It's just 5 days before Christmas so Joe and I had a pretty laid back Sunday planned. We slept in, caught up on my fav TV show "Nashville" and then tuned into the Pats game. When we took the dogs out this morning we noticed that 2 of our hens had escaped! We stopped letting them free range completely when we got the new chickens in October, and now we keep them confined to a run that we added onto the existing coop. The run is just some chicken wire held up with metal posts and has a tarp for a roof, but it's meant to give them more room than just the coop to roam while still keeping them safe and warm for the winter. Every night we peel back a corner of the tarp and shut the coop door with the ladies safely inside. The runner is somewhat safe, but with no floor a predator could dig into it pretty easily so they sleep in the coop. Yesterday morning we noticed an entire wall of the run had been pushed in and a big hole was dug right in front of the coop door. Nothing had gotten in, because we have a buried wall of bricks 1 foot deep all the way around the coop...but we knew we had a problem. We (by we I mean Joe with absolutely no help from me) re-built the run and reinforced the walls with extra ties to the posts to keep everything nice and tight.
Needless to say, when we saw that two hens had escaped this morning we were pretty surprised. Joe picked them up, put them back in their runner and we looked the whole runner over to try to figure out how they got out. We couldn't see any weak spots or gaps so we left them in there and went about our day. During the football game when we saw the chickens were out again we were like, screw it we'll just let them roam around the yard and tuck them into the coop later.
My friend came over so we could half watch the game and half bake Christmas cookies. We were sitting in the kitchen talking and making my fav peanut butter cookies when she said, "Aw, there's a cute neighborhood dog in your yard...uh oh he's near a chicken...OH SHIT THAT'S A FOX! THAT FOX IS EATING YOUR CHICKEN!" In broad daylight nonetheless! (Normally we only worry about them at night since most predators, including foxes, are nocturnal.) Joe kicked into protector mode and went charging out into the yard. The fox ran off, but the damage had been done. Thankfully two of the chickens that aren't escape artists were still peacefully in the coop unharmed, but the other two were not so lucky. When Joe went charging outside, the fox left the chicken he had in his grasp but we could see that he had already gotten one of the hens and he retrieved her body as he left. Our other hen was pretty badly injured, but alive. We couldn't see any blood and her neck was clearly intact so Joe picked her up gently and took her back to the coop...but she hasn't shut her mouth so we think her jaw is broken and she might be dead in the morning :(
Meanwhile, during this whole ordeal the fox never went far and we kept seeing him wandering the outskirts of the yard. I know he will try to break into the coop again tonight, and even thought I doubt he will get in it's a very stressful situation for the hens. When we found the hole he made 2 nights ago we found all their eggs smashed in the coop no doubt because they were panicking and fluttering around in the coop while a predator was trying to get into their house. We have a motion sensor light out there meant to deter coyotes but evidently it doesn't work on foxes...
Being a chicken owner is definitely not for the faint of heart! This is the 5th and maybe 6th hens we have lost to predators in 6 months. Hopefully we can keep the rest safe through the winter, and maybe in the spring we will have to build a giant fortress around the coop to keep the ladies in and the bad guys out.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
If you don't have anything nice to say...
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all! My parents taught me that when I was a kid and sometimes I think I'm the only one. Yes, this is America and you are free to speak your mind but that doesn't mean that you need to or should do so....especially when what you have to say is just plain rude.
I've noticed people tend to get REAL BRAVE with what they say on the internet and post things they probably wouldn't say in real life. Think about what you post on your Facebook page....then think about all your 1000 or 200 or however many friends, and then think about saying the words you post to each person on your friend list individually. They may not all agree with you, and they don't have to, but did you offend anyone? Probably...and maybe you don't care...but that's kind of rude to your friend don't you think?
Now, I'm all for differing opinions. Maybe you're opposed to tax increases because you want to keep the money you make and you don't trust politicians to make good decisions with your money. Maybe your friend makes enough money to be comfortable and is OK with paying 2% more in taxes if it means we feed a few more hungry kids. It's fine to express that you disagree with a tax hike (or agree with one). It's not really OK to say you disagree with a tax hike, without any justification, and say anyone who disagrees with you is a complete idiot and should just get the hell out of America. That's not a cool thing to say.
