The winter coop!

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The winter coop is warm and snug and the girls seem to be adjusting well to the move inside. 

While I'm sure like all of us that they would prefer to out in the field and sunshine scrounging for bugs (well I'm good without that last part...), they seem to be happy enough scratching in the leaves and straw that we use for bedding in the coop. 

They sure have lots to say anyway.... #cluckinghens

First night!

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Our latest batch of new birds (goslings, turkeys and chickens) were moved outside today. 

It is always so interesting to watch them experience grass, open sky and bugs for the first time. 

These birds come to us when only a day or so old and are kept in our greenhouse where it is snug and warm until they get their full feathers. 

Everyone loves company!

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Everyone loves visitors to the farm. Today we had good friends over who are regulars at the farm. 

The pigs, cows and goats particularly like being hand fed tender greens by their their red-headed friend!

Grass & grubs!

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Our broilers (meat chickens) are enjoying the pasture immensely! 

They range far and wide and graze on grubs and grass all day. 

The grass is always greener!

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Today the chicks felt grass for the first time! 

Up until now, they've been in the greenhouse under heat lamps. Now that they have their full feathers and the weather appears to be cooperating.. they have moved outside! 

They all look a little bit stunned and stood in one spot for quite a while before beginning to explore! By evening they were running around grazing on weeds and grass, capturing small bugs and scavenging for seeds.   

When the dog barks...

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When the dog barks.... It might mean the cow decided the grass is greener on the other side of the fence and has pushed over the fence! 

Indeed yesterday Grace did decide to test the theory (that the grass is greener)! Fortunately the pull of a scoop of oats is stronger than the taste of adventure and she easily was lead back inside the corral. 

Time for some fence repair! 

A chicken's evil eye!?

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This girl was giving me the stink eye the other day when we were wrangling her and her sisters from the barn to the chicken tractor. 

She changed her tune quickly when she saw where she was going. Clucked happily along scratching at the fresh grass.