Mid-February: Finding Hope and Beauty

8:00 a.m.
25 degrees, sunny, cold wind

There are 22 chickens in the flock at Bear Path Cottage, and 20 of those are laying hens. The two oldest, Jazz and Pearl, have reached their retirement years, although Pearlie still likes to sit in the nest box every once in a while. The chicken run is adequately sized, and most days, the girls spend at least part of the afternoon enjoying a version of free-range access in the fenced backyard. Nothing guarantees the total safety of chickens who live outdoors, but the set-up here keeps these birds as safe as possible from predators.  Add to their safe environment that they have a healthy diet and plenty of enrichment foods and activities, and I think these birds have a pretty good life. 

                                                                              Jazz

There's an understanding of sorts between chickens and chicken tenders; an unspoken agreement, a psychological or social contract that the tender will provide a good life for the chickens, and the chickens will provide the tender with eggs. Last year, we had a few good egg weeks, but overall, the chickens were not holding up their end of the bargain. I began to consider whether I had made a mistake by increasing the size of the flock and whether I should rehome some of my feathered darlings to a like-minded homesteader. 

When I started growing the flock, it was with the intention and hope that I could sell enough eggs to at least break even on the cost of feed and supplies and hopefully have a little extra money. Last year's lack of egg production and one very expensive chicken vet bill kept the tally column for chickens firmly in the red. I considered downsizing with the hope of being able to cover some expenses with intake from selling eggs. Keeping a flock this size costs somewhere between $120 - $150 a month, including feed, scratch, supplements, and supplies. As much as I love them, my fixed income needs them to help support us all. 

Of course, there is no point in even thinking about egg production levels (that sounds so funny, like we're in the movie Chicken Run, when really we are starring in our own live production about happy co-existence!) during the cold, dark months of winter, when most chickens stop laying or lay less frequently. Some chicken tenders use lights to trick chicken bodies into thinking they still have long days and short nights so that they will lay more frequently. In my opinion, that is poor stewardship, as their bodies are obviously designed for and need time to rest. Feeding and caring for them through their quiet time is part of the care agreement. 

Starting about mid-January, these chickens have surprised me with a slight but steady increase in the number of eggs they are laying. I do not expect a regular output from any of them until April or May. To be honest, I don't expect a regular output for anything from anyone who lives here! As I've been emerging from my own quiet time, rather than being goal-oriented, my focus has been on seeing the beauty in the world around me and looking for hope in unexpected places. 

The everyday beauty and happiness at the Cottage include the chickens and their sweet, funny personalities and behavior. And I don't think I will ever stop being amazed and delighted by the beautiful colors in the nest box and egg basket; white, blue, olive green, and three different shades of brown. Over the last few weeks, I gathered 2-3 dozen eggs per week, which gives me some to sell, some to share with friends, and some to use for baking or breakfast here at home. 

In my morning walks around the gardens, I have been gathering bits of spring green to share with the chickens. When I am doing the morning chores that provide their care, I talk with them about the weather, the dog, the world, and, lately, about the coming spring. They seem to be excited about it, and they are more eager than ever to have their free range time in the afternoon. I don't know if their tiny bodies are just ready to be solid producers or if they are responding to the TLC and warmer days, but in the last 10 days, these 20 laying hens have produced 7 dozen eggs. 

They might not continue this wild burst of energy. But...they might. 

Planting a new variety of apple tree in the tiny orchard this spring might not mean an apple harvest this year or next. But...it might. 

Supporting loved ones making big, brave life changes might not change their world. But...it might.

Sharing with friends and making community connections might not save this world. But...it might. 

Taking time every day to look for beauty might not change MY world. But...it does. 

So much to think about. So much to look forward to. 

Much love to you from Bear Path Cottage. 

Here's a rundown of the Bear Path Cottage resident chickens

Icelandic Vikings - white eggs - these girls were named after my grandmother and her sisters

Mae (Mae Mae)

Gussie (Augusta)

Marg

Edith

Dark Brahma - brown eggs

Jazz - this lady has aged out of laying, but still lives a nice life

White Ameracauna - blue eggs

Pearl - also aged out of laying, and still has a nice life; Pearl has a scissor beak

Smokey Pearl - The F Troop - brown eggs

French Broad

Miss Frizz

Welsummer - terracotta eggs

Hawkeye

Cream Legbar - blue eggs

Elke Summer

Demi (Demeter)

Ursula Andres

Dwen (Cerridwen)

Blue Copper Marans - The Mystery or Murder Crew - dark brown eggs

Agatha Christie

Jane Marple

Ariadne

Barnevelder - brown eggs

Raquel Welch - she is a mahogany barnevelder

Dame Diana Rigg - is a silver-laced barnevelder

Easter Eggers, blue or green eggs, but one is an olive egger

Artie (Artemis)

Bree (Brighid)A Cinnamon Queens - dark brown eggs Gloria Gaynor Loretta Lynn These two birds came to us as rescues last year, having survived a dog attack that killed their flockmates. The person who rehomed them wasn't sure if they were Rhode Island Reds or Cinnamon Queens, but as their sweet, friendly, affectionate personalities and temperaments continue to emerge, it is obvious that they are Cinnamon Queens.