Current count: 37 eggs
I started this week out complaining about how slow the week was going, and now I really can't believe tomorrow will be Friday. Both the chickens were in the coop during the day most of the week. T. let them roam all day Wednesday, but we generally don't do that. Even though they're in the backyard, they're still chickens and they seem at risk for hawks, raccoons, or opossums. I prefer to only have them out when we're home or when the dog or us can be out there with them.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday Morning Walkaround
Current Count: 33 eggs
So both #2 and #3 have been allowed to roam around the backyard all weekend, and each laid an egg this morning. I know they really like their time out in the yard, but I also think it may serve a purpose. The moving around helps keep their little chicken systems moving. The combination of the feed and the infusion of variety from bugs and plants in the yard provides all the necessary nutrients, and the walking helps keep them "regular."
At least, that's my opinion.
So both #2 and #3 have been allowed to roam around the backyard all weekend, and each laid an egg this morning. I know they really like their time out in the yard, but I also think it may serve a purpose. The moving around helps keep their little chicken systems moving. The combination of the feed and the infusion of variety from bugs and plants in the yard provides all the necessary nutrients, and the walking helps keep them "regular."
At least, that's my opinion.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
After a Week of Rain
Current Count: 31 eggs
I was finally able to let the girls come out today. They've been penned up all week because of the rain, the early sunset, and the fact that T. and I are both working until it's dark now. I think there's something about getting to walk around that encourages egg laying. During the week we started get an egg from each of them every other day rather than every day. I also had a lot harder time updating this week because I got home late and it was cold and wet outside. Feeding and watering the chickens was no problem but collecting the eggs is a little bit of a hassle. I have to climb up on a step ladder, lift a hinged 2' x 4' piece of plywood and hold it while I lean over to the furthest corner in the coop. Once I have eggs in my hand, I then have to pull myself back while I continue holding the plywood up. It's a PITA even on dry days, but when you make the step ladder slippery and add rain coming down, what could possibly go wrong?
I found this to be an enjoyable scene when I walked into the bedroom this morning:
I don't think the cat realizes that the chickens could probably whoop up on him if he actually got out there.
In other news, NorCal got some rain this week. God knows we need it, but it sure does make life at an elementary school a lot more complicated. The kids and the staff are cooped up all day, and everybody gets cabin fever. There was a brief period this week where we had about 550 kids in the gym as we transitioned between our two lunches. There's not enough Excedrin in the world to stave off the headache that brings on....God Bless our folks who work as Noon Duty Supervisors.
I was finally able to let the girls come out today. They've been penned up all week because of the rain, the early sunset, and the fact that T. and I are both working until it's dark now. I think there's something about getting to walk around that encourages egg laying. During the week we started get an egg from each of them every other day rather than every day. I also had a lot harder time updating this week because I got home late and it was cold and wet outside. Feeding and watering the chickens was no problem but collecting the eggs is a little bit of a hassle. I have to climb up on a step ladder, lift a hinged 2' x 4' piece of plywood and hold it while I lean over to the furthest corner in the coop. Once I have eggs in my hand, I then have to pull myself back while I continue holding the plywood up. It's a PITA even on dry days, but when you make the step ladder slippery and add rain coming down, what could possibly go wrong?
I found this to be an enjoyable scene when I walked into the bedroom this morning:
I don't think the cat realizes that the chickens could probably whoop up on him if he actually got out there.
In other news, NorCal got some rain this week. God knows we need it, but it sure does make life at an elementary school a lot more complicated. The kids and the staff are cooped up all day, and everybody gets cabin fever. There was a brief period this week where we had about 550 kids in the gym as we transitioned between our two lunches. There's not enough Excedrin in the world to stave off the headache that brings on....God Bless our folks who work as Noon Duty Supervisors.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
Current Count: 27 eggs
The chickens were both asleep by the time we got home and checked on them tonight. It really is true that chickens completely lose their ability to function once they get roosted for the night. You can pick them up, pet them, move them around. They cluck but they don't resist in any way. Yikes.
In other news, the United States of America inaugurated Barack Obama as the 44th President today. The significance of his identity as the first African-American President was not lost on the nation or the media.
The chickens were both asleep by the time we got home and checked on them tonight. It really is true that chickens completely lose their ability to function once they get roosted for the night. You can pick them up, pet them, move them around. They cluck but they don't resist in any way. Yikes.
In other news, the United States of America inaugurated Barack Obama as the 44th President today. The significance of his identity as the first African-American President was not lost on the nation or the media.
