Bock Bock Bock

We successfully picked up the flock of chickens! We waited until after Owen's speech therapy appointment last week to pick them up. Coincidentally on the way over, it started to rain... But we kept on. John's wife had called over the neighbor (thank you Dennis!!) to help Chris capture our future glories. This was Oh so helpful, as I was wearing Owen in the ergo, and he was shouting repeatedly BOCK BOCK BOCK and laughing hysterically at the goings ons... As I was! Chris and Dennis started with a scare em out tactic into a large cage. This did not work very well, although the lettuce lure was enticing to one hen. They decided to just go for it, wearing gloves and also using a fishing net contraption- think large butterfly net- to aid in the capturing process. One by one they were placed into the large cage and only the rooster shed blood... His comb got cut on the fencing as he was resisting. (He is healed now and looks great!). Our truck then looked like a chicken truck. OK it was a chicken truck, complete with feed, feeders, waterers, anything else they could pawn off on us. Chris covered the chickens with a tarp to tame their manes so their feathers wouldn't get windblown or really soaked on the way home. We didn't hear a peep from them on the way, even stopped for a starbucks treat and to feed Owen, and you would never have guessed what was under the tarp. Back home, we unloaded the flock into the barn, and got them set up in their temporary apartment. As I write, the weather is clearing up for a 930 appointment of sunshine and fixing to get the new coop underway. Chris's Dad (aka Papa, and/or P- diddy) and Chris came up with a design that provides room, dirt, laying beds, and security- all a sweet lil feathered friend could ask for. When we are home, Owen makes a trip to visit the flock 2-3 times per day. They are adjusting well to their new surroundings (the reinforced barn for now) and have been laying at most 7 eggs a day. This is fantastic-- They are all different ages, most between 3-5. These are still fairly young, but I was pleased at our high yield at a time of transition in their lives. They miss John but his Latvian legacy will live on. I would like to breed more once they are established, to continue the Latvian blood line.

From a nutritional aim.... The jury is still out... continues to be out about egg recommendations. Conventional eggs (versus organic or free range or FRESHly laid) have been shown to have higher cholesterol content, which is the main offender with eggs. FYI that is true for meat also, especially beef. There is a higher content of the heart healthy Omega 3 fats and less saturated fat in organic and or grass fed beef. Obviously the content varies between cows (just like for conventional) but it's significant enough to mention. I love the aim of  "If your grandmother didn't eat it growing up, then you shouldn't either." This doesn't work for the younger generations, but it works for me!

 Here was the flock's home for years, with multiple hen houses, a great coop, and manzanita shade. They were out most days then let in the coop at night.

 Before the capture.

 Mid game!

 My view from the sidelines.

 Success!

Temporary home for the flock- they seem to like it just fine.

One last note, I have considered starting an additional blog but voted against myself. The family blog will continue as my blog as well, covering all topics from Owen to chickens to crafting and just documenting our lives.