tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64446759985931652722024-02-08T00:50:10.585-05:00little country houseJoin us as we learn how to be new home owners. Our goal is to have our property produce for us, instead of just consuming resources. Using Permaculture techniques, we strive to become more self reliant homesteaders.
Located in Southwest Ohio USDA Zone 6a. Dara Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11089065015127606123noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-66387795254068336232016-02-27T01:26:00.001-05:002016-02-27T01:26:46.036-05:00Raccoon Problems<br />
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This post has information about how to trap and dispatch predators on your homestead. If you think all creatures can live in harmony, you should probably skip this one. <br />
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is not perfect on any homestead. I found that out the hard way one
night when a family of raccoon's decided they liked the taste of duck. I
set out a trap and got one the first night. While they are cute, they
are not to be taken lightly when you have poultry on your homestead.
After I dispatched the first one, I had no other attacks for months. I
got complacent and stopped locking the chicken coop door at night. Bad
idea. I lost three chickens in one night. </div>
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After
that we started locking the door and letting them out in the morning. We
forgot to lock the coop up one night and lost
four more chickens for a total of seven dead. I constantly
have the trap out and baited but these raccoon's are smart, I think they
have been trapped before and let go. Please never do this. Once
a raccoon learns what a trap is they will avoid them in the future. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgw1iboBMQvvivh9bgdDgmXYho7VksaUoAZHI4uzHQcbukRdlhsv3JfzktK_2nMC_f5MxwfR872GFVyjbRixT3U4Z1sMu8cChOwclUQfgmv6o2S1f43I1-EOg6U2hyTkdZa1C7RtFecI/s1600/photo+2%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgw1iboBMQvvivh9bgdDgmXYho7VksaUoAZHI4uzHQcbukRdlhsv3JfzktK_2nMC_f5MxwfR872GFVyjbRixT3U4Z1sMu8cChOwclUQfgmv6o2S1f43I1-EOg6U2hyTkdZa1C7RtFecI/s640/photo+2%25285%2529.JPG" width="480" /> </a><br />
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It is illegal to trap and relocate raccoon's in the state of Ohio and many other states. If
you want to keep poultry and you don't want to kill raccoon's and other threats to your flock, you have a
problem. If you call animal control, they will come out and take them
away to kill. And guess what, you get the bill. I know the price of .22 LR has
gone up, but one round is much cheaper than a bill from animal control. <br />
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If you find yourself in a situation where the racoon you are trying to trap is avoiding your trap, try to camouflage your trap with just the front open. I am assuming you are using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Havahart-1079-Professional-Style-One-Door-Groundhog/dp/B00004RAMT/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1456553028&sr=8-2&keywords=havahart">Havahart</a> trap or something similar. You can cover the trap with a cardboard box and cover that with leaves leaving only the entrance open. Use marshmallows as bait. This will stop you from catching cats with other baits like tuna or meat.<br />
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When you are faced with dispatching the animal you trap, you can read about many methods on the best way to do it. I researched them and came back to my initial thought, a single round of .22 LR. The animal is caged and it is easy to get a clean kill with one shot. Other methods are much worse. Some people throw the cage in water and drown the animal, I find this horribly cruel. Some people use car exhaust, basically suffocating the animal. This is unnecessarily cruel. One bullet is the fastest and most effective method in my opinion.<br />
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While we are on the topic of dispatching unwanted pests. Some people put out anti-freeze for cats and other unwanted animals to drink. Anti-freeze is sweet and animals will drink it thinking it is food. The main ingredient is ethylene glycol which is naturally sweet. The death these animals face is unbelievably horrible. The people who do this are some of the worse people. Please never do this.You can avoid accidental exposure by making sure the anti-freeze you buy has been treated with denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent added to make it unpalatable. Not all states require it to be added and most repair shops use professional grade coolant which is exempt. Please ask the question when buying anti-freeze or having your car serviced. <br />
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-30548172323062583722016-02-12T00:13:00.000-05:002020-04-26T12:13:38.469-04:00And We Are Back<div style="text-align: center;">
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Okay I know, it's been a year. I fell off of the blogging wagon. To be honest, I fell asleep at the reins, fell off and was run over but, I am back and ready to talk homesteading. This will be a quick catch up from our last adventures back in February. A lot has happened and changed in that time. </div>
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We were getting over a dozen eggs a day starting in the spring. We had so many we could not hope to eat them all so Dara started selling them at work. This was offsetting the feed cost for the most part, when Dara wasn't spending the egg money on snacks and coffee at work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina9VaNkL1Kt1AQI_YTZVHeVXmNWfBWpEqZrChnjdcnDKgxIi7yJ8BLWB89OCwdSXM8P8jDXGr7bXjlRQdqbDPE_WKBpy1BFQiXusGpm5t_bGYH2EsobMQZ6Iz27VQQpnkV_sdIDoxtYU/s1600/photo+3%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina9VaNkL1Kt1AQI_YTZVHeVXmNWfBWpEqZrChnjdcnDKgxIi7yJ8BLWB89OCwdSXM8P8jDXGr7bXjlRQdqbDPE_WKBpy1BFQiXusGpm5t_bGYH2EsobMQZ6Iz27VQQpnkV_sdIDoxtYU/s640/photo+3%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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One of our chickens developed a limp and the other chickens started picking on her to the point that we had to separate her from the rest. Chickens can be real cloaca-holes. She was put up in her very own condo with her own food and water for about a week and half. She started walking fine again and was reintroduced to the flock with no further problems. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeZqQ7rETMRhKj4f6jpasyO6sApM0I46bkZ0_26jfxJjoD3QW9876qYzt5NhzdLUO023KtWEAzJ_MSAJ5Kg5cTBIPmULTQh8UBOrA-0pyBXTW2AfgFNoF4EM8FFTKEA_PkD4xzuVYRVU/s1600/photo+4%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeZqQ7rETMRhKj4f6jpasyO6sApM0I46bkZ0_26jfxJjoD3QW9876qYzt5NhzdLUO023KtWEAzJ_MSAJ5Kg5cTBIPmULTQh8UBOrA-0pyBXTW2AfgFNoF4EM8FFTKEA_PkD4xzuVYRVU/s640/photo+4%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other news, we have a duck that thinks she is a chicken and took over a nesting box in the chicken coop. Muscovy's are great mothers and when they go broody there is almost no stopping them from sitting eggs. The chickens didn't seem to mind and this was a good spot to get fresh duck eggs until I let her raise up some ducklings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxInSImBbD2ZX6Hky3wpWruvzgFQOOkY3ksPqg-zmEKVppmexcq8EcslFRdEgFoBv-eeHdnF89IQ8wZNux03NUwKBZV3EBH5vbwlgfcwTHEGCAgbjlT7-_lRUef-19RYBIZhaetyZgV4/s1600/photo+5%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxInSImBbD2ZX6Hky3wpWruvzgFQOOkY3ksPqg-zmEKVppmexcq8EcslFRdEgFoBv-eeHdnF89IQ8wZNux03NUwKBZV3EBH5vbwlgfcwTHEGCAgbjlT7-_lRUef-19RYBIZhaetyZgV4/s640/photo+5%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is the proud mama with her newly hatched ducklings. All total our two mature females raised up 18 ducks this year. They would have hatched more if I let them.We are down to 5 ducks now and a full freezer. More on that in the future. </div>