Monday, January 19, 2009
How to Collect the Data
Current Count: 25 eggs
We've been talking about whether or not to begin listing the number of eggs by each chicken, but I still haven't made up my mind. This pair of eggs arrived uneventfully.
In other news, I bowled my first game over 200 last night, a 206 to be exact.
We've been talking about whether or not to begin listing the number of eggs by each chicken, but I still haven't made up my mind. This pair of eggs arrived uneventfully.
In other news, I bowled my first game over 200 last night, a 206 to be exact.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Flurry of Activity
Current Count: 23 eggs!!
Okay, so I'm still working on checking out the coop and posting when I get home from work. Since it was the weekend, we had some other commitments, and I'm just now getting us all caught up. It seems like #3 has turned into a lean, mean, laying machine. She's giving us one egg every day, and sometimes two. #2 is reliably giving us one. If it keeps up, we'll have at least two dozen by the time the inauguration festivities are in full swing.
Since I don't have any fun pictures from my own chickens today, we turn to the chicken community. Check out this fellow. An unfortunate story, but it makes for great conversation at cocktail parties.
http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/story.php
In other news, a friend of mine got Rock Band 2 for the Wii, so I spent most of last night mastering the backbeat from "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. How can you not love one of the 12 Rocky themes?
Okay, so I'm still working on checking out the coop and posting when I get home from work. Since it was the weekend, we had some other commitments, and I'm just now getting us all caught up. It seems like #3 has turned into a lean, mean, laying machine. She's giving us one egg every day, and sometimes two. #2 is reliably giving us one. If it keeps up, we'll have at least two dozen by the time the inauguration festivities are in full swing.
Since I don't have any fun pictures from my own chickens today, we turn to the chicken community. Check out this fellow. An unfortunate story, but it makes for great conversation at cocktail parties.
http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/story.php
In other news, a friend of mine got Rock Band 2 for the Wii, so I spent most of last night mastering the backbeat from "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. How can you not love one of the 12 Rocky themes?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hitting a Groove
Current count: 18 eggs
Sure enough...got home from work today, went out and checked, and there were two eggs in the little nest that #2 and #3 have apparently decided to share. There was one egg of each color, so we're pretty sure they're both laying, but again, we haven't actually seen #3 doing the work. I've now added one egg every morning to my breakfast (thank god my cholesterol is fine). One of the great things about having the chickens is having them cruise around the backyard sometimes. One of the surprising things that happens, though, is this:
You go to walk out your back door and they're right there acting like they want to come in and watch TV or something. This also creates a little bit of a waste problem right outside your door--easy to get rid of, but I'd rather they kept all that in the yard.
Sure enough...got home from work today, went out and checked, and there were two eggs in the little nest that #2 and #3 have apparently decided to share. There was one egg of each color, so we're pretty sure they're both laying, but again, we haven't actually seen #3 doing the work. I've now added one egg every morning to my breakfast (thank god my cholesterol is fine). One of the great things about having the chickens is having them cruise around the backyard sometimes. One of the surprising things that happens, though, is this:
You go to walk out your back door and they're right there acting like they want to come in and watch TV or something. This also creates a little bit of a waste problem right outside your door--easy to get rid of, but I'd rather they kept all that in the yard.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Three's a crowd
Current Count: 16 eggs
Actually...three eggs makes an omelet, not necessarily a crowd. For anyone who's been following along at home, you can do the math and see that something new has happened. I last posted 2 days ago, and today's egg count reflects a triple play, bringing the grand total to 16 eggs. Apparently, #3 has become another contributor. Here is a picture of today's collection. The one on top of the pile that's standing up is a different color from the others, and it's also pointier than the others. T. and I have come to the conclusion that this means we have a second egg layer.
In other news, I did go back to work, which for me is an elementary school, where I am the vice principal. All the folks at school have been following the chicken saga from the beginning, so everyone's embracing my excitement level around the whole egg laying process. I work with wonderful people.
Actually...three eggs makes an omelet, not necessarily a crowd. For anyone who's been following along at home, you can do the math and see that something new has happened. I last posted 2 days ago, and today's egg count reflects a triple play, bringing the grand total to 16 eggs. Apparently, #3 has become another contributor. Here is a picture of today's collection. The one on top of the pile that's standing up is a different color from the others, and it's also pointier than the others. T. and I have come to the conclusion that this means we have a second egg layer.
In other news, I did go back to work, which for me is an elementary school, where I am the vice principal. All the folks at school have been following the chicken saga from the beginning, so everyone's embracing my excitement level around the whole egg laying process. I work with wonderful people.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Combination Flock/Pack
Current count: 13 eggs (avg. $3.29/doz.)
