Monday February 21

One of the first jobs Aaron and I jumped at the chance to take on was chicken care. We L O V E farm fresh eggs and our cabin is closest to the chicken coop – so a natural job for us! We took charge of the 11 hen flock, keeping their food & water containers filled, their roost & nests insulated with hay, and bringing them kitchen compost & collecting eggs daily. Within the first few weeks, we unfortunately lost a hen — likely one of the roamers that fancied strolling the grounds during sunny days got lost or stuck outside the coop at night and fell prey to cold or predator. Egg production was a little lagging (averaging 4-5 / day), being winter (less dietary protein from lack of bugs), and being a hen-only flock. To help solve this problem, Muna’s son, Amu found a local woman giving away a newly matured rooster. Presto! We had a rooster!

Aaron and I hadn’t known about his arrival, and immediately egg production went up to 6, 7, even 8 eggs / day! We named the golden stud Presto for his “magic” abilities! He’s a very mild-tempered and calm, and his crowing could use some work…

He’s proven a great addition to the flock!