Winter Birding

Woodpecker photo by Carrie Taylor 2008

Chickens aren't the only birds enjoying a home at Morning Meadows. This woodpecker is having a breakfast of suet and sunflower seeds just outside the kitchen window. In addition to the suet blocks, several bird feeders are kept throughout the lawn and barnyard to encourage birds to become a part of our eco-system. The insect control that they provide from spring through freeze earns them a treat in the winter time. Throughout the winter we will be visited by a variety of finches, sparrows, chickadees, cardinals, bluejays and more.

Moonshine photo by Carrie Taylor 2008

The full moon over the farm gives the coyotes ample light to go about their business. The chickens are well protected from any that would feel up to trying for a meal. The ladies come in to the coop to roost every night and we lock the door behind them. They are usually waiting in line for the door to open early the next morning. Watching as 15 birds try to exit a 1 x 2 ft door
as one mass is a very entertaining way to start the day.

Woohoo!

Well, this was a pretty eventful week in the old chicken coop. Carmella, the golden campine hen, has layed her first egg! Golden Campine eggs are listed as being white or light tinted. Hers have the slightest hint of a buff color. They are small but pretty. She has produced about 4 so far this week in trying to keep up with the Rhode Island Red (Rhoda) but I don't think she stands a chance as the big RIR chook gives us a huge light brown egg almost every day! I'm taking this as a sign that the other ladies will soon be laying eggs everywhere.

Autumn Morning

The morning as it breaks over the soybeans. The beans are now harvested, well, what few were left by the remnants of hurricane Ike. The garden will soon be cleaned out and put to rest and it's on to transplanting raspberries (latham red), blackberries (arapahoe thornless) and wild asparagus. This winter's list includes pruning apple trees in the hopes of actually harvesting larger crops of apples, and the construction of a rotational grazing area for some spring steers as well as additional pasture areas for the chooks and a pen for some goats that Carrie wants. So, we're staying occupied for the moment!

The lowly poo bucket

Just a quick word on sanitation where our birds are concerned. Cleanliness is way important when it comes to keeping our ladies healthy, pretty and sweet smelling. So, every day the rounds are made with the poo bucket to clean up the surroundings. Plus indoor (nighttime) accomodations receive completely new bedding once a month.

Our flock continues to grow.

So, today we purchase five 3 month old cuckoo marans. Four pullets and a cockerel. These little sweeties will lay dark chocolate brown eggs. They are a relatively rare breed that is becoming more and more popular thanks to domestic diva, Martha Stewart. The Marans eggs are the only kind she will use and with Carrie's love of all things Martha, they were a natural addition to our 'herd'. They should be up to full production laying by next spring and promise to be a great addition. By keeping this group isolated from the other birds (with their own range area, of course) we will also be able to provide hatching eggs next season. We'll get some photos up in the next few days.

Welcome to Morning Meadows Farm

Morning Meadows Farm is located in New Lebanon, Ohio at 1833 Guntle Rd. We produce free range eggs and poultry as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs (in season) please contact us for our current availability. Our email is morningmeadowsfarm@gmail.com