Livestock for pets...
We have been farmers for only five years. The first livestock we raised at our small farm, was chickens.
Watching videos, reading blogs and articles regarding, raising and caring for chickens, gave us the confidence to start.
Who can resist the fluffy two day old chicks from the farm store?
Free Range Decision...
By the time two years had gone by, we had raised around 30 chickens.
The run had proved to be predator proof, but as the hens grew to full size, it was getting too small.
Making the decision to let our hens free range, had it’s pros and cons. Natural foraging, room to roam, and a perimeter of trees for shade and protection gave us a longer “pro” list.
They have thrived and our eggs are incredible!
Betty...
This breed is called Buff Orpington, known for good nature and high egg production. Thier eggs are large and light pink in color.
One day, I noticed one of the Buff Orpington hens was turning her head toward the ground, in an unusual way.
As time went on, I realized she was favoring only one eye, that is why she was turning her head to be able to see.
As winter came, her sight worsened. We talked about what to do. Normally we don’t name our chickens, but we decided on a name for her, because “Betty”, our sweet chicken was losing her sight.
Hard Decision...
Having a hard time finding her way out of the coop in the morning. We had to guide her to the food pail and waterer.
She started to lose weight, so we supplemented her diet with sunflower seeds and corn, in a small dish just for her.
We noticed one of our barn kitties, Moonie, was coming around each time we separated her to feed her.
The hard decision to separate her into her own small coop, was not easy to make. But she could no longer find the roost in the coop at night.
She was now completely blind.
Her new "Apartment"
The second year we had chickens, this portable coop came up for sale on facebook marketplace.
Buying it, hauling it home and fixing it up. We had previously used it for injured, sick or broody hens.
It would make a great home for Betty and she would still be able to hear her old flock around her.
So we set it next to the run fence, and put Betty in her new apartment.
Each morning, I would take her out (hurding her toward the door, as I reached in on my tip toes…I could still barely reach her) and set her on the bench to feed her.
Having to take this extra time with her defiantly added on to my “chores”, but along would come her best friend, Moonie and my heart would melt.
Her neighbors...
Everyday the other hens would gather around her apartment, cooing and pecking the ground.
And as usual, Moonie was close by.
As the winter hung on, her special care became the new routine.
But, Betty continued to decline and she passed away early that spring.
It’s a good feeling to know, that we did the best we could for her.
Her best friend Moonie, was by her side during her last days.
Until next time…here’s what’s happening on the farm.
My brother, Scott, and I, are throwing around the idea of having a Farm Breakfast/Farm Tour, once a month next summer. Cooking and serving a “simple farm style breakfast” in the barn.
So he is coming in from Chicago to help me have a “trial run” in a few weeks, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023.
A menu and price is in the works.
Anybody game to be our first customers…it will be a HUGE learning curve! If you are willing to participate in this “experiment”, leave me a message in the comments and I will send you the details.
Fondly, Sandy
Sandy- we would love to be part of your trial run for a Sunday Farm Breakfast! I don’t know if you know, but I’m the Prep Cook at Lucy’s #7 in Beloit. Feel free to reach out if you have any food related questions!
What an honor to connect with you Kris! My brother and I grew up in a restaurant…but our dad was the chef.
We are literally “experimenting with this farm breakfast”
If you could send me a fb friend request we could connect and fill in the details ♥️
Fb is under Sandy Dossey Brewer
Thanks so much
Sandy♥️
Love this!! Not sure if I can make it on the 29th but I can’t wait to hear about it!
Quite the undertaking, huh? Lol! Side hustle $ will allow us to pay for things Ken can no longer do…staying here at the farm for as long as possible, is the goal❤️
Love you! Aunt San
My husband John & I would love to come for your Farm breakfast & connect with some Top Hat buddies. I know you & Scott will have an amazing spread, it’s in your genes.
Hi Jackie!! sent you an invite to the farm breakfast via fb event page❤️
I’ll mark your names down on the list of people willing to be in the experiment, lol!
My Aunt Tonya and Aunt Sonya are coming too.
See you there!
S.
Maybe aunt Sonya and I can be customers! She turns 85 on the 28th. May be a fun way for me to spend some time for her bday. And always love seeing you and Scott.
Sounds great Aunt Tonya! I’ll get back to you with the details ♥️
S.
Hi a farm tour and breakfast sounds wonderful! I would love to be part of this “experiment”! I have purchased pumpkins and squash from your farm ❣️ we are Rockton Ill neighbors too🤗
Hi Carol! I sent you a dm via msg…can’t wait to meet you!
Fondly, Sandy
I’m a farm girl living just around the corner … Janet Herbert on FB. If you need a “grunt”, I’d be happy to help.
What a kind and HELPFUL offer Jan!
Yes! I could definitely use your help!
I’ll dm you on fb.
Thank you SO much!
Fondly, Sandy
I would be game to participate in the “experiment” on the 29th.
Yay! I’ll send you an invite on fb.
My brother is so excited…my husband, not so much🤣
He tolerates my hair brained ideas.
S.
You are amazing in a variety of areas. Love your decorating pictures especially the one with red mushrooms(?). It reminds very much of the artist Mary Engelbreit.
Sally Conklin
What a compliment Sally! I worked with her once at a gift show in Atlanta.
I love her things with cherries🍒
Fondly, Sandy