I've also noticed that in casual face-to-face conversations a lot of people seem to assume that I have the same opinions or experiences as them. (Because we look the same or because we work at the same place or live in the same town...we must be basically the same right?) They'll say really discriminatory or rude things about other people (or sometimes about my experiences or beliefs they are unaware of) and expect me to agree with them. I'll give you an example: I have 2 tattoos, but they're never visible at work. Someone at work went on a rant to me about how tattoos are unprofessional and disgusting and why would anyone ever want to ruin their bodies like that and on and on. They assumed I didn't have tattoos...but I do. And like many things, it's OK for that person not to like tattoos but why do they feel the need to judge those that have them? I'm not making you get one so how does something on my body affect you? Tattoos are just one small example, this has happened to me many times in other situations.
Sometimes I'm judgmental too; I'm not saying I'm a perfect person. But, I do try my best to be open-minded and understand what other people are going through. Another thing I heard a lot growing up was, "Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." I think that's something everyone should live by too. Let's all try to make the world a slightly nicer place by trying not to judge others, and if you really can't help it at least try to do so in silence.
I've noticed people tend to get REAL BRAVE with what they say on the internet and post things they probably wouldn't say in real life. Think about what you post on your Facebook page....then think about all your 1000 or 200 or however many friends, and then think about saying the words you post to each person on your friend list individually. They may not all agree with you, and they don't have to, but did you offend anyone? Probably...and maybe you don't care...but that's kind of rude to your friend don't you think?
Now, I'm all for differing opinions. Maybe you're opposed to tax increases because you want to keep the money you make and you don't trust politicians to make good decisions with your money. Maybe your friend makes enough money to be comfortable and is OK with paying 2% more in taxes if it means we feed a few more hungry kids. It's fine to express that you disagree with a tax hike (or agree with one). It's not really OK to say you disagree with a tax hike, without any justification, and say anyone who disagrees with you is a complete idiot and should just get the hell out of America. That's not a cool thing to say.
I've also noticed that in casual face-to-face conversations a lot of people seem to assume that I have the same opinions or experiences as them. (Because we look the same or because we work at the same place or live in the same town...we must be basically the same right?) They'll say really discriminatory or rude things about other people (or sometimes about my experiences or beliefs they are unaware of) and expect me to agree with them. I'll give you an example: I have 2 tattoos, but they're never visible at work. Someone at work went on a rant to me about how tattoos are unprofessional and disgusting and why would anyone ever want to ruin their bodies like that and on and on. They assumed I didn't have tattoos...but I do. And like many things, it's OK for that person not to like tattoos but why do they feel the need to judge those that have them? I'm not making you get one so how does something on my body affect you? Tattoos are just one small example, this has happened to me many times in other situations.
Sometimes I'm judgmental too; I'm not saying I'm a perfect person. But, I do try my best to be open-minded and understand what other people are going through. Another thing I heard a lot growing up was, "Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." I think that's something everyone should live by too. Let's all try to make the world a slightly nicer place by trying not to judge others, and if you really can't help it at least try to do so in silence.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
2 Hens-a-laying
Farm fresh eggs are back at the Martin Madhouse! Those of you who know Joe & I well or are regular readers of the blog know that we set up a coop and got 4 hens last spring. Sadly...they became a coyote's dinner in July. (Remember that crazy post?) Fortunately, the same farmer in Ellington we got our chickens from in April did another sale in October so we were able to get 4 new 18 week old hens! In the colder months, hens don't always lay eggs so when late November rolled around and we still hadn't seen any we were getting antsy.
You can do things to encourage your chickens to keep up egg production all winter long, like putting a light in their coop to mimic daylight. You want them to get about 12 hours of light, but you don't want to keep the light on all night because that might keep them awake and they won't get enough sleep. We rigged a little lightbulb up in the ceiling of the coop and put it on a timer so they get light from 5-8 am and 4-8 pm to help them out. You also need to make sure your chickens have constant access to water, regardless if they're laying or not. You can get a heated chicken waterer for about $80, or you can get a big heated dog bowl for about $18. Once we saw the water freeze overnight for the first time, we swapped in the heated bowl and it seems to be working out just fine. We did all this prep work about a month ago and still the days went on eggless.
