Winter Fun For Chickens

I don’t claim to spoil my chickens, but I do like to make sure that they are well taken care of and are happy.  That’s where Winter Fun For Chickens comes in to play!

When cold and snow cover the ground, chickens can’t do what is natural for them like scratching and pecking for bugs and worms.  Also their dust bathing area is frozen or covered with snow.  Besides the obvious of clearing some snow from the ground, there are a few things I do for our ladies that help keep them entertained.

Click HERE to read my post at Community Chickens.  I talk about using ashes for dust baths, hanging broccoli, and more.

Toscana Soup

This is my tweak on Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup.

A delicious blend of red potatoes, crumbled sausage, and an absolute favorite of mine - kale.

It's warm.
It's filling.
It's delicious.
And, it's easy to make...right in your own kitchen.

Sloggers

Have you tried Sloggers?

Yes, they are great for chores, but they are so much more than just work boots/shoes.

I have two pairs of rain/garden shoes...

One pair that I wear in the garden and around the homestead.
I keep them by the back door.  I easily slip them on when I am headed out to do the chores.

My second pair of Sloggers are my travel shoes.
I love the fun bright colors of these.

When I am in a vehicle for long periods of time, I like to take my shoes off ;-)

Sloggers are so comfortable because they have an 'all day comfort insole'.

They are easy to put on and off...

for the rest stop...

for the quick bite to eat...

Sloggers are the perfect shoe for that long ride.

Aren't these rain/garden boots adorable?
They would look so stylish with a pair of jeans when out running errands.

Check out the chicken ones!
I think I need these.

And these ankle boots...so cute!

Check out all the styles here.

Sloggers come in solid colors and fun patterns. 

They are proudly made in the USA!

And, on a side note:  I love to say 'sloggers'.  It's such a fun word!

Click here to receive 10% off!

This is an affiliate post, but all opinions are 100% mine!  If you purchase Sloggers by using the links on this website, LL Farm will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.  LL Farm and all the animals thank you for your support!

Outside My Windows

Don't you just love snow?

It clothes everything it touches with such beauty.

I love the sound of walking on snow.

I love the quietness of snow falling.

I love the smell of snow.  Yes I think it has a smell, don't you?

And of course, it's fun to play in...sledding, snowmen, snow angels, forts.

Although I am cooped up inside, still recovering, I am thankful for my windows.

Won't you pull up a chair and look out some windows with me... 

My oldest daughter took some pictures of the creek for me (and you) to enjoy.

It is frozen in some places, water is trickling in a few spots, and the rocks and pebbles peeking above the water look like snow covered dots.

Snow covered branches are like works of art, each one different.

Behind, you can see the snow covered pine trees in the woods.

Birds enjoy the seeds and bread crumbs.

The pockets of snow are a lovely back drop for this blue beauty. 

The red just pops against the snow covered branches.

My youngest daughter took a picture of this chicken.

They are doing fine in the snow, although they spend a lot of time under the coop - out of the snow.

The cows are looking for grass.

And eating my pine trees!

The garden fence, shed, and old apple tree look beautiful clothed in snow, but will take on a whole new look once Spring is here.  

I'm not rushing it though...let's enjoy each season!

How To Keep Eggs From Freezing In The Coop

How to keep eggs from freezing in the coop is a concern for many of us this time of year.

During the colder months each egg that you collect is like a prized possession.  They can be few and far between.  Having to trash them because they are frozen and/or cracked can be heart breaking.

Prevention is key to keeping eggs from freezing in the coop.  Click HERE to read my latest post for Community Chickens where I discuss some preventative methods, including packed snow...think igloos!

Yep, it's still snowing!

Crock Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Red Potato Soup

As I recuperate from surgery, I wanted to pop in and share a quick recipe with you.
( Thank goodness I had the pictures and recipe loaded.)

It is another easy crock pot meal that needs very little prep, yet delivers on flavor.

Smoked sausage, red taters, and onion all swimming in a beef broth and cheese mixture...YUM!

Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Red Potato Soup

Ingredients:

1 package smoked sausage, diced to bite size pieces

7 medium sized red potatoes, rinsed and diced with peelings left on

1 onion, peeled and diced

5 cups chicken broth

1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup

splash of heavy cream

1 pound of Velveeta cheese spread, diced

Instructions:

1. In the crock pot, combine the diced sausage, potatoes, and onion.
2. Add the chicken broth and cream of celery soup.
3. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Stir in a splash of cream and the diced Velveeta cheese.
5. Replace lid and continue to cook on low until cheese is melted.

Served with some seasoned crunchy bread and you have a scrumptious meal.

Happy Weekend...cold winter weather is coming back next week!

Maybe I'll have a rejuvenating dusting of snow to look at ;-)