wishes to all the mother hens and chicks out there. I couldn’t resist posting this sweet video of a mother hen and her baby chicks.
The chicks in the video are not mine. Someone did ask me this week, however, if I felt bad that my hens will never be mothers. It’s something I hadn’t actually thought about, but upon reflection I really don’t feel too bad. Frankly, I think my girls are happy being carefree and worrying only about themselves. In fact, I suspect that many mothers wish they could have that – at least for one day. I rather think the hen in this video is at that point by the end of the clip!
I recently came home from a photo shoot with a huge bunch of dandelion greens. Yes, I know, I have plenty of dandelion greens popping up in my yard–don’t remind me–but these were so nice I hated to turn them down.
I had planned to give them to the chicks, but as I chopped a big bowlful I decided these greens were much too nice to give all of them to the girls. So I set about creating a recipe to feature these spring treats using leftover Easter ham and some Yukon gold potatoes. read more »
