La Casa Grande Colectiva

Category: chickens

  • chicken behaviors – dust bathing

    Our chickens love a good dust bath.  While it looks dirty and gross, its actually an important part of their natural hygiene.
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    On nice sunny days the chickens will spend all afternoon showering themselves with dirt.  They’ve found a few spots in the yard with suitable soil, but their favorite is over by the garage in the full sun.
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    The fine soil is sifted down through their feathers and helps by rubbing dry skin off their bodies.  It also helps by clogging the breathing holes of lice and other parasites.
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    A quick shake and she’s as clean as ever.

  • Compost Dinner Time

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    The chickens have been very feisty lately. Enjoying the weather and chicken dancing* away their days. Here is a little video JP took of me. Whenever you come outside the chickens tend to run up to you, expecting to be fed compost. They love it.

    If you want to see some more chickens running, then check out my other video here.

    *what has been dubbed the chicken dance is:  scratch at dirt with feet, back away, look at dirt, peck, repeat.

  • Spring Comes Early in the Garden

    Last Friday was a beautiful day. After a day at work I came home to find housemates and friends working in the garden.
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    Drew, Rob and JP clearing out bamboo to make room for fresh beds.

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    The chickens were out pecking for worms and enjoying the nice weather.

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    Sophie was really excited about the chickens.

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    The bamboo was burned.

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    And the resulting fire was strangely beautiful.
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    Just another day at La Casa.

  • Garden Slideshow – Change of Seasons

    My goal was to have a post up for everyone to see when they wake up in the morning.  So I made a video slide-show of photos I’ve taken around the yard since I moved in.  How about letting me know what you think with some comments!