After you've made the decision to own backyard chickens, picking a breed or breeds is probably going to be your next step. Jeremiah and I spent hours upon hours poring over books and catalogs so we would better understand the breed profiles and find a good fit for our family and our geographical region. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from, and within the breeds themselves, there are ranges of colors and patterns. And all this just to get a fresh egg? Yes, God knows we all like Continue Reading
Can You Eat Duck Eggs?
We have a few Khaki Campbell ducks here at Zephyr Hill and they lay a decent amount of eggs, although their output can't rival the chickens. Soon after discovering our first duck eggs, we immediately wondered "Can you eat these things?" It's funny how the mind works against you, though. Even though duck eggs are nearly identical to chicken eggs in appearance, we were instinctively suspicious just because it was something new. "What if they taste bad?" seemed to be the unspoken question on Continue Reading
Backyard Chickens Gone Wild
A friend just dropped off a few Polish Crested hens at our farm the other day. So what exactly is this? A 70's flashback? A bad feather day? A desperate attempt to get more attention from the rooster? Whatever the case may be, these chickens certainly turn heads! Our other animals were not really that impressed. Just another day, another chicken, and another egg. Big deal. Ruby and Destro are more interested right now in Sweetpea, who is supposed to be going into labor soon Continue Reading
A Recipe for Spring Happiness
To begin, start with one yard full of fresh green grass. Add one Buff Orpington: Then throw in a few Pekin ducks: And perhaps a rabbit: or two? And don't forget to drop in a pair of goslings: And for a little bit of "kick," you'll certainly need a donkey: Last of all, it's always nice to have something to sweeten the dish a little: And a hungry crew to enjoy all the goodness! When you combine all of these ingredients you will Continue Reading
Cheeping Chicks: A Hint of Easter
Just a few days ago, we brought home a small batch of baby chicks from the farm store. That means every morning we are treated to a cheery chorus of peeps and cheeps. The children love to hold the tiny birds and stroke their fuzzy tummies. Sometimes the surprised baby birds are even treated to a quick smooch on the beak! We got a mix of baby Bantams, Americanas and Orpingtons. The children had all those chicks named within 24 hours, and the names were so cute, I wanted to share them with Continue Reading