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Muscovy's love to play around in the water. When you have 20 + ducks on your property, you have to change this water everyday. The hardest part is making sure our border collie is no where around when I turn the hose on. He loves water in any form. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH2Hy-tzP_DM8UVKfIjAmpbOFFN1PDNK837f23T3slTGEgav5G1KmpbrU0mRbxwOEfnEKDJj-YUTTxv4QThsFtpgJYhmBftoVrtm_69F4NKN9A2JIGoAL9taZLNUpKZy3CNdeZQyHkKc/s1600/photo+1%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH2Hy-tzP_DM8UVKfIjAmpbOFFN1PDNK837f23T3slTGEgav5G1KmpbrU0mRbxwOEfnEKDJj-YUTTxv4QThsFtpgJYhmBftoVrtm_69F4NKN9A2JIGoAL9taZLNUpKZy3CNdeZQyHkKc/s640/photo+1%25285%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I put in a couple duck ponds around the yard. The only problem with a set up like this is changing the water every other day. If you have some elevated land and plumb the bottom of the pond with a drain hose, this would work very nice. I don't have any where to do that so I only dumped and filled this pond for a couple months. The baby ducks loved it.</div>
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Oh yeah, we got married in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. We needed witnesses so we each invited our only siblings to bear witness. It was a great day and beautiful scenery. We both love the gorge, so it was an easy decision to get married in the wilderness. We are standing next to a 100 ft cliff, you know, just in case she got cold feet. </div>
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We got another puppy. His name is Darwin and we thought we were getting a catahoula cattle dog crossed with a shepherd. At least that's what the pound said he was. Turns out he is a great dane mix and is over 100 lbs at 13 months now. He is a gentle giant and we love him.</div>
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Higgs caught the bouquet and promptly ate part of it. I want to thank Aaron, Dara's brother and Sharon, my sister for being our witnesses and dog handlers. </div>
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Else</div>
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Recently...</div>
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Let's see</div>
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Ducks</div>
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Puppy</div>
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Marriage</div>
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What am I missing?...</div>
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Oh yeah, so we had a baby. His name is Oliver and he was born in September. I was lucky enough to deliver him, cut the cord and gave him his first bath. In fact, he never left our sight the whole time. We were not paranoid about something happening to him, well maybe a little, but it just felt like the right thing to do was to always be there for him. "They" say children change you and you can't know how much until you have one, "they" are right. </div>
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This is Oliver's second trip to the gorge, his first post uterus. The Ergobaby carrier is awesome. We are on top of natural bridge. Oliver did just fine being hiked all over the place.</div>
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We are looking forward to being the best parents we can be. Ours lives are changing more than just adding a baby. I am leaving my cubicle jungle to stay home and take care of Oliver. The thought of strangers raising our baby at a daycare didn't sit well with us. It will be hard with the drop in income, but I know we will pull through. He is totally worth it. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-39907664742962207322015-02-28T22:27:00.000-05:002015-03-02T10:10:29.816-05:00Barley Fodder System<br />
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Who doesn't like to see some greenery in the middle of winter? I know I do and so do my chickens. I started a very simple barley fodder system in our spare bathroom. All you need is some small art bins from your local big box store, water and barley seed.<br />
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Barley (<i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barley">Hordeum vulgare</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barley"> L.</a>) </span>is the hardest thing to find, but if you go to any feed store you will be able to pick up a 50 pound bag pretty cheap. Do not go to your local home-brew store and pick up roasted barley. Roasted barley has already been sprouted and will not work for a fodder system. If you have already made this mistake, make <a href="http://littlecountryhouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/all-grain-brewing.html">beer</a> with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w2xYz4g-R-RBZfP4Bk2JfEguvrhoFQgdh3ue7zODrsf207kkSorEIqdIE6S5uxgF5SRsuXUJwUJtSMo8mC8WF0NqUwFYOGLgXw-rj4AJVxrvNWmKMb4yDXfwh86WJ6Mzk60nVJdYE54/s1600/photo+1(46).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w2xYz4g-R-RBZfP4Bk2JfEguvrhoFQgdh3ue7zODrsf207kkSorEIqdIE6S5uxgF5SRsuXUJwUJtSMo8mC8WF0NqUwFYOGLgXw-rj4AJVxrvNWmKMb4yDXfwh86WJ6Mzk60nVJdYE54/s1600/photo+1(46).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bin on the left has about a cup and a half of barley seed and a couple inches of water. That is day one. All of the other bins should have holes, smaller than a barley seed, drilled in the bottom. After the first 24 hours, you do not want the barley to be sitting in water. Just make sure you have enough holes drilled to drain the bin. Mine take about a minute to drain.<br />
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After 24 hours of soaking your seed, you will want to transfer them to one of the bins with holes in the bottom. Once you do this, put new seed in the soak bin. This is day three. You can see tiny sprouts coming out of the barley seeds. </div>
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You repeat this process everyday. I like to do it in the morning, which is the same time I harvest the end product for the chickens. I have a 9 day system going. The first day is the soak, then each successive day the sprouts get larger until they are big enough to harvest.<br />
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These are day 6 and 7. You have to soak every bin twice a day. Since I am doing this in my spare bathtub, sometimes I just plug the drain and fill the tub up a couple inches and let them soak for 5 minutes. Or you can just pour water in each bin. It is very important to do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.<br />
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Here is day 8 an 9. Once you get to this point, you can feed this to your chickens. If you want it to get a little bigger you can pull out the whole sprout mat and just lay it across your bins. You can water it when you soak the bins and it will continue to grow for days if you want.<br />
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<span id="goog_1563871262"></span>Once you take it out of the bin, it holds together on its own. You can see how easy it would be to continue letting this grow outside of the bin. I will mention that I am growing this system in our spare bathroom that stays very warm with the door closed. It is about 70 degrees in this room during the winter with the door closed. Having temps above 70 degrees will help with germination and growing. You do not need light though. This bathroom gets almost no sunlight. Most seeds have enough reserves to grow for awhile without sunlight. Barley will do just find growing with no light for two weeks.</div>
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Our chickens love the barley grass. The ducks are not so impressed, but they will peck at it. If you are growing this for Muscovy ducks, be warned, they may not touch it. Chickens on the other hand will fight over this green treat in the middle of a gray winter.</div>
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<br />Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-83389391939807103742014-12-31T18:47:00.001-05:002015-01-07T14:05:07.390-05:00Duck Duck Peahen <br />
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When I have a crazy idea, Dara either tolerates it, or rolls her eyes and accepts it. I am lucky that she is pretty tolerant of my propensity to add more projects to the homestead. Recently she came home and said, "we are getting ducks". I think I am rubbing off on her. I wanted ducks as well, but I don't think she was asking.<br />
