Happy hens come from homesteads!

It's also been awhile since I posted pictures of our little barnyard menagerie.  Besides, our critters are more popular than the Urban Homesteaders themselves.   Can't say as I blame them, they are sooooo picture savvy.  Me, not savvy!  When a camera comes out, I skedaddle the other way!

One of my favorite part of the day is going out just as the sun rises (this past week there has been a beautiful full moon in the morn) to open up the chicken coop.  The ducks fall out, all in lined up in a row while making soft quacking sounds.  A good morning to you too, ladies!   Besides we humans, the ducks are the earliest risers here on the homestead and are up at the crack of dawn so they can scrounge around the animal compound for worms and such.   About a hour later, the chickens will hop down off their perches, one by one, to join their compadres in the compound for a day of scratching, preening & eating.  Ahhhh the life!

This coming spring our plan (God willing) is to add to our poultry flock since many of our chickens are heading into retirement at  5 years.    We've had many questions about what we do with our non laying hens.   No, they are NOT bound for the stew pot;  instead, they live out their happy little lives - taking dust baths, scratching for bugs. Happy hens!  And for the ducks, the same, though they much rather water baths - thank you very much.

For those of you who are looking for information on starting your own poultry flock,  check out Sis's sisters site BARNYARDS & BACKYARDS that's chockablock full of helpful links and information (& Giveaways!)

I can't tell you enough how much Jordanne knows about raising animals!  She has helped many readers' sick chickens, rabbits, goats, cats and more!

Goatsies

Silly Sairey

Estella

Lucie

Ducks in a row

Crazy Quackers

And we mustn't forget....

Cassidy our sweetie

Mr Handsome

I'm rising but I ain't shining!

Care to share your what's happening in your backyard barnyard?

Need a towel?

Dora, our  blonde cochin chicken, is named after Dora Spenlow,  one of Dicken's characters in David Copperfield. She is  pretty like fair-headed Dora, just as ditzy,  childlike and unable to cope with the everyday responsibilities of an adult.  From day one, the blonde bombshell of our chickendom exhibited some of those doraesque traits so we had felt that name was truly befitting her. Or so we thought.

With the other chickens taking cover from the recent downpour, Dora seems to be oblivious that it’s raining cats and dogs.  She was the only one out in the rain, seemingly rather clueless about taking any other course of action. Doesn't she have the sense to come out of the rain, we asked?

As another blonde, but of the human kind, remarked:  "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." -- Dolly Parton

Maybe Dora has more of a philosophical vein than her other feathered companions, knowing that this is something she has to go through to get to the other side, the rainbow, and seems to be enjoying the process and the present state of things.

Maybe Dora is not so dumb after all.  After all, maybe somewhere in that little chicken brain, she knows the truth of what comes after the rain. And, because of that innate chicken wisdom, maybe Dora proves, once again, that blondes really do have more fun!

Care to share your favorite chicken(s) personality of your flock?

It’s been a warm week, with temperatures hitting the mid 80’s.  Spring is just around the corner!

Yesterday, as I was feeding the chickens and ducks, I noticed one of chickens, Saiery(aka "Mouse")) seeming to strain to poop – she was "squatting" and nothing came out.   I have a habit of just watching the girls for a few minutes, to see if I can detect anything odd or unusual.     It’s these little signs that could point to a larger problems in the long run.    Picking her up, I noticed her backside was a little gooey so then went into the hen house to check the nesting box noticed there was an eggy mess in one of them.   All signs pointed that she laid a gooey egg and was constipated - thankfully not egg bound!

One never knows all the internal workings of laying animals but spotting and treating the problem early on can certainly be a lifesaver.  Reaching for a syringe and mineral oil located in the animal feed shed we gave her a good mineral cleanse/flush to her backside, followed by soaking her bottom in a hot water bath.    After a few hours she was pooping normally and this morning she laid a normal egg!