So now she's laid a baker's dozen. I've used two of them in cookies, and I do think it's made a difference for the better, both in sugar and chocolate chip.
One of the questions that comes up in conversation is how the chickens and the dog do together. Thankfully, the dog was already 9 years old when the chickens arrived and managed to get accustomed them pretty quickly. The chickens didn't know any better so they've gotten used to him, but only in that chicken-y way where they squawk and run away if he expresses any interest in them at all. They can all hang out together if he acts like he doesn't see them (see below).
In other news, there's bowling tonight, and then back to school tomorrow, my first time up at 5 AM since the middle of December.
So now she's laid a baker's dozen. I've used two of them in cookies, and I do think it's made a difference for the better, both in sugar and chocolate chip.
One of the questions that comes up in conversation is how the chickens and the dog do together. Thankfully, the dog was already 9 years old when the chickens arrived and managed to get accustomed them pretty quickly. The chickens didn't know any better so they've gotten used to him, but only in that chicken-y way where they squawk and run away if he expresses any interest in them at all. They can all hang out together if he acts like he doesn't see them (see below).
In other news, there's bowling tonight, and then back to school tomorrow, my first time up at 5 AM since the middle of December.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Even Dozen
Current count: 12 eggs (avg. $3.29/doz.)
The unrest at the chicken coop was not repeated this morning, although #2 was irritated I didn't show up until almost 11 to let them out. They've discovered an area of the rose bed that T. pruned back and cleaned out last week. It's apparently a jackpot for bugs because the chickens are scratching in there like crazy and then pecking around. The arrival of the 12th egg was uneventful as far as I know. Here's a shot of the coop where the chickens hang out. It's 4' x 8' with a raised little house. They seem to like it just fine.
In other news, I've discovered the best corned beef hash in Sacramento...homemade at Cassidy's, a restaurant at the corner of 51st and Folsom. It's the most delectable combination of real corned beef, shredded up potatoes, and bell peppers and it is FRESH. I'm not kidding when I say it's the best corned beef hash I've ever had in my life.
The unrest at the chicken coop was not repeated this morning, although #2 was irritated I didn't show up until almost 11 to let them out. They've discovered an area of the rose bed that T. pruned back and cleaned out last week. It's apparently a jackpot for bugs because the chickens are scratching in there like crazy and then pecking around. The arrival of the 12th egg was uneventful as far as I know. Here's a shot of the coop where the chickens hang out. It's 4' x 8' with a raised little house. They seem to like it just fine.
In other news, I've discovered the best corned beef hash in Sacramento...homemade at Cassidy's, a restaurant at the corner of 51st and Folsom. It's the most delectable combination of real corned beef, shredded up potatoes, and bell peppers and it is FRESH. I'm not kidding when I say it's the best corned beef hash I've ever had in my life.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Riot in the Coop
Current count: 11 eggs
Last night the chickens must have been hungry because they ate all their food and then rioted, kicking over their dishes (both of them) and crapping all over the water dish. They did not, however, go on strike. #2 had an egg yesterday and there was another one in there this afternoon, which I still have to pull out.
In other news, not much other news. I'm going back to work on Monday after a full month of vacation. Thing are in a bit of a state of transition, but that's for another time. Here's a picture of #3, the nervous chicken little that still isn't laying. I believe it was taken while she was being terrified of a squash during the summer.
Last night the chickens must have been hungry because they ate all their food and then rioted, kicking over their dishes (both of them) and crapping all over the water dish. They did not, however, go on strike. #2 had an egg yesterday and there was another one in there this afternoon, which I still have to pull out.
In other news, not much other news. I'm going back to work on Monday after a full month of vacation. Thing are in a bit of a state of transition, but that's for another time. Here's a picture of #3, the nervous chicken little that still isn't laying. I believe it was taken while she was being terrified of a squash during the summer.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Even God Took A Rest
Current Count: 9 eggs
I guess #2 declared yesterday her day off. No eggs in the coop. Today I got back from working out around 2:00 and bingo, here's another egg. I get excited every time...it's like a little voice says, "You'll never have to be hungry as long as you have her around." I wonder where that comes from.
In other news, my cousin and her husband have been in NorCal for week visiting friends so we connected in Oakland yesterday. We decided to go on a tour of a local chocolate factory in Berkeley. http://www.scharffenberger.com/ It turned out to be interesting and we got good free chocolate samples.