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I told her the ducks were her project. So who do you think feeds, waters and changes the bedding? Hint, their name consists of more than four letters. Here she is designing the duck house. I told her the dimensions of the left over wood I had laying around. I love it when we can build something out of scrap wood laying around. </div>
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Here it is. I have made some improvements to it since. I will do a winter duck post talking about how I insulated it later. Ducks don't really need much. If they have a roof over their heads, food and a water supply, they are pretty happy. My nephews kiddy pool turned into the puppy pool and has now turned into the duck pond. </div>
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The type of duck you get depends on what you want out of them. We chose <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovy_duck">Muscovy</a> (<span class="binomial"><i>Cairina moschata</i></span><b><span class="binomial"><i>)</i></span></b> ducks for multiple reasons. They are very quiet. If fact, they barely make a noise over a hiss. They require very little water and do not need a large pond to thrive. I do have plans to put in a sizable pond in the future. I am sure they will love it, but if you don't have a pond, a small kiddy pool or stock tank will work just fine. They are great foragers and will eat many pests on your property. They will pick mosquitoes out of the air and will happily devour garden slugs. They are cold hardy, great mothers, good egg layers in season, they will stand up to predators and the meat is great!</div>
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The large one in the middle is our breeding drake Half and Half. He came from our friend <a href="http://gentlemanhomestead.com/">Mike's</a> homestead. The female behind him is Mimi. She and the three young ones came from our friends over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shadycoopfarm">Shady Coop Farm</a>. Muscovy ducks are very interesting. They are native to South and Central America. They had been domesticated by many native peoples way before the "discovery" of the new world. All domestic ducks you have ever seen are all descended from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard">Mallard</a> (<span class="binomial"><i>Anas platyrhynchos</i></span><b><span class="binomial"><i>)</i></span></b> except the Muscovy, which has its own evolutionary path, sharing an ancestor with Mallard ducks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K90lGb9PPbOdDh0yA_4ybUZDuIQG9l5CqTMfsLSy1Zt-5lGVb2etBLSUWUQzGRjlU0Ku82aHN4W_KjN895DIAGkp8rFuIaINF-78tMPPMxisMgzpe1omoZ6SadpDNDolO_3pCL5eAX8/s1600/photo+4(32).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K90lGb9PPbOdDh0yA_4ybUZDuIQG9l5CqTMfsLSy1Zt-5lGVb2etBLSUWUQzGRjlU0Ku82aHN4W_KjN895DIAGkp8rFuIaINF-78tMPPMxisMgzpe1omoZ6SadpDNDolO_3pCL5eAX8/s1600/photo+4(32).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Muscovy ducks are good flyers. Here is Half and Half on top of the garage with our peahen Fergie. At first they didn't care for each other. Now they seem to be good friends. We eventually caught the ducks and clipped their wings so they would not leave the yard. We were debating on whether or not to clip them. The decision was made when I found one of the young ducks in the road after work one night. That was our first livestock loss on the homestead. Clipping their wings does not hurt them and I recommend it if you plan on keeping ducks. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-27483619531555625732014-11-30T23:24:00.000-05:002014-12-01T17:23:55.325-05:00Perennial Harvest<br />
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We have had a lot of recent posts about chickens. This post only has pictures of them for scale. =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQFT-0g4hE_Zb19Tv_FbAdtojs-PqVE8yArRzo_bErlpQGSyflA-_6JD0Tfg1RBBu2fG6kWZkG_Dw5NaFUHfbCQ8RmXnlo9HRL64JaVF-5TEaONZoQ9ervnfRRPrfGFq0SKa3Hn86OjY/s1600/photo+1(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQFT-0g4hE_Zb19Tv_FbAdtojs-PqVE8yArRzo_bErlpQGSyflA-_6JD0Tfg1RBBu2fG6kWZkG_Dw5NaFUHfbCQ8RmXnlo9HRL64JaVF-5TEaONZoQ9ervnfRRPrfGFq0SKa3Hn86OjY/s1600/photo+1(42).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Any idea what this is? A dirt golem? Maybe a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illithid">Illithid</a>? I planted this three years ago and decided it was time to harvest it. I noticed it was sending out runners and it was very close to one of our leach lines. It took the good part of an hour to get the whole thing out of the ground. I have a feeling I will be fighting this plant for years to come where I dug it up. It propagates rather easily from root cuttings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y4JUVeXzmxebMLy5GL_z04RvlWzZcB-0w2FAQ3vZjmF5Q7pLJCVMU9QbRmEijI4NBsgi61-6wKh6bRFupR4_wIleYj5Na139cIqW5fSX0Toe-qKaOSWmJKdmnO-kFf9b4yw59n-ybHQ/s1600/photo+2(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y4JUVeXzmxebMLy5GL_z04RvlWzZcB-0w2FAQ3vZjmF5Q7pLJCVMU9QbRmEijI4NBsgi61-6wKh6bRFupR4_wIleYj5Na139cIqW5fSX0Toe-qKaOSWmJKdmnO-kFf9b4yw59n-ybHQ/s1600/photo+2(40).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Give up? It is a three year old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseradish">horseradish </a>plant (<i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Armoracia rusticana</span>)</i>. Horseradish is in the brassica family along with cabbage, broccoli and kohlrabi. This plant has been used by humans since records have been kept and most likely way before that. It has been used as a medicine since the middle ages. Most people know it for its edible qualities, notably that stuff you put in cocktail sauce. That pungent smell you associate with it is actually a chemical reaction that takes place when you break the cell walls. The grating process creates a compound called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allyl_isothiocyanate">allyl isothiocyanate</a> or mustard oil. Here is a pretty picture for my nerdy readers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOe1xshGZ0jdd0k6V7FAilBvG2armR7I8jUjxXPLzfV_3503Vqbi-KGKS9w7qq4A_Fb0ojYl7C5RQ5gjMwdvOX21enxdvMQmhoUUYEWE0d4cyboENw_mJuZkeKqG_q9Ruz6TfX7ZIEc4/s1600/Allyl-isothiocyanate-2D-skeletal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOe1xshGZ0jdd0k6V7FAilBvG2armR7I8jUjxXPLzfV_3503Vqbi-KGKS9w7qq4A_Fb0ojYl7C5RQ5gjMwdvOX21enxdvMQmhoUUYEWE0d4cyboENw_mJuZkeKqG_q9Ruz6TfX7ZIEc4/s1600/Allyl-isothiocyanate-2D-skeletal.png" height="122" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you like sushi? Do you like wasabi with your sushi? Most commercial wasabi is made from the horseradish plant, not the wasabi plant, which is hard to cultivate and expensive. Horseradish is used in the biochemical world quite a lot. An enzyme found in its roots; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseradish_peroxidase">horseradish peroxidase </a>, is used as a signal amplifier to help increase detectability of specific molecules.<br />
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Here it is all cleaned up. This is well over 10 pounds of horseradish. I gave a bunch away, stored a bunch in peat moss in the garage and plan to use all the runners and crowns in the spring to propagate it to sell. I killed two birds with one stone when I dug it up. I want to put in a bunch of small preformed ponds in my garden. The hole this left is the perfect place for one. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-73052774970348507782014-10-28T22:15:00.001-04:002014-10-28T22:15:15.805-04:00Chicken Tractor's Final Move<div style="text-align: center;">