We’ll monitor her closely for a couple days.   Although we are sure to give our girls their dose of calcium, I’ll make sure they get a bit extra if this warm spell is causing them to stress out.

- William Wordsworth rewritten for our times

In winter, when surplus greens are scarce, we supplement our backyard poultry's diet with wheatgrass. Justin sows a few dozen trays and each morning the feather menagerie get a flat of "grass" to nibble on.  Boy, do they go to town on the grass flat!

Not only does their health benefit when the chickens/ducks has the opportunity to graze on “grass” but the people's health also benefits from eating their eggs with increased egg nutrition  (high in Omega 3-s and vitamin D)

The old saying "You are what you eat"  comes to mind,  but also what your critters eat too.

We are eggstastic (sorry, just had to put that pun in!) that our chooks and ducks are back in the egg business (sorry no extras).  For some reason, this winter (could be because of old age or extreme weather conditions) we weren’t getting any eggs - nadda, zippo, zilch!   Jordanne had to curtail her baking (no chocolate brownies - sniff) and just to have “spare” eggs on hand we picked up a dozen from the South Pasadena farmers market.   Sorta felt weird buying eggs, but at least they were from a local source.

The older (four plus year old) ducks & chickens are passed their prime laying years and the new batch of ducks should be laying  -- any day now, ladies!  We’ll be bringing in a new batch of chicks come Spring so that we can maintain a decent egg production flow here on the urban homestead.

Jordanne’s collected a few local folks who’d like to get in our chick order.    Boy, I can still recall the time (a few years back) that sis and I raised over 150 baby chicks.  Whew, that was some operation!   Backyard chickens were hot, and folks were clamoring on the backyard chicken bandwagon and wanted a local source of naturally raised pullets.   Going to keep things much simpler and smaller this time around – for our sanity!

We still meet people who have said that Jordanne's chickens were the healthiest (and friendliest) they've ever had.  And now that she's put together her super amazing Natural Poultry Formula - you can get your Spring chicks off to a healthy start.

Received a positive phone testimony yesterday. Lady said that Jordanne's selected poultry supplements drastically improved her two sick chickens!!!

Check out Urban Homestead Supply Store for Jordanne's Animal Care Products

Can’t leave the critter compound without snapping a least a few dozen photos of their sometimes crazy antics.

Noon is nap time

zzzzzzz

Crazy Sairey Gamp

Chickens settle down for a nap too

Looking for bugs

Checking out the helicopter that buzzed over the homestead

Sure doesn't look like any bird we know of

Sorry for not posting in a few days, but hadn't really been in the mood for writing.  Our family has some very sad news to share.

I knew this time would come one day but it sure did come as a shock to all. The matriarch of our homestead and poster chicken for urban homesteading, Miss Clementine, quickly and peacefully passed away in Jordanne's arms on Friday afternoon at the ripe old age of eight.

Her chickenship was a very happy and healthy chicken to the end,  eating grubs, greens and hanging with her gal friends.

But last week, she wasn't her normal self.  We noticed she was  slower and not as bossy around the chickens as much.   On Friday afternoon I went into the animal compound and found her in the corner just sitting there.  I knew it wasn't a good sign and frantically called for Jordanne.   Jordanne brought her into the house, sat on the couch and and held her on her lap.,  stroking and talking to her until her heart slowed and, in a matter of a seconds, stopped.

The first of our city chicken flock,  she was certainly the world's most famous chicken.  Clementine was featured in countless articles, video pieces, books and even our 2011 "Little Homestead" calendar.

Our fluffy black cochin was not only a beautiful but also a very sweet chicken.  Everyone who met her immediately liked her.   She loved dust baths, grubs, sitting in laps and ruling the roost!

All of us had a good hard cry as she is one of the oldest living critters to have passed away here on the urban homestead. She was a very special chicken to a lot of folks and will be (is) missed.

I still look for her amongst the flock and pains me to see that she's gone.

