Leave it to Evan Janke to make a chicken pic look so dreamy. Lesson learned- white jeans + chicken coop = bad idea.
If you stand next to me for more than two minutes, it’s pretty likely that I’ll find a way to weave into our conversation my obsession— the newest members of our family, the chickens. Consider this an apology in advance, you’ve been warned.
After years of wanting chickens, I was excited when I finally had a coop of my own. However, my mind was zeroed in on fresh eggs. I’ve been totally surprised by my devotion—and this is before we’ve even had our first egg!
Photo by Evan Janke
“The girls” are beautiful birds and surprisingly congenial. As I was calling yelling for the dog, the chickens heard my voice and started squawking for me. It was pretty endearing and gave me the rush of those long gone “mama, mama,” toddler days with my daughters.
Photo by Evan Janke
Like any good mother hen, I wanted to make sure the chicks were on a proper diet, especially since they will start laying eggs soon (do you hear that girls?). My reliable crew at Island Seed and Feed helped my cause.
Technically, we don’t need to start adding things to their diet until after they begin laying eggs. But the process got me so geeked up I couldn’t help myself. I’m sticking to the organic chicken baby food mix with weekly doses of grass clippings (high in those omegas) and daily kitchen scraps.
I just couldn’t resist purchasing some of “Katherine’s Show Scratch” filled with goodies to make their feathers pretty like whole oats, whole wheat, black oil sun seeds, calf manna…and total confession, I also bought a small bag of oyster shells to start adding to their diet, too.
My babies liked their new food.
It’s a good thing chickens don’t wear clothes or we would be in trouble.
What is calf manna?
So cute, Val! xx
Or shoes knowing you…
Hi Valerie!
From what I understand, Calf Manna is a supplement added to feed for a variety of animals. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein and is beneficial to chickens who are molting and layers.
But Chickens CAN wear clothes….let’s design some! xxoo
The accessories are endless, right?!?
Can you share more info on your coop? I’d love to have backyard chickens too, but need inspiration for their home….also, there’s a youtube video about a woman’s obsession with her chickens you should check out….hilarious! Thx
Fun! I’ll have to check that video out. Great idea, stay tuned for a blog about the “Coop de Ville!” In the mean time, here’s a link to my inspiration on pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/eatdrinkgarden/chicken-coop-fantasies/
we are getting chicks in spring so we will count on you for mentorship!
We in the midwest on old farms always try to have chickens. They are very sweet and tame, but heartbreaking when they get eaten, by raccoons foxes, coyotes.. And if they are free range, they dig up the gardens and peck all the veggies. So we gave up years ago. I miss them, but do not miss the roosters crowing at 4 AM. On the front porch!! But good for you, if you can keep them confined, they are fun. Chicken is still cheap. to buy for food, and eggs are kinda expensive, but worth it.
Loved this post, Valerie. The girls are glossy and beautiful. It is lovely to hear how you delight in their presence. Chickens are people too.
Valerie,
I have wanted to have pretty chickens for so long now! My sister and I had a few chickens when we were girls living in a little place in Maui.
Unfortunately my HOA would not be very happy about that! So I can only dream. Have fun Valerie! You look so happy!!