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As I alluded to in a previous post, the chicken tractor I built became a burden to move. I decided to park it and let it become a stationary chicken coop. I have three main reasons for this decision. The first being its weight and how hard it is to move. The second reason is shade. When I moved the coop in tractor mode, it would sit out in the blazing sun all day. The chickens would try to stay in the limited shadow the coop cast in the run. I decided to park it under one of my oak trees where it will get shade in the summer and sun in the winter. The final reason I parked it is pretty shitty. I will explain in a moment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43DpbMsjH0jiKRe7_VWSvnAMOJuNHBZ6lSywmdWPxIYR7Dq_dVJjdaYQ3PrNML6LbVmIstzozqmq-JOZLgn0QEBkbNQhrUKfL4xC1JvNlU6gOFKMlbUGOX6ZUsk0o_MM2BPLfN5mceok/s1600/photo+2%2834%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43DpbMsjH0jiKRe7_VWSvnAMOJuNHBZ6lSywmdWPxIYR7Dq_dVJjdaYQ3PrNML6LbVmIstzozqmq-JOZLgn0QEBkbNQhrUKfL4xC1JvNlU6gOFKMlbUGOX6ZUsk0o_MM2BPLfN5mceok/s1600/photo+2(34).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had to make sure the foundation was solid. I decided to lay a bunch of 8" x 16" patio stones instead of pouring concrete, just in case I ever need to move it. The good thing about concrete is it levels itself passively with gravity. It took me a long time to level all of these stones. I used a flat shovel, a 4 ft level, a tape measure and some gin and juice. Eventually everything lined up. Note the position of the chicken tractor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNDceoLhf_HZrbEFwGmUXGz4gxN917niy7YKkTqua2cEP2ljBNC5GIbfCeJA9_cQcI8yBkqlqMsf2PgpYkJT5GeCtDPOi7CIvLnoHpMqKL4mxbXYnvMy5RIN2DUVPpUz2lTsM-0ZQAIc/s1600/photo+3%2839%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNDceoLhf_HZrbEFwGmUXGz4gxN917niy7YKkTqua2cEP2ljBNC5GIbfCeJA9_cQcI8yBkqlqMsf2PgpYkJT5GeCtDPOi7CIvLnoHpMqKL4mxbXYnvMy5RIN2DUVPpUz2lTsM-0ZQAIc/s1600/photo+3(39).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started to arc the tractor towards its final resting spot two weeks before I put the stones down. Every two days I would move the tractor a little closer. Once I got it to this spot, the next move was its last. One of the reasons I choose this spot is it has electric at the light pole. I don't plan on using heat lamps, but you never know when you will want power for something. </div>
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Back to the shitty reason to park the chicken tractor. When the tractor is moved, all the chicken shit is spread over the whole yard. When it is parked, you can do what is called the "deep litter" method. The principle is the same as composting your kitchen scraps. You just need to get your carbon (straw / leaves) to nitrogen (chicken shit) ratio right. The chickens will constantly scratch the straw and deposit nitrogen, efficiently turning your compost for you. It is amazing how fast a bale of straw turns into dark nutrient rich compost. I throw a lot of kitchen scraps and yard waste in as well. You can harvest this compost 3-4 times a year. I plan on letting it build up until the end of fall. I will harvest the compost and let it age on the garden beds over the winter. This will ensure the compost is not to "hot" with nitrogen when I plant in the spring.<br />
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Here is the final product, painted yellow of course to match the house, garage and dog house. The egg collection door is about 25 ft from the back door of the house. It is easy and convenient to collect the eggs everyday. We let the chickens out when we get home from work and on the weekends. Otherwise they are busy turning straw to compost. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-27157679152986513802014-09-30T17:33:00.000-04:002014-09-30T17:33:21.058-04:00Feed And Water Buckets<div style="text-align: center;">
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I made a 5 gallon chicken feeder and a 5 gallon water bucket for the chicken coop. These come in handy when leaving for a few days or so you don't have to fill a smaller feed and water bucket everyday.</div>
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You start with a 5 gallon food grade bucket available at any hardware store. I used a jigsaw to cut out the holes in the side. If you have a 2-3 inch hole cutter for your drill, I would use that. You can find the metal pan at any agriculture store for about $5.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EjyjiwiGHFplkZSzHDXcDjY6Bbk1mx89fdhkWwbHGT24Mwe3OEQ11KIJoWTLTJhvIAdXhlCMgY6lPZtv9rwWV5OqpnR2fgicn_jUtR0Dfz1GxlwTerMUK0v3nsE_KuwRBJ1WmAVQwZ8/s1600/photo+4%2828%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EjyjiwiGHFplkZSzHDXcDjY6Bbk1mx89fdhkWwbHGT24Mwe3OEQ11KIJoWTLTJhvIAdXhlCMgY6lPZtv9rwWV5OqpnR2fgicn_jUtR0Dfz1GxlwTerMUK0v3nsE_KuwRBJ1WmAVQwZ8/s1600/photo+4(28).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I screwed the metal pan to the 5 gallon bucket. Run your screws through the metal pan into the 5 gallon bucket. I screwed wine corks into the screws inside the bucket to hold it in place. I am sure there is a better way to do it, but this worked well for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaMQG1KaGUXmv71wUSnS30qzOr946wqL78duyLZK3a4PXLsKqnA59Z_P0ffn_d80gO1tiJcp8e2z25_ynNI6iD0cv6Oug-2mr_sdhFsN4FisiQrlLCqxGwRZx-2arIPHPCInISoihyEg/s1600/photo+5%2818%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaMQG1KaGUXmv71wUSnS30qzOr946wqL78duyLZK3a4PXLsKqnA59Z_P0ffn_d80gO1tiJcp8e2z25_ynNI6iD0cv6Oug-2mr_sdhFsN4FisiQrlLCqxGwRZx-2arIPHPCInISoihyEg/s1600/photo+5(18).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div>
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For the waterer, start with a food grade 5 gallon bucket. You will need to pick up some horizontally mounted chicken nipples to make this waterer. You can find them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Horizontal-Side-Mount-Poultry-Nipples/dp/B00JXUAD0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412112367&sr=8-1&keywords=side+mount+poultry+nipples">here</a>. Follow the instructions that come with them. You basically drill a hole smaller than the widest part of the nipple you screw in. You then screw the nipple into the bucket until it is tight and upright. The best part is the chickens can't get the water dirty!</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-77955171663660385222014-09-29T09:40:00.000-04:002014-09-29T09:40:47.387-04:00DIY Chicken Tractor<br />
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This post is long and long overdue. I built a chicken tractor over the spring. What's a chicken tractor you ask? Well that depends on if you ask a green tractor chicken or a red tractor chicken...<br />
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Most people look at me funny when I say I have a chicken tractor. I think they imagine a dozen chickens tethered to a plow or something. A select few probably imagine an actual chicken driving a tractor. If you fall into the latter camp, I would love to know what you think a cock fight is. Leave a comment down below.<br />
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A chicken tractor is simply a chicken coop and run that can be moved. Most people build the tractor with the bottom open to the grass and move it every couple days. This allows the chickens to graze fresh pasture and bugs while being protected from predators. <br />
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I bought three 4 ft x 16 ft cattle panels from our local agriculture store. I am surprised I didn't get pulled over driving like this. Make sure you have some pads and good ratchet straps if you are going to attempt something like this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsuCnhUIWgHhIKSQwNd0NOcy2HckmFqUpMUjhW2d02nRqG2J5Os_9hcUqvQwvQ84ZpVqifwETxxQcag0ii8sfufaPLH4hmt1pbziB7c_8Y21UE_gtG0b1Zy53zuU1cbwrp-cKrpwt_H8/s1600/photo+3%2830%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsuCnhUIWgHhIKSQwNd0NOcy2HckmFqUpMUjhW2d02nRqG2J5Os_9hcUqvQwvQ84ZpVqifwETxxQcag0ii8sfufaPLH4hmt1pbziB7c_8Y21UE_gtG0b1Zy53zuU1cbwrp-cKrpwt_H8/s1600/photo+3(30).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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DISCLAIMER: I built this chicken tractor too heavy and it is a pain to move.
If you are going to follow the design in this blog you should seriously
consider moving it with a riding mower, instead of by hand. </div>
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Material list: ( I am sure I am missing something, but this should be most of the supplies used.)</div>
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<li>3 - 4ft x 16ft cattle panels.</li>
<li>2 - Pressure treated 12ft 2x4's.</li>
<li>2 - Pressure treated 8ft 2x4's.</li>
<li>A lot of untreated 2x4's. I seriously went back twice to get more. Maybe a dozen or so.</li>
<li>1 - 4ft x 8ft x 1/2 inch plywood.</li>
<li>3 - 4ft x 8ft x 1/4 inch plywood.</li>
<li>3 rolls of 25ft hardware cloth with 1/2 inch squares.</li>
<li>2 rolls of 25ft chicken wire.</li>