You might read this blog and think, hm...chickens are kind of cool and I like eggs...maybe I'll get some chickens! Well, fresh eggs are definitely cool but chickens really aren't. They're super dirty birds and not necessarily the most friendly (although ours seem pretty docile so far). Having to go out in the freezing cold and clean up chicken poop and fill their food and water when you're not getting eggs out of the deal is NOT COOL. But finally, FINALLY last Friday there it was...an egg! Saturday 2 eggs, Sunday back down to one, Monday and Tuesday back to 2! I'm pretty confident that 2 out of our 4 little hens are happily laying eggs daily now. This makes me a very happy chicken farmer!
Hopefully we'll have all four laying within a week or so and we'll be back up to full egg production. When we are, if you're nice to us, there's a strong change that you will get some eggs laid with love by the Martin Hens!
You can do things to encourage your chickens to keep up egg production all winter long, like putting a light in their coop to mimic daylight. You want them to get about 12 hours of light, but you don't want to keep the light on all night because that might keep them awake and they won't get enough sleep. We rigged a little lightbulb up in the ceiling of the coop and put it on a timer so they get light from 5-8 am and 4-8 pm to help them out. You also need to make sure your chickens have constant access to water, regardless if they're laying or not. You can get a heated chicken waterer for about $80, or you can get a big heated dog bowl for about $18. Once we saw the water freeze overnight for the first time, we swapped in the heated bowl and it seems to be working out just fine. We did all this prep work about a month ago and still the days went on eggless.
You might read this blog and think, hm...chickens are kind of cool and I like eggs...maybe I'll get some chickens! Well, fresh eggs are definitely cool but chickens really aren't. They're super dirty birds and not necessarily the most friendly (although ours seem pretty docile so far). Having to go out in the freezing cold and clean up chicken poop and fill their food and water when you're not getting eggs out of the deal is NOT COOL. But finally, FINALLY last Friday there it was...an egg! Saturday 2 eggs, Sunday back down to one, Monday and Tuesday back to 2! I'm pretty confident that 2 out of our 4 little hens are happily laying eggs daily now. This makes me a very happy chicken farmer!
Hopefully we'll have all four laying within a week or so and we'll be back up to full egg production. When we are, if you're nice to us, there's a strong change that you will get some eggs laid with love by the Martin Hens!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Christmas? More list STRESSmas
The waitresses said it best in their song Christmas Wrapping, "BAH HUMBUG, no that's too strong...cuz it is my favorite holiday...but all this year's been a busy blur don't think I have the energy to add to my already mad rush just cuz it's tis the season"
Those who know me know how much I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love the decorations and the festivities, but most of all I love the giving spirit of Christmas. When I was a kid, it was amazing, so many people gave me gifts and I didn't have to do anything! As an adult, the season is much more stressful. Rather than counting down to Santa's arrival, I am trying to figure out how to bake cookies for the half dozen parties I have to go to (some of them are legit obligations, others I actually enjoy), what gifts everyone on my list will enjoy (and won't send me to the poor house), and how to spread our precious holiday time amongst different family and friends. I understand the Waitresses sentiment now, and people seem a lot less giving around this season viewed through the eyes of an adult rather than a child. People get downright feisty over everything from the gifts you give them to the amount of time you spend (or don't spend) with them. It's impossible to make everyone happy, and if you try too hard you will certainly make yourself miserable in the process.
Joe and I seem to be busy constantly. This is mostly self inflicted, and most of our commitments are social rather than work obligations, but I also work two jobs (the National Guard is a time commitment!) and go to grad school. I have final papers due from now through mid-December, we have puppy class with Otto every week, I volunteer one night a week...and when you add in holiday decorating, shopping, and party prep on top of that it's more daunting than enjoyable. I remember I used to love Christmas because it seemed like a day when everything stopped. My parents didn't talk about work for a day, no one asked us about our homework, we just got to spend time with our family and play with all our new toys...what more could a kid want? Now I know that nothing really ever stops. Even if I'm not at work, my emails and work issues are never completely removed from my mind. (I used to work a job when I was actually either in the office or on call on Christmas day...thank goodness those days are over!) No one chauffeurs me an hour to and from my Grandma's house on Christmas anymore while I listen to a new CD from Santa in the back seat. This year Joe and I will spend closer to 7 hours of Christmas day in the car going to my Grandma's and the nice thing to do would be to split up the driving.