Our "Darling Clementine" now lies in the garden, under an apple tree.

You are lost but not gone forever

With the front porch farm stand’s customers numbers growing on a daily basis, one thing I’ve learned that there’s still much to be done in educating the public about seasonal produce and eggs. Our modern, convenient eating habits are no longer defined by season and place.    Food routes and patterns are forgotten, thanks to the advent of supermarkets.

Local eggs are in such high demand these days thanks to the recent salmonella scare but raising such a small flock here in the city one, unfortunately,  can’t supply the demand.    And it’s dealing with the demand that really tests your commitment to stewardship and sustainability.    It's so easy to slip into "if only we had more land/acreage - more animals."   True, that would help the situation to have a bigger farm; however,  "how big" is too big is the question - one that leads to very lively (sometimes heated) discussions around the dinner table.

Egg production slows down in fall-winter due to molting and less day light hours.   We believe in the humane raising of animals.  Therefore, to supply the demand, would we install "lights" in the coop to "force" our girls to lay in winter?   Or just, like sis (head writer over at Barnyards and Backyards ) says, "Let nature be."  With our 24-7 food culture, there’s a point when some things just aren’t available and it's pointless to "force" even if the method is "harmless."   Our chickens and ducks are happy and our customers should appreciate that fact.

This month I’ve had to tell customers, "Sorry, no eggs, the chickens are moulting."    With a quizzical look they ask, "Moulting?"  "Yeah, that’s right" I answer back ""They are shedding their feathers which stresses them out and so no eggs."    I try to make them feel better and say that we are desperate for fresh eggs too!  The other day Jordanne wanted to bake something only to go to the poultry house and come back with one egg when she needed three.  So guess what?  She had to find another dessert recipe.

Food sustainability is, by far, a great and complicated balancing act and sometimes you just have to let our modern concept of food go.  By raising and growing your own food, you connect with season and place.   Nature is the best teacher, and you learn that you can’t have all food all the time.

:: Resources ::

During autumn, many household poultry keepers, particularly people keeping poultry for the first time, are puzzled because egg production markedly declines or ceases despite their laying birds appearing healthy. This seasonal decline in egg production occurs when birds go into a condition known as the 'moult'.

Moulting is the process of shedding and renewing feathers. During the moult, the reproductive physiology of the bird has a complete rest from laying and the bird builds up its body reserves of nutrients.

The provision of new feathers or a coat (a feature inherent in most animals) is a natural process, designed by nature to maintain a bird's ability to escape enemies by flight and better protect against cold winter conditions.  -- Moulting - how, when and why chickens moult

Scrambled Eggs: Report Spotlights “Systemic” Abuses in Organic Egg Production

Who Owns Organic

Free Range Fiasco

Barnyards and Backyards

Our spokes-chick! Clemetine approved

Raising chickens naturally and holistically has been a passion for Jordanne these last nine years. During those years she's acquired a lot of knowledge and know how which is now available to help you naturally boost your backyard flock.

Jordanne's had this product in mind for years now and it's great to see her (finally) start this new venture and we are excited to offer our fellow homesteaders.

One surprise down, a few more to go!

The moment you put an animal behind a fence or provide it designated living quarters, you are taking on full responsibility for the life of that animal. If you are a person of conscience, then you want to treat the animal with kindness and concern and care for its comfort and safety. To provide the best care for any animal, one has to realize that nature and instinct, if left to its own devices, can provide the best. There is no way that we can improve upon nature.

Chickens and ducks are driven to choose what to eat based on instinct. In nature, they are not sole grain feeders but omnivorous birds that thrives on fresh vegetation, bugs, and even lizards and mice. Most poultry feeds eliminate the variety- leaving only grain and that alone makes for a sickly bird.