<li>3 - 2ft x 8ft galvanized steel corrugated metal roofing sheets.</li>
<li>1 Box of "U" Grip-Rite staples.</li>
<li>1 Box of self-tapping metal screws.</li>
<li>1 Box of neoprene washers for self-tapping screws. </li>
<li>1 Box of exterior screws. </li>
<li>8 - 6 inch lag bolts with washers and nuts.</li>
<li>Metal cutting blade for circular saw.</li>
<li>Spool of galvanized wire.</li>
<li>Exterior paint.</li>
<li>Ratchet straps</li>
<li>Various power tools.</li>
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Everything I read about building chicken tractors said "DO NOT BUILD IT TOO HEAVY". I figured I could build the tractor on sleds and pull it around the yard with no problem. Boy was I wrong. If you actually keep the finished weight of your tractor manageable, you could move it around the yard on sleds. Before I put the coop in, I could pull it around easily by hand. </div>
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Once you have the ends of your 12ft 2x4's rounded off, you can now attach the cattle panels. I overlapped the panels to fit inside the runner boards.You can make your tractor longer or shorter than this, its up to you. </div>
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I used Grip-Rite staples to attach the cattle panels to the 2x4's. I ended up going back and putting two more staples in each square. I measured half way down the 2x4 and lined the cattle panel up so it is in the center of the 2x4. </div>
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You will want some help bending the cattle panels. Once I had them in a "U", I used ratchet straps to hold it in place. I then attached the 8ft 2x4's to hold it together. Make sure you have the sides you stapled the cattle panels to, facing in. You don't want the panels pushing out against the staples on the outside. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwK5g040iAcCEJ6jUXlyIh6-EgxSYZsflYf3igalIwE5nlTOhU9JRcXAo55FvHkqcyay1qknDdyVZr3BY36oMXBpqoGmIQqu_1tOuIbTNUjfaoYwnZcxfScphpDYX4vQ6kWXD1ftRwZSc/s1600/photo+1%2833%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwK5g040iAcCEJ6jUXlyIh6-EgxSYZsflYf3igalIwE5nlTOhU9JRcXAo55FvHkqcyay1qknDdyVZr3BY36oMXBpqoGmIQqu_1tOuIbTNUjfaoYwnZcxfScphpDYX4vQ6kWXD1ftRwZSc/s1600/photo+1(33).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used two, 6 inch lag bolts on each corner. Notice I cut out a 1 1/2 inch section on the 8ft 2x4's , leaving a 1/2 inch on the top. This is so when you move the tractor, the front and back boards are not dragging on the ground. Make sure you do this to both sides on the front and back 8ft 2x4's.<br />
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Here is the frame all bolted together. At this point it was easy to move around on the sleds. If you didn't want a coop in your tractor, I think you could move this by hand pretty easily, even once all the hardware cloth and chicken wire is attached. <br />
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Here is my solution to crafty critters like racoons. Racoons have been known to figure out slide locks and other closing mechanisms. To my knowledge, they haven't figured out carabiners yet. I will let you know if they do.</div>
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One of the hardest parts of building the tractor was cutting the plywood to fit on the ends of the coop. I cut it perfectly round, then had to adjust it multiple times to get it to fit. An easy way to get a perfect half circle is to tie a string the length of the radius of the half circle you want, to a pencil. Place the open end of the string in the middle of your board and pull the string taut. Move the pencil to the left and right until you have your half circle drawn. </div>
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I spent a lot of time "shaving" off wood to get the ends of the coop to fit. I didn't want to go to far, you can't add wood back on, so I had to cut a little, go check the fit, and cut some more. </div>
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You can use whatever you want for a roof. I chose metal for longevity and I think it looks cool. I bought a metal cutting blade for my circular saw and cut these 8 ft galvanized panels in half. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_6HvxUSbdWzXNR8DpmaOcqexcasAp4UZxw5X-56oddgqJdT5gyj-ZY7S-a7GOnvwA0HAkDXTsnmqPGCfW336s9CyvqusNj9e-UMvsiXrojDEZ4RIy-5Q9wlVPd-hUtLKXaGUnN2O7GM/s1600/photo+1(34).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_6HvxUSbdWzXNR8DpmaOcqexcasAp4UZxw5X-56oddgqJdT5gyj-ZY7S-a7GOnvwA0HAkDXTsnmqPGCfW336s9CyvqusNj9e-UMvsiXrojDEZ4RIy-5Q9wlVPd-hUtLKXaGUnN2O7GM/s1600/photo+1(34).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I then screwed them together using self driving metal screws with water tight washers. I overlapped each panel so water will run down the outside and not leak in. Make sure the overlaps are going the right way when you put the roof on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgLcvD1b2J0yUBDJU1TX_v85VPT_gI67TGwiT18hgRhyphenhyphen8rpI0hrtOBDHINSLW9Lwa5XeVRNx13kt1sSrD_2DQSyyCjtwq6Q5a1Qe3IqMdZbr3H1tGcYE_fdjVZxLAoEtu60xR2XcBmq8/s1600/photo+3%2832%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgLcvD1b2J0yUBDJU1TX_v85VPT_gI67TGwiT18hgRhyphenhyphen8rpI0hrtOBDHINSLW9Lwa5XeVRNx13kt1sSrD_2DQSyyCjtwq6Q5a1Qe3IqMdZbr3H1tGcYE_fdjVZxLAoEtu60xR2XcBmq8/s1600/photo+3(32).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is a close up of a self driving screw with rubber / metal washer. Buy a magnetic bit for your drill, it will be worth every penny.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIM0sQZm0Z_mVe-__eXCsmEb7xLCbrr4wIluGRwQWDBV-6hirjI0C9nsQNiubxNXwSpS1rHIOZaVvW4JZKsLmgYHTiZKFgTjtW8AEXeSzzGsxt0nkhqkvPYSruGg9V5bGaDWDzybU-6E/s1600/photo+2(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIM0sQZm0Z_mVe-__eXCsmEb7xLCbrr4wIluGRwQWDBV-6hirjI0C9nsQNiubxNXwSpS1rHIOZaVvW4JZKsLmgYHTiZKFgTjtW8AEXeSzzGsxt0nkhqkvPYSruGg9V5bGaDWDzybU-6E/s1600/photo+2(31).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You should end up with something like this. Some people use plastic tarps for chicken tractor roofs. That would make a much lighter roof, but it would need to be replaced every couple years or so. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa0vDjTzc2XcQHQC77-ezVfCFr71GErSivFfqeuppYY9NODRzF_N-RM70YlwkUSK96fnPR_BNwZ0VBHlBMjyjo6O-da7Cdk0A1QhPiIG84vmk8vm7WwjqtK2gvrBnFIF5z9QjSx1YItM/s1600/photo+4(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa0vDjTzc2XcQHQC77-ezVfCFr71GErSivFfqeuppYY9NODRzF_N-RM70YlwkUSK96fnPR_BNwZ0VBHlBMjyjo6O-da7Cdk0A1QhPiIG84vmk8vm7WwjqtK2gvrBnFIF5z9QjSx1YItM/s1600/photo+4(25).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I ripped a lot of 2x4's to make this tractor. I attached the roof to three ripped 2x4's that I ran at the height I wanted the bottom of the coop to be. I then screwed the roof into more ripped 2x4's along the inside of the roof. I off set these in about 2 inches on each side. I used these to attach the front and back of the coop walls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq11AeCuTiTLTDsjDGVDXDoUKttLvQ5kZP2aQvxkIc3KrDStdo2CeJM2EAsoFtlQphxMXs9lPLdTssoMXkOppRu5rNge1-shjgNFRcEABXMawHH34DnIW80Ivo0XSw8a88rz-hBEXDSQ/s1600/photo+5(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq11AeCuTiTLTDsjDGVDXDoUKttLvQ5kZP2aQvxkIc3KrDStdo2CeJM2EAsoFtlQphxMXs9lPLdTssoMXkOppRu5rNge1-shjgNFRcEABXMawHH34DnIW80Ivo0XSw8a88rz-hBEXDSQ/s1600/photo+5(15).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The floor of the coop is then screwed into the ripped 2x4's on the bottom. You want to use the 1/2 inch plywood for the floor of the coop. You will want to do most of your interior work on the coop before you attach the final wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkn7-b9Iz2n_6PCm_Ey73ZXxCHNg64207TYtHYle913-CpCiKMWTbjzmiKCA4ZHqLBQMMcLVn91pNsSr_b0JTBkxKsY3WqPNv5cuEYzw5nZ9X_qhR5d9WqNNLE18FFc0M_kGTIh9FK9U/s1600/photo+1(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkn7-b9Iz2n_6PCm_Ey73ZXxCHNg64207TYtHYle913-CpCiKMWTbjzmiKCA4ZHqLBQMMcLVn91pNsSr_b0JTBkxKsY3WqPNv5cuEYzw5nZ9X_qhR5d9WqNNLE18FFc0M_kGTIh9FK9U/s1600/photo+1(35).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In my attempt to keep the weight of the chicken tractor down, I used very thin plywood and ripped a bunch of 2x4's to build the nest boxes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUATGKyoms77QfE_clLpwyzQ97RGfIQ1RAjhh9VqZ78sMsbd83jkMR8xfd4oG-bCgN1V8Aq0Ty286s7xLQMIUlZmjZDhoQkwI5y9ooK3xBKcTovrsNXWbBBJrNveEasiOFEMTh5cll9pg/s1600/photo+2(32).