I guess #2 declared yesterday her day off. No eggs in the coop. Today I got back from working out around 2:00 and bingo, here's another egg. I get excited every time...it's like a little voice says, "You'll never have to be hungry as long as you have her around." I wonder where that comes from.
In other news, my cousin and her husband have been in NorCal for week visiting friends so we connected in Oakland yesterday. We decided to go on a tour of a local chocolate factory in Berkeley. http://www.scharffenberger.com/ It turned out to be interesting and we got good free chocolate samples.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A visit to the Farmer's Market
Current Count: 8 eggs
#2 just keeps putting 'em out...not sure exactly when today. I continue to be amazed that she's generating something other people will pay for. We went to the farmer's market this morning and I couldn't help but notice that organic free range eggs were $2.75/half dozen and $5.00/dozen for large AA. I'm not sure what makes an egg "large" vs. "extra large" but I bet a visit to Wikipedia would take care of that. The same is probably true for grading them.
In other news, I was out on the bike trail this afternoon and spotted a grey coyote walking along between the levy and the golf course. We passed within 10 feet of each other, and she didn't really seem to care.
#2 just keeps putting 'em out...not sure exactly when today. I continue to be amazed that she's generating something other people will pay for. We went to the farmer's market this morning and I couldn't help but notice that organic free range eggs were $2.75/half dozen and $5.00/dozen for large AA. I'm not sure what makes an egg "large" vs. "extra large" but I bet a visit to Wikipedia would take care of that. The same is probably true for grading them.
In other news, I was out on the bike trail this afternoon and spotted a grey coyote walking along between the levy and the golf course. We passed within 10 feet of each other, and she didn't really seem to care.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Veil of Mystery Completely Lifted
Current Count: 7 eggs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eggsact Uses
1 in a batch of cookies
1 given to friends
1 eaten scrambled
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So up until yesterday neither of us had actually seen the laying process. Well, that all changed today. T. was out working in the yard and heard #2 making a bunch of noise while #3 ran all around. Finally, #3 ran back into the coop and T. followed her back to see WTF. #2 was inside in the little circle she had scooped out. One minute there was nothing there, and the next, boom, there's an egg inside the circle.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Lifting the Veil of Mystery
Current Count: 6 eggs--the even half dozen
While we haven't actually seen any eggs get layed, I think we both feel pretty confident that it's #2 (the chicken in the picture). She's had some behavioral changes in that she let's us pet her now, squatting down and spreading her wings a little bit (kind of like she would if one were a rooster, hmmm). Also, this morning when I went to go check in on them, she was the one who had made herself a little circle in the wood chips and was sitting. When T. went to go check about 11:30, boom, the sixth egg had arrived!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
First Entry - An Introduction
Current Count: 5 Eggs
Every time I tell someone I have a couple chickens they invariably ask me if I got them for eggs or for-- nudge, nudge, wink,wink--meat. In all reality, I got the chickens because I'm a pushover and several second graders asked me if I would take some home. I wound up with three, one of whom turned out to be a rooster, again because I'm a big pushover. I did draw the line at the rooster once he progressed from croaking every morning to full blown crowing--I just couldn't have it. Luckily, he found a home even better than mine, leaving the two hens to grow up here. They hatched in May so I expected eggs some time in November. It never happened. Then it was Christmas, and it was cold, and I left to go see family on Christmas Day. I figured there would be no egg action until it warmed up. I talked to my partner on the 27th, and he said that eggs had been laid. Yee Haw!
I was surprised to detect a thread of self-sufficiency in myself, imagining a world where I was depending on my chickens to barter my way to a better station in life...curses the departure of the rooster. Here's what they looked like when they first got here, but they changed quickly and dramatically.
Every time I tell someone I have a couple chickens they invariably ask me if I got them for eggs or for-- nudge, nudge, wink,wink--meat. In all reality, I got the chickens because I'm a pushover and several second graders asked me if I would take some home. I wound up with three, one of whom turned out to be a rooster, again because I'm a big pushover. I did draw the line at the rooster once he progressed from croaking every morning to full blown crowing--I just couldn't have it. Luckily, he found a home even better than mine, leaving the two hens to grow up here. They hatched in May so I expected eggs some time in November. It never happened. Then it was Christmas, and it was cold, and I left to go see family on Christmas Day. I figured there would be no egg action until it warmed up. I talked to my partner on the 27th, and he said that eggs had been laid. Yee Haw!
I was surprised to detect a thread of self-sufficiency in myself, imagining a world where I was depending on my chickens to barter my way to a better station in life...curses the departure of the rooster. Here's what they looked like when they first got here, but they changed quickly and dramatically.
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