Earth Mama

Hi!  I hope all the moms out there had a Happy Mother's Day!  I have missed writing.  We have been on deadline at the magazine and I have also been busy trying to convince my husband to let us get a few chickens.  I have a friend that has 7 chicks that she is willing to give us.  I have been talking about raising some backyard chickens for a year or more and this seemed like a good opportunity to get started.  I think I have convinced my husband...now, I have to find the perfect coop...or rather someone to build the perfect coop.  I came across Catawba Convertible Coops in Wake Forest, NC.  David Bissette has done all of the research for you in his DIY Chicken Coop plans.  You can purchase the plans for $20.  His booklet tells you all you need to know...down to every piece of material (measurements given) that you will need to build your own urban coop.  His plans are very similar to the British elevated backyard coops, which the Brits call an ark.  If you think you might be interested in raising some of your own chickens be sure to check out his fantastic design.  This coop will comfortably hold 4-5 large breed chickens or 6-8 medium size chickens.  Check out the design below and click on the coop to be directed to Catawba Coops website:

catawbacoops.com

chasing chickens

barred rock hen

 

hey, those aren't chickens!

I couldn't resist sharing...In my research, I came across an interesting article and this beautiful chicken "coop", although, I would definitely classify it just as the Crinklaw family has.  Their chickens' home...impressive! 

Jeffrey Crinklaw and Kathryn Tailey-Crinklaw raised their hens from chicks, making sure they held them and stroked them as babies to ensure a brood of tame, people-loving adults.

 

the crinklaw's dressed up their chickens' home with a bright red door and matching mailbox
photo courtesy of kathryn tailey-crinklaw.

"They run and greet you and want to be petted," says Kathryn. "They're very social."
She says no two of their chickens are alike, adding that the eggs from her fluffy-headed Polish chickens are her favorites, while Jeffrey prefers those of their red, buff and black Ameraucanas. "When you start learning chicken stuff, you start collecting."
So far, they've only gotten two roosters by mistake, and they made sure each went to live in "non-eating" homes. (A rooster's sex can be difficult to determine; the most common way is to wait until they're 4 months old, when they start to crow. And if you don't notice, your neighbors certainly will.)
Even without the rooster, there is still a strict pecking order. The Crinklaws' brood goes by seniority, granting the oldest bird -- a tiny Silver Sebright the size of a pigeon -- the honor of "alpha" hen.
"She's totally in charge," says Kathryn. "No one ever messes with her."  

Source: Ruth Mullen, The Oregonian  
Full article:  http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2009/07/chickens_in_portland.html