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wyC8Vb08TPeEPljPpL9mHJGSBdw4FqrqlcAYl2xvDwL3X0DI1c72jaQ6fBR0Iufd3kDVGAGcBaQPmPM_WvlvAE7sut9otdsxDK3tXXZpGfY6Ss716cgcs9zOE5EArOMUBB4OVxE_THI/s1600/photo+3(33).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wyC8Vb08TPeEPljPpL9mHJGSBdw4FqrqlcAYl2xvDwL3X0DI1c72jaQ6fBR0Iufd3kDVGAGcBaQPmPM_WvlvAE7sut9otdsxDK3tXXZpGfY6Ss716cgcs9zOE5EArOMUBB4OVxE_THI/s1600/photo+3(33).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I ended up going with 6 nest boxes for my 16 laying hens. Each box is approximately 12 inch x 12 inch at the opening with head room once they step into the box. I designed a small incline you can see in this pic on the bottom of the nest boxes. This will hopefully make the eggs roll back to the collection door. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsD_vKuvcHHQPS24UOM03-weoeuGJesO1I4L79Gk-IwJu1-2I4edoydbfzn_wdHC-k810aKp_9KzjFIFPorhfMQGRKojcN-CwPvSGZWXbkzXUWTy8_cpi7a5HgKXGkhs23_U0nPKQZyc/s1600/photo+1(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsD_vKuvcHHQPS24UOM03-weoeuGJesO1I4L79Gk-IwJu1-2I4edoydbfzn_wdHC-k810aKp_9KzjFIFPorhfMQGRKojcN-CwPvSGZWXbkzXUWTy8_cpi7a5HgKXGkhs23_U0nPKQZyc/s1600/photo+1(36).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here I am installing the nest boxes. I ran some more ripped 2x4's on the floor of the coop to screw the front and back wall into. Make sure these are set back as far as the ripped 2x4's the roof is screwed into so the walls fit straight. The nest box is screwed into the ripped 2x4 in the back. I had to put another ripped 2x4 under the front of the nest box to keep my slope. Make sure your nest box roof has a steep pitch on it, or your chickens will hang out on top of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Hc7evhBS1foL7vM_jbA4xMougyFxVN-4ARMyc7zos5uJhlDd98m2ZbdyW2wUm0k_r8prcVrMR5Whw3xWU-nPrqlkfDWipr-EjTnHB5x9Qu2J35C72I0Z5IISgMkwKbDr1aLj8Nz5Tc/s1600/photo+5%2816%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Hc7evhBS1foL7vM_jbA4xMougyFxVN-4ARMyc7zos5uJhlDd98m2ZbdyW2wUm0k_r8prcVrMR5Whw3xWU-nPrqlkfDWipr-EjTnHB5x9Qu2J35C72I0Z5IISgMkwKbDr1aLj8Nz5Tc/s1600/photo+5(16).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Dara and my sister helped attach the hardware cloth and chicken wire to the cattle panels. You can use plastic zip ties for this if you want. I opted to go with a more permanent solution and used galvanized wire. Make sure you attach the hardware cloth securely and not allow any part of it to be able to be pulled away from the cattle panels. Critters that want to eat your chickens are diligent and crafty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGWjVl7TYmd7tQwPilxZSCRYcufeJTa6pxG2kKX5OJAnYdvjytVcJvyXACWcu5suqsQG4MWTFxjOGPZOEXtTTEpWwcI5ORnwBu1a_33KTqv_cWm8Uf15R5YjL3HUJmBN6xg3I7r9r3kQ/s1600/photo(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGWjVl7TYmd7tQwPilxZSCRYcufeJTa6pxG2kKX5OJAnYdvjytVcJvyXACWcu5suqsQG4MWTFxjOGPZOEXtTTEpWwcI5ORnwBu1a_33KTqv_cWm8Uf15R5YjL3HUJmBN6xg3I7r9r3kQ/s1600/photo(9).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided to go up the cattle panels 4 ft with hardware cloth. I used chicken wire, which is cheaper, to cover the top. The main reason I chose hardware cloth is; raccoons have been known to put their arm through chicken wire and kill chickens if they get too close to the wire. If a raccoon climbed the hardware cloth to put his arm into the chicken wire, he would not be able to grab any chickens. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ArbUl3UnxgVs7z0YgoKURe8c74sOWhs4Y9IIb7rtm6oizxIj6Gy5WcnMn_r30pI4qdK5BnGjUG11GrMpO8MbSC4a2x7xWjBB-irkCHmM6TVDARunwJmcKRjluVOXQbU9K57rBMMPg8/s1600/photo+4%2826%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ArbUl3UnxgVs7z0YgoKURe8c74sOWhs4Y9IIb7rtm6oizxIj6Gy5WcnMn_r30pI4qdK5BnGjUG11GrMpO8MbSC4a2x7xWjBB-irkCHmM6TVDARunwJmcKRjluVOXQbU9K57rBMMPg8/s1600/photo+4(26).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is the interior of the coop all finished. I put a temporary board over the entrances to the next boxes. If you are raising your birds from chicks, you want to keep them out of the next boxes until they are ready to lay. Once I attached the front coop wall, I cut out this entrance and used a larger piece of plywood as a door. I want to replace it with plexiglass one day so I can spy on them. You can see the hinge and door on the bottom right of the pic. I harvested some saplings for the roosts. You want them to be about 2 inches wide. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe52WsKcuF-Xye2dgLaRjzQLhlFs_uK4I2BDmLiEZr7KMsl_Wgq8foCarSO1OhfEncsq8rf2ThOSPzHSbR7P_dASPVyVDZRsWjIWMcI-v5USgPOCo7vmiDXaZ2K2NRCLifVY4STqiWw9o/s1600/photo+1(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe52WsKcuF-Xye2dgLaRjzQLhlFs_uK4I2BDmLiEZr7KMsl_Wgq8foCarSO1OhfEncsq8rf2ThOSPzHSbR7P_dASPVyVDZRsWjIWMcI-v5USgPOCo7vmiDXaZ2K2NRCLifVY4STqiWw9o/s1600/photo+1(40).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Because I made the coop to heavy to pull on the sleds, I decided I would put wheels on it to move it. Another mistake. Drilling through 1/4 inch steel is hard, I went through 4 bits drilling all the holes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t6gvPn5AkFPbuQQAb5kkf-doVo965org7v5oqLFQMVlrJDvCjjSUM2taRfYoO5lv_M0dXaQjp5NOoBu8Vnk3-2mIzJ4WcdpmRhDT8zvVSmv7Mtk9zXlJGeFlsCLML2b7veUl1WpH_tQ/s1600/photo+2(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t6gvPn5AkFPbuQQAb5kkf-doVo965org7v5oqLFQMVlrJDvCjjSUM2taRfYoO5lv_M0dXaQjp5NOoBu8Vnk3-2mIzJ4WcdpmRhDT8zvVSmv7Mtk9zXlJGeFlsCLML2b7veUl1WpH_tQ/s1600/photo+2(36).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The wheels are on the bottom of the steel bars. The holes above them are where they get attached to the tractor. This creates an offset so when you lift the steel bar handle, the coop raises off the ground about a foot. In principle, this is a great idea. When I actually tried to move the coop, it wouldn't budge. The wheels are to small and narrow for all the weight of the tractor. I plan on taking these off of the chicken tractor and using them on a much lighter tractor for broiler birds next year. </div>
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Sorry about the bad photos, I can only move the tractor at night when the chickens have gone up to roost. This pic shows how the wheels raise the tractor off of the ground. I have a small hole drilled in the steel bar where that piece of 2x4 is. Once I have the bar perpendicular to the ground, I put a nail through the bar and into the 2x4 to hold it in place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZw1VblyEiEMESy3hCXIxsFIoKlQZe4gWCU_4wJ2irZEhKHwPxPRWkKwrqq4x-utyaMsqK-kiLSirP0BSX7JGQfAqeprTUm8IKCz76b3s9w55FYOkoMb97md_e0xUw4xmmkifWhE7uB4/s1600/photo(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZw1VblyEiEMESy3hCXIxsFIoKlQZe4gWCU_4wJ2irZEhKHwPxPRWkKwrqq4x-utyaMsqK-kiLSirP0BSX7JGQfAqeprTUm8IKCz76b3s9w55FYOkoMb97md_e0xUw4xmmkifWhE7uB4/s1600/photo(12).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The solution I finally came up with to move this beast was to use the wheels to raise the tractor off of the ground, and then lay 3 inch PVC pipes under it. The tractor is movable at this point. I am not saying it is easy, just movable. You have to stop after you pull the tractor over the PVC and reposition the PVC to move the tractor again. A real pain in the cloaca. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ixo4YzTxgW0fY2lcbGkoiwSFI4UHvRRiETze2qAg2IGYV8E1ySAO7908HhNUfWi-k7Vkkfcl-SjqeuFJKKFZA6GokHBWuFT2gWmw5kvHRbFkZr3WrUGd6RCCb0_DyAi5sunVm9717WI/s1600/photo+1%2822%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ixo4YzTxgW0fY2lcbGkoiwSFI4UHvRRiETze2qAg2IGYV8E1ySAO7908HhNUfWi-k7Vkkfcl-SjqeuFJKKFZA6GokHBWuFT2gWmw5kvHRbFkZr3WrUGd6RCCb0_DyAi5sunVm9717WI/s1600/photo+1(22).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is the tractor all done except for painting the coop walls. I moved
it around the yard every three days or so for about 3 months. A post coming soon will explain why I stopped moving it and what I did with it.</div>
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Learn from my mistakes and either use these plans to make a stationary
coop, or build a lighter version that can be moved by hand. If you have a
lawn tractor you may be able to move a coop like this. Hope this helps.