I have studied multiple books about poultry and very few dedicate any page space to the healing of illness and disease. The general belief is that chickens are cheap, short-lived and when they get sick, the best thing is to put them down because it is all too much trouble. But why does it have to be that way? If we take the time and responsibility to raise a healthy bird, the diseases, parasites and illnesses become afterthoughts. In the long run, prevention will be the best way. Sure, bad things will happen and every animal is mortal, but by concentrating on the holistic balancing of the body through minerals, vitamins and herbs, you can help not only the bird but also yourself -- for the health of poultry is transferred to you via eggs (or meat, if you are a meat eater).

This feed supplement mixture comes from my long time observation of chickens and ducks (what and how they eat) as well as from our family's knowledge of herbs. It is used on my own chickens and ducks. Several years ago, when I raised batches of chicks for selling I used the ingredients in this formula. To this day, people tell me that the chickens obtained from me were the healthiest, most adjusted and have some of the best plumage. I'm excited to be now marketing this supplement because I am passionate about caring for poultry holistically and bringing them back to their natural state and far away from the constant over-medication the poultry industry claims they need. -- Jordanne Dervaes

POULTRY SUPPLEMENT

An herbal dietary supplement that is all natural with no artificial chemicals or synthetic medications. This formula was developed using ancient knowledge of the power of herbs combined with personal, hands-on experience caring for poultry.

We have raised many unmedicated, unvaccinated chickens without any instances of coccidiosis, diarrhea, pasty-butt, or mareks disease. Most commercially prepared poultry foods are not complete and balanced. Although they may offer the basics to keep a chicken alive, they don’t provide all the trace nutrients and diversity of minerals a foraging bird would consume. Additionally, most poultry are prevented by confinement from feeding naturally. A chicken or a duck, if allowed to roam its natural habitat, will forage for a wide variety of foods and glean essential minerals from the soil, thus consuming its own preventative treatments from herbs, plants and dirt.

This is a blend of tonic (nutritive) herbs. Tonic herbs are used to attempt to improve general health, boost energy levels, and improve body tone. It is also fortified with vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and sound development. Holistic therapies address the health of the entire animal by gradually balancing the systems of the body, strengthening the immune system, and preventing disease.

The combination of herbs in this formula is traditionally used as a preventative and to build a stronger immune system so poultry can more easily fight viruses, parasites, and disease.

Safe for chicks and ducklings! Get your babies off to a healthy start!

Ingredients: Colloidal trace minerals (contains over 40 vital minerals from the soil and the sea) , Tonic Herb Blend, Kelp, Powdered Probiotics, Yeast Culture (powdered and dried fermentation of raw liquid and cereal grains), Garlic, Vitamin and Protein Mix (contains some soybean flour)

We offer four different mixes:
- CHICKEN MIX ( 1 lb 15 oz)
- SOY-FREE CHICKEN MIX ( 1 lb 10 oz)
- DUCK MIX Contains more Brewer's Yeast for Niacin requirements ( 2 lb 15 oz)
- SOY-FREE DUCK MIX (2 lb 10 oz)

DIRECTIONS: Mix 1 package with 25 lbs of feed. Store in a cool, dry place.

Introductory special! Buy more and save!
1 package - $18.00
2 packages - $30.00
3 packages - $40.00
4 packages - $50.00

ORDER YOURS TODAY

(Note: Discount will be deducted from your order total after the order is received.)

Disclaimer: The products offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. The information and statements presented on this site have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of herbs and essential oil for the prevention, treatment, mitigation or cure of disease has not been approved by the FDA or USDA. We therefore make no claims to this effect. This formula is based on the traditional and historic use of herbs as well as personal experience and is provided for general use only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or promote any direct or implied health claims. This information and products are not intended to replace professional veterinary and/or medical advice.