The point is, like most things in life, the holidays get harder as you get older. It's great to make your own adult decisions but it can be hard when you have to choose between family gatherings and you feel like no matter what someone is upset. You spend hours of time and hundreds of dollars buying gifts and someone is always disappointed with what you got them. It's almost enough to make you want to skip Christmas! But don't fall into that temptation. If you have too many places to go, be glad there are so many people that love you and want to see you. If you have too many gifts to buy...just don't! The people who love you might be annoyed, but at the end of the day no one loves you because of the gifts you buy them. I like Christmas because I think it brings out the best in people, it encourages a giving spirit, and general good cheer. Be giving of your time and your love during the holiday season. Remember when your Aunt Mildred asks for the 15th time why you haven't popped out 5 babies yet and you think you might lose it that "Family is family in church or in prison, you get what you get and you don't get to pick 'em. They might smoke like chimneys but they'd give you their kidneys." And when you're feeling rushed or overwhelmed this season, listen to these two songs to get you through:
Christmas Wrapping
Family is Family
Those who know me know how much I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love the decorations and the festivities, but most of all I love the giving spirit of Christmas. When I was a kid, it was amazing, so many people gave me gifts and I didn't have to do anything! As an adult, the season is much more stressful. Rather than counting down to Santa's arrival, I am trying to figure out how to bake cookies for the half dozen parties I have to go to (some of them are legit obligations, others I actually enjoy), what gifts everyone on my list will enjoy (and won't send me to the poor house), and how to spread our precious holiday time amongst different family and friends. I understand the Waitresses sentiment now, and people seem a lot less giving around this season viewed through the eyes of an adult rather than a child. People get downright feisty over everything from the gifts you give them to the amount of time you spend (or don't spend) with them. It's impossible to make everyone happy, and if you try too hard you will certainly make yourself miserable in the process.
Joe and I seem to be busy constantly. This is mostly self inflicted, and most of our commitments are social rather than work obligations, but I also work two jobs (the National Guard is a time commitment!) and go to grad school. I have final papers due from now through mid-December, we have puppy class with Otto every week, I volunteer one night a week...and when you add in holiday decorating, shopping, and party prep on top of that it's more daunting than enjoyable. I remember I used to love Christmas because it seemed like a day when everything stopped. My parents didn't talk about work for a day, no one asked us about our homework, we just got to spend time with our family and play with all our new toys...what more could a kid want? Now I know that nothing really ever stops. Even if I'm not at work, my emails and work issues are never completely removed from my mind. (I used to work a job when I was actually either in the office or on call on Christmas day...thank goodness those days are over!) No one chauffeurs me an hour to and from my Grandma's house on Christmas anymore while I listen to a new CD from Santa in the back seat. This year Joe and I will spend closer to 7 hours of Christmas day in the car going to my Grandma's and the nice thing to do would be to split up the driving.
The point is, like most things in life, the holidays get harder as you get older. It's great to make your own adult decisions but it can be hard when you have to choose between family gatherings and you feel like no matter what someone is upset. You spend hours of time and hundreds of dollars buying gifts and someone is always disappointed with what you got them. It's almost enough to make you want to skip Christmas! But don't fall into that temptation. If you have too many places to go, be glad there are so many people that love you and want to see you. If you have too many gifts to buy...just don't! The people who love you might be annoyed, but at the end of the day no one loves you because of the gifts you buy them. I like Christmas because I think it brings out the best in people, it encourages a giving spirit, and general good cheer. Be giving of your time and your love during the holiday season. Remember when your Aunt Mildred asks for the 15th time why you haven't popped out 5 babies yet and you think you might lose it that "Family is family in church or in prison, you get what you get and you don't get to pick 'em. They might smoke like chimneys but they'd give you their kidneys." And when you're feeling rushed or overwhelmed this season, listen to these two songs to get you through:
Christmas Wrapping
Family is Family
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