Leave a comment if you have any questions or if I left something out
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-17130934133482828662014-08-22T16:00:00.000-04:002014-08-25T09:22:14.070-04:00Supervised Free Range Chickens<div style="text-align: center;">
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After talking to some knowledgeable friends, I have decided to try letting the girls out on supervised free range expeditions. I hope this cuts down on my feed bill. Even if it doesn't, I bet the chickens will be happier and healthier. </div>
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Let me tell you, they love it! At first they just milled about the coop entrance, but as soon as the first adventurous hen decided to to try out her wings, they were all over the yard in minutes. When it was time to go up for the night 14 of 16 went straight to the coop and put themselves up. We only had to corral 2 of them. They probably would have figured it out eventually.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosJOUNAUUqgxNh4sFkhGn-rkuXz-Y30HFY6PdPi9rIo9UtCjAP3lAE3Osy9cP6B1nreabh5askWvFk6HQZBMQ7XHtMzOOFmOuCSynFAyVyru-tRTCliR1Z_PfF-KF6Xhy-ZOdwVWiY-4/s1600/photo+2(38).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosJOUNAUUqgxNh4sFkhGn-rkuXz-Y30HFY6PdPi9rIo9UtCjAP3lAE3Osy9cP6B1nreabh5askWvFk6HQZBMQ7XHtMzOOFmOuCSynFAyVyru-tRTCliR1Z_PfF-KF6Xhy-ZOdwVWiY-4/s1600/photo+2(38).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a little worried about the dog chasing them and some of them flying over the 4 foot fence. I had the puppy on the tie out for this trial run. They came right up to him and he just looked at them. But, when they run from him, his instincts to herd take over and he chases. It may be a while before I trust him around them off the tie out. <br />
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Our whole back yard is fenced with two large oaks and a few evergreens to give them shade and hiding spots. My other concern is hawks. I will only let them out when I can be in the back yard to watch over them. Supposedly the peahen is a good guardian. If she see hawks she will fluff up her feathers and dance around to ward them away. I have not witnessed this behavior yet, lets hope it is true.</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-12523712818904108632014-08-06T13:21:00.000-04:002014-08-06T13:21:42.503-04:00EGGS!<br />
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Finally! We now have eggs! Only two of our hens are laying so far. None of the Araucana's are laying yet, we are just getting brown eggs so far. Can't wait to get some blue / green eggs!<br />
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How much do you pay for local farm fresh eggs? I paid about $800 for these two. Once the flock really starts laying, they will eventually recoup their cost and make us a profit. We already have a bunch of co-workers who are interested in buying eggs from us. Do you keep chickens? How much did your first egg cost you?</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-13202718165720879222014-08-05T10:53:00.000-04:002014-08-05T10:53:41.101-04:00Getting Ready For Eggs!<br />
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Dara and Higgs are putting fake ceramic eggs in the nest boxes. The chickens will see these and know where to lay the real eggs.<br />
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These fake eggs look very real. Every time I open the nest boxes, I get excited until I realize these eggs are ceramic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5oYLSeH8AmJjp-7PAg3iXNxVBkGQPAQMMrSZZpTYq_VDZLlsRRmn865iFzuW-EiMt_-r9NVkOUPUyDARlD9_1Ege8y4KOpepB-U_jJWkeRVJaY5g2fSh3MoBQKvJ6qTtHBRZ1TbEZBE/s1600/photo+3(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5oYLSeH8AmJjp-7PAg3iXNxVBkGQPAQMMrSZZpTYq_VDZLlsRRmn865iFzuW-EiMt_-r9NVkOUPUyDARlD9_1Ege8y4KOpepB-U_jJWkeRVJaY5g2fSh3MoBQKvJ6qTtHBRZ1TbEZBE/s1600/photo+3(36).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some people use golf balls or plastic Easter eggs. I saw these ceramic eggs at the local Ag store and couldn't resist. If you have chickens, what do you use? How long after your chickens started laying did you leave the fake eggs in? Leave a comment and let me know. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-54995504757338446432014-07-31T22:00:00.000-04:002014-07-31T22:00:38.364-04:00Chicken Update<br />
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The chickens are pretty much full grown now. They are all healthy, happy ladies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkzp5n1WAKrMqyRI5wU57xPG3Zc1QWvbpu-kYtAadWJgnBtmIMD5-xnzlLnqMm8rzEriLliUbftz1KXETI3TZhv6dWTzbnlCa6gQwbMB7vgJ_OeFqKz8cNWxAMZdgRhJv1VVRXvSBPhQ/s1600/photo+1(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkzp5n1WAKrMqyRI5wU57xPG3Zc1QWvbpu-kYtAadWJgnBtmIMD5-xnzlLnqMm8rzEriLliUbftz1KXETI3TZhv6dWTzbnlCa6gQwbMB7vgJ_OeFqKz8cNWxAMZdgRhJv1VVRXvSBPhQ/s1600/photo+1(4).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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For some reason they always peck at my water boots when I go in the chicken tractor. Speaking of which, it is taking me much longer than I thought to write my blog post on building the chicken tractor. Look for it soon.<br />
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They don't seem to mind the puppy. He is more interested in eating their poop when I move the tractor than the birds.<br />
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The chickens love the dust bath I made for them. I have to keep filling it back up because they throw out the sand and peat every time they go in it.<br />
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Here is a sneak peek of the chicken tractor. I have a very detailed post coming soon on how you build one and how I really messed up!</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-10171575336343701772014-06-11T10:54:00.001-04:002014-06-11T14:44:55.837-04:00Low Maintenance Perennials <br />
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I really wish I had more time to work around the homestead. There are so many things I need to get done and not enough hours in the day. Here are a few things I have planted that don't take a lot of maintenance.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus">Asparagus</a> (<i>Asparagus officinalis<b>) </b></i>is so easy to grow. I mean it is almost effortless. The only catch is you have to let it establish a good root system before you can harvest from it. Most recommendations are to let it grow for 2-3 seasons before you harvest. I let ours go for three springs before I harvested. This plot has 10 crowns that I planted 4 years ago. I have 20 more crowns I just got in the mail. I need to find two more good spots, away from this one, so pests have a harder time moving around. Asparagus will produce for 30 years or so. Make sure you get yours in this year.<br />
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This is a Chicago <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig">Fig</a> (<i>Ficus carica<b>)</b></i>. It is supposedly hardy to zone 5. I had another "cold hardy" fig that I lost over the harsh winter we just went through. I am pretty sure we just had a zone 5 winter. I hope this fig will do better than the one I lost. <br />
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Another plant and forget perennial is the Filbert (<i>Corylus americana<b>) </b></i>or American <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazelnut">Hazelnut</a>. Pictured behind our puppy who was behaving in a rare moment of calm. I have 12 planted in the back yard and another hedge of 10 planted in the front yard. The trick is to get to the nuts before the critters do. <br />
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People tell me it is hard to grow <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry">blueberries</a> (<i>Vaccinium </i><i>Cyanococcus) </i>in a backyard setting. I say, look at this. Now, I do have a couple blueberries that are not producing as prolifically as this one, I just think it is a matter of finding the right variety that works well in your climate. Again the trick is to get to the fruit before the critters do. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-22471931260494165562014-06-02T12:19:00.000-04:002014-06-02T12:35:45.103-04:00Strawberries, Snakes And Puppies<div style="text-align: center;">
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In the words of the great George Takei; Oh my... </div>
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Our strawberries are going crazy this year. I have eaten a bunch out of hand and Dara has collected a couple bowls like this so far. There are still hundreds of strawberries that will be ripe in the next couple days. Plus, I just bought 75 more strawberry plants. <br />
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This is the Common Northern Water Snake or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_water_snake"><i>Nerodia sipedon.</i></a><i> </i>This guy was crossing my neighbors driveway, probably going to his backyard pond. It is non-venomous and will leave you alone if you leave it alone. Not all water snakes are poisonous. One easy way to tell them apart is; the heads of venomous water snakes are broad and distinctively larger than their neck. Also, venomous water snakes have vertical pupils, non-venomous water snakes have round pupils. </div>
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This is the Common Southwest Ohio Lake Pup. You can distinguish it from other species by its bright orange doggy life-vest, complete with carry handle. </div>
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Higgs only tried to jump into the lake a few times. We can't wait to take him backpacking!</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-21198703581358937352014-05-22T16:39:00.000-04:002014-05-28T14:05:36.576-04:00Animal Rescue ExperienceLet me just start off by saying, I am happy there are animal rescues. I'm happy there are people out there who devote their time protecting animals that can't easily survive without human accompaniment. I only wish they understood these animals better and could match the specific dogs' needs with the human applicants' needs to maximize the happiness of both (this statement is based solely on the experience I had with a select few rescues/shelters).<br />
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Before we got Higgs I did a lot of research to determine the best dog for us. Here is our list of needs:<br />
• Medium sized<br />
• Moderate energy<br />
• Good with livestock (a puppy that we can raise with chickens)<br />
• Double coat for cold winters<br />
• Guardian<br />
• Hiking companion and possibly a water dog<br />
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Initially, we planned to keep our dogs as outside only dogs. The plan was, at any given time we'd have 2–3 dogs in the yard. They would have an insulated doghouse and access to the entire backyard. I see no problem with this at all. They would have the companionship of their dog pack and then be with us in the evening and weekends for yard work, livestock care, hiking... They would have everything they need: leaders, a dog pack, shelter, and purpose.<br />
