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A Tale of Two Roosters
1/13/2010 11:42pm by Heather Redden
Greetings Everyone!
I hope that all is well with everyone in the New Year. We find ourselves full of hope and optimism for a wonderful 2010 here at Nature's Harbor Farm. In some ways, it feels like spring is already here for us. We are planning away. We have already ordered potatoes, some seeds, raspberries, asparagus crowns, and enough new chicks to double our laying flock! We were astounded at the response to our offer to raise small numbers of chicks for those of you who would really like to know the chickens that lay your eggs. Just be careful because I've found that chickens are very addicting.
I could tell stories about ice or how my crotchety horse kicked Brandon but what fun would there be in that? I've decided instead to introduce you to our flock roosters, Buttercup and Pretty Boy. We have always liked to keep a couple of roosters with our hens. It just seems to make the flock more cohesive, roosters can be quite majestic, and they act as guards for the hens. Our roosters do tend to end up with names and in the past they've usually sounded pretty tough. We've had Bubba, George, Mr. Miagi, and Brutus to name a few. Then Buttercup came along. He was second in command to Brutus and a total wallflower. He would run to the other end of the farm to crow in the morning so that Brutus wouldn't hear him. He is also small. Maybe 5 pounds soaking wet. I had never met a rooster with less personality! But then, Brutus had to go to the big stock pot in the sky and Buttercup came to life. He took care of his hens and knew he was in charge! At the same time, I was keeping my eye on one of the Red Broiler roosters. They were all supposed to be for eating but this one was just too pretty as far as I was concerned. I decided he could stay. Now, this is a meat bird so he is huge. Probably three times the size of Buttercup. I figured back to wallflowerdome for Buttercup. Boy, was I wrong! It seems like every time I look out the window, Buttercup is chasing Pretty Boy around. And then one morning I heard a big ruckus from inside the coop. I opened the door and there was Pretty Boy with his head stuck in the corner while Buttercup tried to attack his ample backside. I sent Buttercup on his way and had to coax Pretty Boy out of the corner. He was totally unharmed other than his dignity. Who needs cable when you've got chickens?
Sorry for the short notice. I will be coming to Independence on Saturday, January 19. I will also be taking orders again for Michelle Peluso's baked goods. We will be at the courthouse from 10:30-11:30 in the morning. Please have your orders in by 5:00 PM on Friday.
Available this week from Nature's Harbor Farm:
1. Pasture raised whole chickens: $4.25 per pound-They range between 2.5 and 6 lbs so let me know approximately what size you would like.
2. Cut up chickens: $5.00 per pound-They are between 2.5 and 3.5 lbs
3. Gizzards: $3.75 per pound
4. Hearts: $6.50 per pound
5. Feet: $3.25 per pound-great for soup
6. Necks: $1.50 per pound-also great for soup. Feet and necks also make tasty and healthy supplements for a dog's diet. Chicken bones are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are NOT cooked. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can kill a dog (or cat) when lodged in their throats.
7. Grass Fed eggs: $3.00 per dozen-They are limited right now due to hens not laying much because of the short daylight and extreme cold. I will make sure everyone gets some but you may not get the entire amount you order.
8. Wheatgrass in 4 in. pot: $2.00-Great for your indoor kitties or for juicing.
Products from Michelle Peluso:
1. Jumbo cupcakes: $2.00 a piece- She makes three different delicious varieties. Specify whether you would like caramel frosted blackberry jam cupcakes, amaretto cupcakes, or fuzzy navel cupcakes. Minimum order of 4.
2. loaves of buttermilk honey bread: $4.00
One last tidbit and then I'll put this lengthy newsletter to bed. Nature's Harbor Farm is now on Facebook. If you just can't get enough and would like to become a fan we would love to have you!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000549832699#/pages/Natures-Harbor-Farm/216328054616?ref=ts
I look forward to seeing some of you on Saturday and hope everyone has a great week!
