FEATHER PECKING

Winslow never in his wildest dreams thought he would be sharing a room with a chicken. The issue at hand- feather pecking. The culprit- Georgia.
The innocent victim- Sweet Henny Penny. I never would have imagined one of my girls behavior becoming so vicious. And why? As far as chickens go they lead a very comfortable existence. They reside in proper accommodations(not over crowded), nutritious feed and treats (grit and calcium also provided), free range weather permitting, and as far as I can see no external parasites. Chicken mama's I need your help. Could it be I am over looking something vital to their co- existence?

I cleaned poor Henny's wound and applied Blu-Kote.
Her accommodations for the next few days-Winslow's travelling dog crate.

This afternoon my sweet girl laid her egg in this crate and carried on with all her usual exuberant trumpeting. I am treating her to a five star hotel room accommodation. I can only imagine this as I myself have never stayed in a five star hotel. Dining is on antique Currier and Ives china and dinner this evening consists of organic blueberries and yogurt.

Rest assured Henny Penny, your chicken momma will keep you safe,
for tonight anyway.

(In the coop I have hung a seed block to aid in the girl's desire to peck and also added unfiltered apple cider to their water, an old fashioned remedy I found on a chicken keeping site.) I welcome any and all other chicken ideas and suggestions. Thank you once again! Things are never dull here at Dog Trot Farm....

MY NIGHT TIME MISSION

Tools- one headlamp... One flash light..
One crazed chicken mama... My midnight mission-mite search. Nesting boxes examined...

All clear... Ten pink derrieres checked...all clear

As far as I can tell no night time mite feeding going on in here. Sorry from the intrusion ladies, your behavior has earned extra blueberries in your morning oatmeal. Sleep tight girls, don't let the bed bugs bite!
Love, one happy chicken mama....

CALLING ALL CHICKEN MAMA'S

Does this look like a molting chicken? That is what I thought until a seasoned chicken momma suggested they were too young to molt. Danni you threw me into a panic! The girls will be a year old in May. They have been laying quite steadily (8-10 eggs per day) until this week and are just now starting to slow down in production. They have not lost primary feathers, but feathers around their neck and derriere. "I know Gladys I promised I would not show you in a compromised position, but we need to get to the bottom of this!" ( I apologize Gladys, I am not trying to be funny at your expense.) Notice the bald red patch, the majority of my girl's derrieres look like this. The vent area appears quite normal.
The girls all have clear eyes, bright feathers, combs and wattles. I handle them daily, have not seen any pecking going on, coughing, or anyone acting strange.

They all venture out daily, (weather permitting) are busy scratching, bathing and herding Winslow Homer. Their feed is organic and daily treats of fruit and vegetables given. They all appear quite normal and nothing out of character.

" Georgia you would tell me if there was hanky panky going on in that coop at night"?

The communal bath-happy girls.

So last night I crawl into bed with all my chicken books and begin to read. I reassure myself that the girls are fine and Mother Nature is just having her way with them. With that I turn out my light and just as I am about to drift off, I hear honking, honking at 11:30 at night. I recognized that honk, it was Miss Pip and I knew Miss Pip had just laid an egg. Really, 11:30 at night, I mean come on- some of us need our beauty rest and I won't mention any names!
So all you chicken mammas out there please offer your opinion, the girls and I are waiting. Thank you.

SNOW

As dusk neared so did the snow, falling to earth like downy feathers. We have not had snow of any significance for over a month now. It is quite lovely outside. As Tasha Tudor once said, "snow takes on the fragrance of apple blossoms" and I do believe she was right. Okay, I talked myself into believing that statement as it makes long winters a little more bearable. The green eyed monster AKA Winslow Homer is sporting a poodle look. As you can see he is none to happy about it. I mean come on, it's February the snowiest month of the year, and after all we do live in Maine.
Winslow you had better toughen up winter still has a ways to go.

A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT

We have experienced a few days here in Southern Maine that gave us the feeling that Spring might just be around the corner. However, we stoic New Englander's will not be fooled. I have been attempting to be productive and complete a few hooking projects. I am beginning to wonder if I have ADD. I start one project become bored and move on to the next. I find plenty of inspiration with all the wonderful blogs I read- I need some motivation! People I need help!
Both rugs are patterns that I purchased and are not of my own design, I am hoping to sell them once completed. If ever completed. I promised Dear Georgia I would not post any indecent photos of she and her sisters. Oh, my poor girls- this molting business is causing naked necks and red derrieres to match. They insist on leaving their pen to forage in the yard. But dang it is cold. I think they are going to need some form of ointment for those chapped derrieres. Oh, the indecency of it all!

