Homesteading Adventure

     With our lives as stressful as they are managing the girls allergies I decided it was time to add to our flock of 6 hens. So in January I decided to jump and order a bunch of chicks from a hatchery. Yes a hatchery, I wanted them laying by summer so this was why I acquired them before most farmers would have chicks. So I did a lot of research (hours of internet reading on backyardchickens.com and tons of homsteading books!) to figure out which breeds I wanted to expand to and which hatchery to use! I went with Rhode Island Reds (we always have these), Anaconas, Cornish Rocks, and a brown egg layer special. They all arrived January 31.
     I loved them! Now came the hard part.... my coop only is built for 6! We knew when I ordered the chicks I would need a new coop, but this winter was a rough one with snow every other day. Finally in March we began with the coop and finished it within two weeks. All of my "teenagers" are in that coop at the moment because they are still a bit small to introduce my hens to.

       Then a new issue was discovered....remember the homesteading books I mentioned?....... Well they caused me to draw up plans for my hubby! I decided I wanted pigs and goats!! With the girls allergies I am hoping the more homemade (or home grown) food will help with the managing and its FUN!! So being the wonderful husband that he is he has agreed to build the pens. At the moment our goat pen is about to begin construction. I will keep you updated as we go. To me this is the most helpful thing that has come of the allergies. More education about food and being on top of what goes into our bodies!

Happy Homesteading!!