Our backyard chickens are surviving well through this winter’s ice, snow, and feather-burning bulbs. They look plump and healthy and even brave cold feet to come clean up around the base of our bird feeder when there’s no active participation. But they aren’t laying well. We are collecting an average of two eggs a day from our four hens in comparison to last summer’s four eggs daily. We miss the abundance of yolks and whites. [...]

I have had leek and celery packets in my seed stash for two years now. By the time I’m starting all the other seeds I realize I am too late for those. This year, Kate shared a perpetual garden calendar that reminded me I can start leeks indoors now. By the way, I totally covet that calendar! The seeds will grow under lights for 10-12 weeks to be transfered outside before the last frost date [...]

Towards the end of last week the antibiotic bugs had beaten down the tonsillitis bugs enough that I had just enough energy to participate in the family again. I even felt well enough to visit Glacier Ridge Metropark yesterday where the icicle picture was taken. I did not have the endurance to steel myself against Alex’s departure for a business trip in California this morning. Yesterday afternoon was a roller coaster of emotions as I [...]

This is our chic Australorp hen, creatively named Austra. I like to call her the queen of the chickens and generally regard her as a bit more intelligent than the rest of the flock. She is the definitely the most responsive to our family’s actions, coming and clucking gently when we call her. I was naturally concerned when I noticed the tips of feathers missing on her right wing a few weeks ago. They were [...]

If you are like us and find yourself with an abundance of snow and ennui, try making snow cream. We made it today and here’s what Lil has to say: “Snow cream has two ingredients.  First you have to get really fresh fresh snow and get some maple syrup or milk or chocolate syrup or cider syrup.  And that’s how you make snow cream.” “It feels snowy when you eat it.  Maple syrup is the [...]

“How are your chickens?,” I am asked frequently. The follow-on question is, “Are they ok in the cold?” We chose backyard chicken breeds specifically for cold hardiness.  Indeed our Orpingtons, Australorp, and Speckled Sussex seem to be surviving quite well, though they are not clucking and cooing with pleasure as they did in the summer and fall.  Maybe they miss their visits from Lil, far more infrequent in the cold weather. Winter Chicken Keeping Tactics [...]

Are you wondering how to keep your family interested in local foods this winter? Read my Young Palates article, Snow Days, in the most recent Edible Columbus! Pick up a free paper copy of this beautiful magazine at select advertisers listed on the Edible Columbus website.