The road to self-sustainability includes the self-procurement of food. Neither my partner or I could kill an animal, yet, we need a protein source. So, what better way than to have chickens (ducks or geese)! This way, we get eggs and four new friends! These girls are quite personable and, to be quite frank, funny in their antics. They are (clockwise from lower right - nearest the thermometer in lower right corner): Aeryn, Chiana, Moya, and Zahn. Aeryn is the most bold, Chiana likes to lay on her side and stretch out a leg and a wing, Moya is the most easy-going, while Zahn enjoys laying in the food bowl and sending the food flying. She also lays on each side and continues kicking - to make sure - all of the food has been removed from the bowl. She then settles in and takes her nap.We chose black sex-links (a cross between a Barred Rock and a Rhode Island Red) and red sex-links (a cross between a Rhode Island Red and a white Leghorn) because they are pretty cold hardy, known to be friendly, and lay brown eggs. Cold tolerance was our number one concern as we live in the northernmost reaches of New Hampshire where temperatures can, and have, plunged 30+ degrees below zero. It would be cruel to have birds that aren't cold tolerant. Our birds will also receive deluxe accommodations for both summer and winter seasons. Don't worry - they will be spoiled like the other furry - and hairy - members of our family!