If you are frequent visitor to homesteading sites, poultry message boards, spread the word. Remember if you do purchase this product and see good results, please take time to leave feedback. If you are a blogger, writer and would like to write a review of this product (or chickens, ducks, goats for that matter) contact Jordanne at jordanne(at)pathtofreedom(dot)com

So this time around Jordanne took the camera into her possession and snapped a few photos

You just saw synchronized preening and here's another sport our hens love to do in the afternoons - dust bathing.  It's all about beauty and bliss.  Why do critters have it so easy!  Darned if I know.

What's all the commotion?

It's dust bath time!  Of course, Lucie is the first to start the mid afternoon ritual.

Frontside, now the backside - ahhh that feels good.

Sairey joins in.  Get that dust under those long and purty feathers of yours.

Rolling over, got to get the back.

Sissy's turn.

and Biddy.

Ah, pure bliss.

Blackberry watches the bathing beauties and their cleaning routine.

Watching the animals taking care of themselves, got me thinking.  Then talking it over with sis, saying we got to be back into our "taking care of ourselves" routine that went out the window these last two years because we were just too darn busy or tired.   I know, I know no excuses, but - but!  This year gonna steal some time and do some stretching/yoga or whatever you call it.   Either that or will be sleeping with Mr Hotwater bottle for a very long time.

So without wastin' any more words,  here's another pictorial post of stuff and happenings around the urban homestead these past couple days.

Oh, and if you are enjoying these picture post as much as me then look for another "Around the Urban Homestead pt 3!"

The Animal Yard

The sign should actually say "welcome to the funny farm" but that's another story!

Fairlight polishes off one of Farmer Sergio's persimmons.  Sheesh, get a napkin will ya!

Though her nickname is "her ladyship" her eating habits are far from ladylike.  Just don't tell her I told you that or she may give me one of her "don't you dare" glare and disapproving butt with her head

The molting season is winding down, now dealing with broody hens and you know how they are at this stage -- all in a huff and getting a bit uppity with the others.  With their poofy cheeks they go around tuck, tucking everyone so best stay out of their way.

Busy butts digging for bugs and look at those cute fluffy butts!  How come chicken backsides are so darn cute?  OK, either that or we are spending waaaaay to much time here on the farm.

With colder nights the goats spend their evening in the part of the garage that's been converted into a goat pen.   Maaaaaaa

In the Home

Jordanne organizes the urban homestead's library (you can get some of our favorite titles at our online store)

Cassidy's takin to sitting in the "recipe basket" that sits in the dinning room and stores all our favorite recipes here on the urban homestead.  No, it's not organized nor is it alphabetical... one day!

New curtains in the girls' bedroom.  With three walls of windows our room gets like a deep freeze in winter (our bedroom was a late addition to our 1917 simple craftsman house built for a woman that had TB).   Literally if we had meat it would be perfect meat locker.... well just about.  Anyhow,  Jordanne's winterizing with curtains (the buttons are courtesy of our vintage button collection)   Since the curtains were a bit long the buttons shorten them up and bit and I think it looks downright lovely with the antique accents

In the Garden

Bee visiting the flowering basil

Lima beans

Snow peas climb upwards

Oranges

Field of greens

Flowering marigold

Farmer D & Farmer Justin attached the row covers to the hoops

Beneficial birds look for the bad bugs among the peas

Another flock of wee little birds hangs out in the fig tree.  The urban homestead attracts all sorts of urban wildlife!

Some man-made "wildlife"

Young radishes

Many of the seeds you see growing here on the micro farm can be purchased from our online seed store FreedomSeeds.org

In the Kitchen

Sprouts

Another weekly batch of kombucha ready to mix with lemon verbena syrup

Pouring

and bottling

Miscellaneous

Recycling cardboard is food for the worms

Moving right along in the honey shed construction

Our family gets interviewed by German radio

View from the back porch (sun ovens, cob oven and solar cone composter)

Free, recycled grease ready to be brewed into biodiesel by our brewmeister, Justin

Backyard bees

Dinner bell

Justin works on the one of the diesel cars

Filling up with homebrewed biodiesel

Yarn projects - hat's almost finished!