LL Farm

Friday, February 23, 2018

Blue Eggs from Easter Egger Chickens

Hubby said, "I'd like to have some blue eggs one day". Well, that one day is here!

I am so egg-cited to tell you that we now get one (and sometimes 2) blue eggs EVERY DAY from our Easter Egger chickens.

Read more about our excitement here.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Preventing and Treating Frostbite in Chickens

Extremely cold temperatures, wind chills, dampness, moisture, and more...all reasons that frostbite in chickens can occur. The black spots you see on this chicken's comb is a mild case of frostbite.

After doing research and talking to other chicken keepers, I think it's safe to say that cold climate chicken keepers will most likely deal with frostbite at one time or another. This being my first experience, I did lots of research and want to share with you my findings for preventing and treating frostbite in chickens. Click HERE to read more.

Friday, January 5, 2018

Farm Photo Friday (January 5, 2018)

Welcome to the first Farm Photo Friday of 2018!

It has been extremely cold, yet beautiful!

I love winter and snow! The sparkling snow can make even the ordinary look exquisite.

Although beautiful, the frigid temps and wind chills have meant extra care for our farm animals, and all are doing fine.

The chickens have a cozy coop, plenty of straw, food, water, and even some wood ash for dust bathing.

I usually have at least one barn cat 'help' me with the morning chores.

The creek is frozen and covered with snow.

Sometimes my body wishes it was younger so I could go ice skating, like I did when I was a kid.

I have fond memories of skating on ponds and creeks with my brother and cousins.

We have enjoyed some of our garden harvest this winter...

...and plenty of farm-to-table and woods-to-table meals.

Stay cozy friends, and enjoy the beauty that everyday offers!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Easy Homemade Electrolytes For Chickens

Brr, it's cold!

Many have been experiencing extremely cold temperatures along with wind chills recently. For us chicken keepers, that means extra care for our flock.

Frostbite or other illnesses can happen this time of year when the temperatures are so frigid and combined with moisture/dampness. And although the summer heat is the most common reason a chicken may need to re-hydrate, this cold weather may also cause reason to re-balance the loss of minerals or simply give a chicken the boost it may need.

Electrolyte drinks can help a chicken when needed. There is no need to run to the pet or feed store to buy some...with ingredients you most likely have on hand, you can make your own. To get the easy homemade electrolyte recipe and learn more about using electrolytes, click HERE.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Home Made Eggnog

I am sooooooooo excited to share this with you!

Home Made Eggnog y'all!

Home.Made.Eggnog.

Rich aaaaand thick... this stuff is good!

My Dad and I are the only ones in our family that like eggnog, so I guess that's why I have only been exposed to the stuff you buy in a carton. Now, don't get me wrong, the stuff in the carton is good, but I was curious...

...curious to know what homemade eggnog tasted like. So I looked up some recipes, found ones that were fairly simple to make, tweaked just a tad, and BAM! Homemade egg not is ~~good~~ ~~grea~~t ~~fabulous~~ OUTSTANDING!

Our ladies (also known as chickens to some people) have finally started laying eggs again, so I thank them for their part in this recipe.

Although not necessary, I used fresh nutmeg for this and may I just add...it smells amazing!

Because this recipe makes one quart, of course I put it in a mason jar. Ahem, this will make a neat little gift. ;-)

Home Made Eggnog
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together.
2. In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine the milk, cream, and nutmeg. Stirring often, bring the mixture to a simmer. Do not boil.
3. Mix a big spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Repeat a couple more times to temper the eggs.
4. Once tempered, pour the egg mixture into the the milk mixture that is left in the saucepan.
5. Continually whisk for a few minutes, heating through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
7. Pour the eggnog into a covered container and refrigerate until chilled. It will thicken as it cools.
8. Serve with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top, if desired.

* Also shared at CommunityChickens.com *