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Muddy Valley Farm

~ Life on a tiny west coast hobby farm

Muddy Valley Farm

Monthly Archives: January 2017

Winter Morning Chores

19 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by Jodi in Chickens, Weather

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Winter morning chores start quietly at dawn. Rattling buckets bring the dogs piling downstairs, eager for morning rounds. The slamming screen door as we head to the barnyard cues the inhabitants, and a rising tide of uptalk rolls out to meet us. By the time I heave the big barn door open and Chance rushes in to greet the cat, the rooster crescendo is peaking.
George eats first, and Chance acts as butler while I toss hay flakes into each stall and give the donkeys their carrots. A good chin scratch and handful of feed to Callie the barn cat and we’re off to the coops.
Youngest first is the golden rule, fresh warm water and warm mixed crumbles, oats, corn and barley with a bit of molasses, topped by black oil sunflower and flax seed. The chicks go for the water first, then the food, while the hens do the opposite.
Everybody is very happy to see me, and quiets down immediately, with only a sneezy cough here and there, as some bird eats too fast.
And then it’s back to the house, to pour a coffee and start my work day.

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Winter on the Tiny Farm

08 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by Jodi in Chickens, Equipment, Weather

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The best thing about the cold is the lack of mud, here in our muddy valley. The standing water in the Tarzan Tree field is ice, the pond is a rink (no, I haven’t), and the ground is hard and dry. And the Polish birds have clean crests!
The worst thing about the cold is managing the water situation. Breaking ice, defrosting water founts and hauling hot water out to the barnyard several times a day.
We really aren’t set up for this weather, but there is no point in a climate that does this for two weeks once every ten years. So we cope.
I turn the chicken waterers upside down at night, then dip them in hot water in the mornings to give the birds a warm drink to go with their warm mash. I can take a five gallon bucket in the wheelbarrow, plus a two gallon bucket in each hand, at the same time, if I walk slowly.
It is nice working out in the cold crisp air, especially when it is sunny. And cozy sitting by the warm fireplace in the evening. Despite the extra work, I’m enjoying this winter weather.

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