This winter in California has been unusually long and rainy. While it hasn't been an easy season, it’s wonderful to see nature finally benefiting from the much-needed rain after years of drought. Even though the winter months bring a slower pace, and it's often challenging to work outdoors, this time is far from restful for those of us who have decided to embark on the adventure of starting a small farmstead.
The property that my husband and I moved into in October 2022 already had some spaces set up for our farmstead dream. There was an old chicken coop that had been used as a storage space for years. It needed a complete cleanup and numerous repairs to make it safe and welcoming for the chickens. Living on the edge of the woods in Woodside, we not only had to protect our chickens from small rodents and birds getting into their food, but we also needed to ensure their safety from nighttime predators, especially mountain lions.
So, during the gray winter days, my husband and I dedicated some time each day to reviving the chicken coop and making it habitable. It was a long and challenging project, but we had a lot of fun along the way. Our neighbors and friends, caught up in our enthusiasm, joined us on rainy weekends to help, turning the hard work into delightful moments of camaraderie and laughter.
Now that it’s finished, our chicken coop has a fully enclosed nighttime area where the chickens can sleep safely. There’s a small, covered section outside for rainy days where they have access to food and water, and a fully open space, surrounded only by a fence, where they can roam and enjoy themselves during the day. It’s practically a five-star hotel for chickens!
We even have a small storage area for all the supplies and food. You might be wondering, “Why fix up a chicken coop if you don’t have chickens yet?”
Well, a few weeks ago, I started caring for some adorable little creatures that will soon become chickens. Yes, that’s right! On Valentine’s Day, the day of love, my husband and I welcomed our first batch of chicks!
I believe chicks are among the most adorable and sweetest creatures on the planet! I could watch them for hours, especially when they suddenly fall asleep, their little heads drooping forward as if they’ve fainted.
Taking care of them is a significant commitment. They require constant attention to keep their environment clean and warm, thanks to heating lamps. Fresh water and food must always be available, and of course, it’s impossible not to spend a bit of time simply enjoying the spectacle of them growing every day.
Honey, Little, Piuma, Back-i, Polly, Beccacina, Spotty, and a future rooster named Winston will be ready to move into their revamped coop by late spring! By summer, they should start laying their first eggs.
With eggs from chickens raised in a natural environment, our homemade pasta, creams, and cakes will taste even more incredible!
There's still a long way to go on this journey, but I am thoroughly enjoying every moment with my new feathered friends.
Comments