About us....we are the 4th/5th generation of my family to live here on our small farm. We have been here for three years. Now that we are almost done with a remodel of the house, my dh says the time has come that we can look into adding some animals to the farm! The kids (3 of 'em, ages 8, 10, & 11) and I are so very excited! He says we will start out with chickens - so what is your best advice? Any good books I should read about raising chickens (layers only at this point) on a small scale? Thanks!
I am looking forward to having a huge garden again this year. I hope it does better than last year - it was so very dry & hot last summer. Except for the early producers, we got next to nothing from the garden.  We just couldn't keep enough water on the plants.
Anyway that is a little about us....
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Comments
2006-Jan-10 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by DonnaJoy
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How exciting to be on a generational farm - what history - looking forward to getting to know you and hearing about your homestead life.
Donna
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2006-Jan-10 - How exciting
 Posted by candy
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Sounds like your on a new adventure. Good luck with the chickens! We are also going to get some this year. I am looking forward to it.
Nice to meet you!
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2006-Jan-12 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by simplegirl
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I hope you have better luck this year with your garden. It is always such a disappointment when you put so much hard work into something and it doesn't work out. What about putting down a bunch of mulch around you plants to help hold in what moisture you do have? Have fun!
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2006-Jan-14 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by HillmanAcres
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Hi! Wow, you sound just like us. We had lots of remodeling to do during our first year on our place and then we could finally get animals. We got our day old chicks last April and got eggs in late August. My advice would be to let your children handle the chicks (gently!) often. Our chickens are so friendly and I think that's why- the kids were constantly touching them and handling them. Many books say no, but I disagree. Second, don't make your coop too large if your birds will have access to the outside often. We have a small coop, 8x10 for 23 birds. They are outside all day unless it rains or snows, and in the winter they keep warm in the small space by body heat. We have no heat or electricity at all in our coop. I have pictures on my blog if you scroll down a little. Take a peek :)
Have fun!
Leah
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2006-Jan-20 - How Wonderful!
 Posted by midwesthomestead
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A family farm must feel so 'rooted'! Here's to hoping you have better garden luck this year and have fun setting up those chickens!!
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2006-Jan-21 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by OurLittleHomestead
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Thanks for sharing ;) Hope your garden does better this year......the heat is a killer....:(
Have a blessed day
Lisa
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2006-Jan-28 - Farm Animals
 Posted by Urbanblogger from NC
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I don't know much about chickens, but I do know something about goats, and others who have commented know even more than I do! I would suggest a few milk goats for your second farm animal!
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