Introductions

Spent part of yesterday moving the peepers into the main hen area.  Figured it was about time.  And the weather for the most part is cooperating (up near freezing instead of close to 0 at night).  Took them over one at a time.  The hens were curious about the first few... more likely asserting their top place in the "pecking order."  After about 8 of the 24 peepers though, I think the hens figured out they were outnumbered... and boy did I hear it.  Each time I came back with another peeper, the hens "yelled" at me.  After a while, it looked like it was Junior High School dance in there... with peepers on one side and hens on the other!  This morning they were more integrated... mostly I think because the main nest box the hens use is on the peeper side of the room.  As long as I don't hear/see any snapping in time to music (ala West Side Story), I think it was a successful integration of the chickens.

Friendly Neighbors?

Almost forgot to mention this... This morning as I was getting ready for work, we heard the distinct hoot of an owl outside.  I think I saw him/her sitting in a tree behind the neighbor's house.  First owl we've heard here.  It was pretty cool.

First Snow (in pics)!

This weekend we got our first measurable snowfall... about 2" or so.  I headed out on Saturday to take a bunch of pictures... here are a few:

Kids playing the snow.  Rhowan is having a "snack" while Willow is creating "paths" in the snow with a weighted down muck tub.

Rhowan playing in the snow

Rhowan took Reilly out to enjoy the snow (as a Newfoundland, he's certainly built for this weather!)  Here the two of them are playing in the pasture outside the henhouse door.



The completely painted SVF sign in the snowfall.


After taking these shots, I took a few of the critters... including the "peepers" who are growing up quickly!  Enjoy!!

"Waldo" - still unsure what breed she is (and I do think she's a she)

3 of the Rhode Island Red peepers

One of the Arcauna peepers



While I was cleaning the hen house area, one of the barred hens tried to make a run for it out the door (into the workshop)



Charlie & Moonlight opted to snuggle in the enclosed portion of their hutch while the snow was falling.  Smart bunnies!



Pirates have Parrots. Vikings have...

Velociraptors! 

Or so Thom says!

That's Waldo... our mystery chick.  Still not sure what he/she is, but he/she was kind enough to stand for this silly picture.

Enjoying the start of the Yule season

For us, the Yule season begins on the full moon preceding Yule.  Usually that gives us a week or 2 of "season" to enjoy.  With this year's December full moon falling ON Yule, we have an extra long season.  November's full moon was this past Sunday... so our Yule season is actually in full swing.

Sunday, the farm provided as Thom was able to bring down a doe in the back pasture.  Great bow shot!    Sunday evening's dinner plans were changed from London Broil to fresh liver and onions.  She'll be providing for us for a while.

The peepers (chicks) are getting big and starting to look like hens.  And I think Waldo might just be a hen as well!  I think we'll probably integrate them in with the older hens in a couple weeks.  Need to get a few new nestboxes up before spring and rework a few things in that room, but looking forward to having everyone in one spot.  At least til spring when we look at possibly ordering a few more.

Yesterday was the first day we only found 3 eggs from the 5 hens.  I'm sure it has to do with the shorter days.  Hopefully we can extend their laying just a bit.

We had a family discussion over the weekend and decided that we're going to raise a few turkeys for next fall... probably 25 total.  They will be pasture raised and we'll start taking orders for them when we get them sometime in July.

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow to all.  Hope you enjoy the day!

End of the season

It becomes quite obvious no matter where you are on a day like today when the rain is falling and the temps are in the 40s, that summer really is over... and fall leaving us isn't far behind either.  We're looking forward to our first winter on the farm if only because it's OUR farm.  Personally... I like the other 3 seasons much better.

This weekend we officially closed down The Shindig.  Since it's an open space, everything susceptable to freezing was brought into the house.  The fridge and cooler were unplugged and the bar stools were taken back into the dining room.  We may still gather in The Shindig here and there as the weather permits, but for all intents and purposes, shindigs at The Shindig will have to wait til spring start poking her head out of the ground and clouds and warms things up to a reasonable level.

Thanks to everyone who helped make our inaugural season, even if it was short, a great one.  Those who helped Thom build the tavern space on our work days... those who came to hang out and make it the special space that it is... thank you all.  We're already thinking about special events to host for next year.

And the winner is....

Happy November!  We're actually forecasted for our first taste of snow later this week.  I don't think any of us are really ready as we all love fall and wish it would hang on a bit longer.  But we're logistically ready I think having done a bunch of winter prep.  Need to prep the bar (removing all the stuff that would freeze, etc.) but otherwise we're ok.

Speaking of the tavern, the naming contest is officially over.  Saturday at 10pm we closed the voting and tabulated and receiving over 50% of the votes, the official name is ...

The Shindig

Thanks to everyone for voting!  The 50/50 drawing winner was Amanda.  Congrats!