Valentine's Day brought loving cards

beautiful fragrant flowers and chocolates that have been devoured.

Maine seed catalogs have started to arrive, let the dreaming begin. Some of what- no most of what I will be planting will be fortifying the girls. My mantra: healthy girls equal healthy eggs.

New socks. These are the most wonderful socks I have ever owned.

and they have been paired with my long anticipated Muck boots. These products announce the official beginning of Spring.

With all that being said tomorrow's weather forecast is six to ten inches of snow. We shall persevere, there is gas in the snow blower and the wood box has been filled!
Life is good.

WHOOPIE PIES

The old saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is certainly true when it comes to Whoopie Pies. This recipe below happens to be one of the most requested desserts that I make. If you want a visit from your grown sons or desire a little attention from your husband, nonchalantly mention the word Whoopie Pie and watch the men folk flock, like flies to honey.
Whoopie Pies have a chocolate cake-like top and bottom with a center of vanilla cream filling. Oh, so delicious and sinfully addicting.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner this is a perfect recipe to please the men folk in your life. You'll put a smile on their face and a song in your heart, it works like a charm everytime, I promise!

ICE FISHING 101

First you do research for the ideal location, this happens to be Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Maine. On this pond each person with a fishing license is allowed two holes to fish in... After backing your ice house on to the lake you hitch the"shack" to your snowmobile and tow till the perfect spot "magically" appears. Others drive their ice house out on to the lake- "oh lordy" did this made me nervous- the sound of "snap, crackle, pop" beneath my feet.
You put "hubby" to work with the much loved and well used antique auger...

you now have a perfect hole with a measured water depth of eight feet. The thickness of the ice measured a good foot and a half...

Somewhere along the way someone forgot to purchase the bait, no names need to be revealed...

Tristan arrives with "shiners," the bait of choice...

Megan baits the pink trap and now your task is complete and you're good to go...

Now some families bring four wheelers or snowmobiles to tow their kids around the ice, others have skates, and then there are those who get the fire going in the ice house, pull up chairs and just sit and enjoy the day. Now I have to admit I was once of the opinion that ice fishing was like watching "paint dry". Now however, I enjoy it for what it is, great family fun. When someone yells "flags up" it becomes quite exciting, those near run over to see what the catch is and others grab the binoculars attempting to remain inconspicuous. Next weekend is one of the many fishing derbies held each season. Entrants on this pond pay a fifteen dollar fee and have an opportunity to win the top prize of $3,500.00 dollars, not bad for a Sunday's enjoyment. Now if I would just learn to enjoy football, not!

Hope to see you on the ice and oh, don't forget to layer up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A WINTER'S DREAM

"In winter's cold and sparkling snow,

The garden in my mind does grow.

I look outside to blinding white,

And see my tulips blooming bright.

And over there a sweet carnation,

Softly scents my imagination.On this cold and freezing day,

The Russian sage does gently sway,

And miniature roses perfume the air,

I can see blooming there.

Though days are short,

My vision's clear

And though the snow the buds appear.

In my mind clematis climb,

And morning glories do entwine.

Woodland phlox and scarlet pinks,

replace the frost, if I just blink.

My inner eye sees past the snow.

And in my mind my garden grows."

~Cheryl Magic-Lady~

TASHA TUDOR

When I hear the name Tasha Tudor my mind automatically travels to Corgi Cottage, Tasha's beloved home in Vermont. I envision her enchanting cottage dark and cozy as a squirrel's nest. Her beloved corgis would be underfoot all while the magical aroma from the tin kitchen permeated the air. I found a kindred spirit when I discovered the world of Tasha Tudor. Her love of animals, gardens, crafts- and of course her art. She once claimed she was not an artist, but an illustrator, many do not agree with her statement. I have collected many of Tasha's books and her cookbook happens to be one of my favorites. I have made many of her recipes and love the fact that many call for "farm fresh warm eggs". I think to myself "why, I have those on hand" and run to the coop and snatch an egg or two from under one of my girls. Just one of the many pleasures of having your own chickens. This morning I made Tasha's chocolate cookies, I added a dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off.
Not only does Tasha's cookbook offer mouth watering recipes, but you are treated to an insight into the magical world that Tasha created.

The cookies turn out perfectly and were much enjoyed by all. Tasha Tudor is no longer with us, but her spirit lives on. I believe our world is a better place because of her. Thank you Tasha- you are dearly missed.