The fact that our ducks go into the chicken coop at night is a thing that just can't be overlooked. It's kind of amazing! And, it won't likely last forever. Because we have them contained, they've been laying eggs both inside the nest boxes and in secret stashes on the floor. Yesterday I followed as William carefully scanned the coop looking for their hiding place. The farmer knows what clues to look for.
As the world greens up, it's becoming more difficult to wrangle the ducks in at sunset. The young chickens are in the chicken trailer at the moment, but in a few weeks they'll be ready to transition to the coop. At that time, we'll have to make the decision to house the chickens somewhere else and continue a late night duck wrangle, or let the ducks stay outside as they normally do on Lake View Farm. For the time being, we can offer duck eggs in the store. We've been getting a dozen every two days.
What Do You Feed Your Hens?
The young hens are still enjoying a little unmedicated crumble that we purchase from one of our local farm stores, but they also eat oats and clumps of sprouted grains. Soon they'll be outside and the crumble feedings no longer necessary. Our girls will fill their bellies with bugs, worms, grasses and spilled grain they find around the farm. Once we have eggs again in August or September, you'll know they come from the real deal - "free range" chickens. Our girls are never penned or contained to small feeding areas, but allowed to work the farm. They don't travel too far away from home, preferring to keep their roost in sight, but occasionally wander to the field across the road. Yes, we lose a few to hawks and eagles. Everybody gets to eat on the farm. That is nature's way.
What's in the Farm Store?
This is the time of year I love when I can get creative with our farm products. Things are growing again and so are my creative ideas! I'll be pulling out my file of past products to build and refresh the store. Let me know if there is something I have made that you are missing.
This was our first season to keep the farm store open year round, so it is stocked and full of farmy fun. There will be new products daily as the season unfolds. We're always open and happy when you stop by.
Sending lots of LOVE from the farm!
Sarah Brenner
I loved the sap coffee! And various soups. And there was a wonderful cookie, hazelnut maybe?
I loved the Italian soup from last year. I don't recall in what season that was offered.