Chickens Have Moved!

The coop is done, ...almost, but enough that the chickens have moved in. I will have pictures of the coop and run once the last piece of trim are hung this weekend. Total cost is about $125 to build the coop and the run. Meanwhile here are pictures of the chickens, which is what people really care about.

Growing Rhizome Hops

Because I do not already have enough gardening to do, I decided that I am going to take a stab at growing hops this year. The hops will serve several purposes, I get to grow hops and give the chickens some shade. I was able to find the hops close by at Barley Haven. I picked up 2 Chinooks, 2 Mt. Hoods and they tossed in 1 Sterling.

All five are starting to sprout already, so I need to get them into the ground very soon. Until then they will remain wrapped up and stored in the fridge. As for planting they need to be planted 2"-4" deep in soil that drains well. Space them about 20" inches apart if they are the same type and 36" if they are different. You wont see much hops the first year but they will pick up after that.

Farmer Tina's Chicken Update

They are growing and growing fast. I have claimed two as mine and named them (Rhode Island Reds Jackie and  Susannah) and the rest were Kelly's to name. There is already a pecking order being developed, and personalities for each bird. We think there might be one roster in the group, but only time will tell. 

Left to Right, Breed - Name
Top: Barred Rock-Laverne (she might be a he we'll see!), Barred Rock- Shirley, Silver Laced Wyandotte- Elizabeth
Bottom: Rhode Island Reds- Jackie and Susannah, Easter Eggers- Lucy, Wilma, Betty, Buff Orpingtons- Dixie and Beyonce

Chicks Are Here

The chicks have arrived! They change a lot in the first month, so I will be updating pictures over time. The coop "The Chick Inn" is also almost done. I will post pictures of the coop after it is completed.

Bagels

I took a second try at making bagels last night. The first batch this week turned out ok. The bagels were flat, dense and ugly. There were several mistakes I made, due to my lack of experience with bread dough. After doing some research and switching recipes the second batch turned out great.

The recipe that I used is from the King Arthur floor website. Prep time is easy and quick. Click here for recipe.

First Pumpkin

This year's first pumpkin. I have about 10 still to pick. These popped up on their own from pumpkins I was to lazy to clean up from the garden last year.

Fresh Vegetables

The first real take away from the garden this year. The peppers and onions are doing great this year, last year we did not get a single pepper or onion. Our first attempt at sunflowers seems to be working just fine.