Both today and yesterday were spring like, making us long for the cold to be gone for good! But alas, rain moves in tomorrow and cool temps follow bringing another couple of mornings below freezing. But the weathermen have missed it before, so maybe it won’t get so cold. One can hope…
We certainly took advantage of the balmy days. Yesterday found us at the park feeding geese and walking in the sun around the park’s lake. It was so nice. Sierra still loves to swing and Jonathan loves the merry-go-round. He had a bit of a mishap on it and landed in the mud puddle. Then it was time to go home.
The last of the chickens for sale were picked up this morning. I sold about six more than I planned but that was Sierra’s fault. She heard me telling Tony that I had recieved another call from a buyer- but he wanted a dozen hens and I didn’t want to sell that many. Sierra then asked me how much hen’s are costing at First Monday (a huge flea market here in Canton) I replied, “$10.00” then she asked how much we were selling our for, “$12.00” I replied. I was feeling quite proud that I was getting such a good price for my very lovely birds. She then said, “So, sell him yours and go buy more and you will still make money on the ones you sell.” Shrewd little business woman she is, I took her advice and sold some chickens. Then I went and bought chicken feed. I love it when the animals pay their own way!
While outside in the sunshine, I took time to tend the chicken house. It was time for some lime. I hate to use it in the chicken house because I am concerned that too much won’t be good for then hens when they scratch it up. So, I only apply it under the roosts where the poop really builds up and then I bury it under 6-8 inches of shavings. This seems to keep everything in balance. If you have chickens and the coop smells, it is not the chickens, but the management that is to blame. With adequate space for the chickens, deep litter, a thorough cleaning once or twice a year everyone will be healthy, happy, and odorless. The biggest challenge will be under the night-time roosts. Chickens poop A LOT when they sleep.
Once the coop was tended, we turned our attention to the herbs. We filled close to 100 gallon size pots that are now awaiting lemon grass starts and calendula seedlings. Eight trays are now filled and ready to receive the next batch of seedlings- which will probably be Tashkent Marigolds. I then got about 40 trays ready to be filled, each tray holds 20 cups. Those aren’t big numbers, but I was glad to get them done. Come Monday, all the trays will be filled with compost and all the other trays will be prepped for filling. What is hard to believe is that in just six weeks all these cups will be filled and home to plants and ready to be someone’s garden. It’s about to get CRAZY around here. Since the silly goats have not had babies yet, they are probably going to wait until I am smack in the busy season and then kid. Stinkers.
Sierra, Savannah and Jonathan helping me fill trays.
Saturday is an early day, I am going to a cheese making class! This class is a Christmas present from Tony. I have been wanting to make cheese from our goat milk for quite awhile. While in Winnsboro, I will stop by Jersey Girl Dairy and get some fresh, raw milk. The milk from this dairy is really good. Now, if the goats will only kid out I will be in business. So, off to bed for me.
Holly K. Ross 