Sincerely,
Heather and Brandon Redden
www.naturesharborfarm.com
I hope that all is well with everyone in the New Year. We find ourselves full of hope and optimism for a wonderful 2010 here at Nature's Harbor Farm. In some ways, it feels like spring is already here for us. We are planning away. We have already ordered potatoes, some seeds, raspberries, asparagus crowns, and enough new chicks to double our laying flock! We were astounded at the response to our offer to raise small numbers of chicks for those of you who would really like to know the chickens that lay your eggs. Just be careful because I've found that chickens are very addicting.
I could tell stories about ice or how my crotchety horse kicked Brandon but what fun would there be in that? I've decided instead to introduce you to our flock roosters, Buttercup and Pretty Boy. We have always liked to keep a couple of roosters with our hens. It just seems to make the flock more cohesive, roosters can be quite majestic, and they act as guards for the hens. Our roosters do tend to end up with names and in the past they've usually sounded pretty tough. We've had Bubba, George, Mr. Miagi, and Brutus to name a few. Then Buttercup came along. He was second in command to Brutus and a total wallflower. He would run to the other end of the farm to crow in the morning so that Brutus wouldn't hear him. He is also small. Maybe 5 pounds soaking wet. I had never met a rooster with less personality! But then, Brutus had to go to the big stock pot in the sky and Buttercup came to life. He took care of his hens and knew he was in charge! At the same time, I was keeping my eye on one of the Red Broiler roosters. They were all supposed to be for eating but this one was just too pretty as far as I was concerned. I decided he could stay. Now, this is a meat bird so he is huge. Probably three times the size of Buttercup. I figured back to wallflowerdome for Buttercup. Boy, was I wrong! It seems like every time I look out the window, Buttercup is chasing Pretty Boy around. And then one morning I heard a big ruckus from inside the coop. I opened the door and there was Pretty Boy with his head stuck in the corner while Buttercup tried to attack his ample backside. I sent Buttercup on his way and had to coax Pretty Boy out of the corner. He was totally unharmed other than his dignity. Who needs cable when you've got chickens?
Sorry for the short notice. I will be coming to Independence on Saturday, January 19. I will also be taking orders again for Michelle Peluso's baked goods. We will be at the courthouse from 10:30-11:30 in the morning. Please have your orders in by 5:00 PM on Friday.
Available this week from Nature's Harbor Farm:
1. Pasture raised whole chickens: $4.25 per pound-They range between 2.5 and 6 lbs so let me know approximately what size you would like.
2. Cut up chickens: $5.00 per pound-They are between 2.5 and 3.5 lbs
3. Gizzards: $3.75 per pound
4. Hearts: $6.50 per pound
5. Feet: $3.25 per pound-great for soup
6. Necks: $1.50 per pound-also great for soup. Feet and necks also make tasty and healthy supplements for a dog's diet. Chicken bones are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are NOT cooked. Cooked chicken bones splinter and can kill a dog (or cat) when lodged in their throats.
7. Grass Fed eggs: $3.00 per dozen-They are limited right now due to hens not laying much because of the short daylight and extreme cold. I will make sure everyone gets some but you may not get the entire amount you order.
8. Wheatgrass in 4 in. pot: $2.00-Great for your indoor kitties or for juicing.
Products from Michelle Peluso:
1. Jumbo cupcakes: $2.00 a piece- She makes three different delicious varieties. Specify whether you would like caramel frosted blackberry jam cupcakes, amaretto cupcakes, or fuzzy navel cupcakes. Minimum order of 4.
2. loaves of buttermilk honey bread: $4.00
One last tidbit and then I'll put this lengthy newsletter to bed. Nature's Harbor Farm is now on Facebook. If you just can't get enough and would like to become a fan we would love to have you!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000549832699#/pages/Natures-Harbor-Farm/216328054616?ref=ts
I look forward to seeing some of you on Saturday and hope everyone has a great week!
Sincerely,
Heather and Brandon Redden
www.naturesharborfarm.com
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