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I was denied by the first shelter I applied to because of this. Because these dogs "might be working breeds but they belong in the house with people". I'm sorry, what?! I decided if we were going to adopt a rescue we'd have to put in a doggie door. I applied to another rescue stating that we would have the doggie door for the dogs and they would have access to the kitchen at all times as well as an outdoor doghouse. I was questioned profusely again. I was questioned over why they had a doghouse and a doggie door. First, we already built it and second... I'm pretty sure a double coated dog might actually enjoy the winter and prefer being outside. This time they stated the rejection was because we were out of state and they have problems with out of state adoptions when dogs need to be returned. I think there was more to it than that.<br />
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The overall experience has been annoying. I felt bad for wanting outdoor dogs... which is silly. Why can't a farm dog be happy? Why can't he also be a companion?<br />
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Instead of adopting a puppy from a rescue or shelter, I began to think I'd have to buy a puppy. Which would be fine, it's just, why increase demand for breeding when there are so many dogs without homes?<br />
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Fortunately, I heard of a family with a litter of pups they were trying to find homes for. I am so grateful to this family, and also to my friend, Jannelle, who connected us. Higgs is an amazing animal. I planned on having two puppies this summer but Higgs' sister died very young, before we even got Higgs, so I'm still looking for another pup. I think I am done dealing with rescues, however. I feel like I'm being interrogated, I have to agree to random drop-ins by volunteers, and I've found it can take weeks for a representative to contact me. I don't like feeling like a bad person for trying to do something good. This has just been my experience with a few rescues. Maybe I just had bad luck. And, for the record, I did correspond with a couple that I had no real problems with, except for the volunteers stating that if I planned on keeping a dog outside all the time I'd be denied.<br />
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If any of our readers have a litter, or you have a friend or even a friend of a friend with a litter, please let us know. We're still looking and I promise to give that pup a good home (indoor and outdoor).<br />
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<br />Dara Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11089065015127606123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-78322269730361827972014-05-15T12:39:00.000-04:002014-05-15T12:48:40.160-04:00Cutest Post Ever!<br />
After a long search and a ton of back and forth with shelters and rescues, we finally found the puppy we were looking for. We ended up getting him from a friend of a friend of a friend. He is a Border Collie / Australian Shepherd mix. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhiMSwGgNpXmw3UlAA11mZN-tIZ3TwfgrrpS3Pd9LBFaRZY6nYdhg3iJgrHn9BtpL8idhkIe6yk4UL3ouCf0mz3A08UeQ7fg3RDPgQ7_deP-s0UkFTw5IQZcrzC8ieXPO8AGCnxMiKNg/s1600/photo+1%2837%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhiMSwGgNpXmw3UlAA11mZN-tIZ3TwfgrrpS3Pd9LBFaRZY6nYdhg3iJgrHn9BtpL8idhkIe6yk4UL3ouCf0mz3A08UeQ7fg3RDPgQ7_deP-s0UkFTw5IQZcrzC8ieXPO8AGCnxMiKNg/s1600/photo+1(37).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Say hello to the newest addition to the homestead, Higgs B Hallene. Named after the theoretical physicist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Higgs">Peter Higgs</a>.Why you ask? Because this little guy gives mass to all the cuteness in the universe...<br />
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I am glad we finally found the right dog for our homestead. I will let Dara blog about the ridiculous ignorance we ran into at almost ever turn with the rescues and shelters we talked to. Let me just say, a dog should have a purpose, like taking care of and protecting livestock. One of the main reasons dogs are on anti-depressants, yes I know it sounds ridiculous but some are, is the fact that they have been divorced from their evolutionary instincts. No dog is an "inside" dog exclusively. I will leave it there and let Dara go off on the real tangent. <br />
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Here are two of my favorite things in the world. Swings and properly framed photographs. ;)</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-30492563974966605482014-05-12T13:14:00.000-04:002014-05-12T13:15:26.857-04:00We Have Been Adopted!<br />
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Normally when Dara says something like: "OMG, there is a giant spider in the tub!", I go into the bathroom to find a normal sized spider, minding its business. So when Dara told me there was a peacock in the driveway, naturally I thought, wild turkey, goose or maybe an obese pheasant. She had a picture, and what do you know; it really looked like a female peahen. But I still had my doubts. <br />
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Then I walked outside to take the dog out and what do I see? A large female peahen! This lady is very friendly and seemed to take an interest in our property. So we gave it a little chicken feed and checked it out for a while, then we went on with our day. The next day she was still hanging around, this time on our back deck. <br />
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So what does Dara do? She names it Fergi of course and claims it as part of the homestead. Peafowl are the largest member of the pheasant family. They are closely related to chickens, quail, junglefowl and pheasants. They belong to the family <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasianidae">Phasianidae</a>. This particular species is the Indian Peafowl or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_peafowl"><i>Pavo cristatus</i></a>. They are native to South Asia but have been introduced all over the world. People keep them as flock guardians, they are known to chase away hawks and other livestock pests. <br />
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Here she is on top of the house. I think she has been roosting up there at night to avoid predators. Some people who keep peafowl have their wings clipped so they cannot fly. This one can definitely fly, she came down off the roof to greet me this morning. We need to ask around if any of our neighbors keep peafowl. But for now, she is welcome as long as she wants to stay.</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-14442243872207422362014-05-01T11:54:00.003-04:002014-05-06T16:15:22.672-04:00My Favorite Podcasts And Resources<br />
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I thought I would share some of my favorite podcasts and websites that I frequent to get information and entertainment. People often ask me how I know the things that I know about so many different topics. I don't do anything special, I just research what I am interested in. It's simple really, I read books, listen to a ton of podcasts and Google is a thing. Plus I mess up all the time, which I find is a great way to learn something new. The important thing is to know how to learn and do proper research, "knowing" the specific details about a topic is secondary. <br />
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Here are some of the informational podcasts I listen to on a regular basis. Some of these podcast are still going strong, some have stopped creating new content, but still have their episode archives up. </div>
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Homesteading - Permaculture - Survivalism<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/">The Survival Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://theselfsufficientgardener.com/">The Self Sufficient Gardner</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bubbatanicals.com/blog/category/podcasts/">Bubbatanicals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://geekfarmlife.com/">Geek Farm Life</a></li>
<li><a href="http://agroinnovations.com/podcast/">Agroinnovations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.biobees.com/podcast_page.php">Bio Bees</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thepermaculturepodcast.com/">The Permaculture Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sshomestead.com/">The Self Sufficient Homestead</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.canadaprepared.com/">Canada Prepared</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.urbanchickenpodcast.com/">The Urban Chicken Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thepreparednesspodcast.com/preparedness-podcast/">The Preparedness Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lostskillspodcast.com/">Lost Skills Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.richsoil.com/permaculture/">Rich Soil Podcast</a></li>
</ul>
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Guns - Hunting<br />
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<li><a href="http://proarmspodcast.com/">Pro Arms Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gundudes.com/">Gun Dudes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://armedcitizenpodcast.com/">Armed Citizen Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blackmanwithagun.com/">Black Man With A Gun</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gunfightercast.com/wordpress/">Gun Fighter Cast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://wildgamehuntingpodcast.podbean.com/">Wild Game Hunting Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://foremosthunting.podbean.com/">Foremost Hunting</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tbwpodcast.com/">Traditional Bow Hunting And Wilderness Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thebowhuntersjournal.com/category/podcast/">Bow Hunters Journal Podcast</a></li>
</ul>
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Science - Space - History<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.astronomycast.com/">Astronomy Cast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thenakedscientists.com/">The Naked Scientists </a></li>
<li><a href="http://radio.seti.org/">Big Picture Science</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/">Quirks And Quarks </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theskepticsguide.org/">The Skeptics Guide</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/site/multimedia/podcast/">Science Mag Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sciencefriday.com/audio/scifriaudio.xml">Science Friday</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dancarlin.com/">Hardcore History</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.radiolab.org/">Radio Lab</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.startalkradio.net/">Star Talk Radio</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ancientworldpodcast.blogspot.com/">Ancient World Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://podcasthistoryofourworld.blogspot.com/">The Podcast History Of Our World</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mythandhistory.podbean.com/">Myth And History</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.utexas.edu/15minutehistory/">15 Minute History</a></li>
</ul>
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Health - Nutrition - Paleo<br />
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<li><a href="http://robbwolf.com/podcast/">The Paleo Solutions Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriskresser.com/podcasts">Revolution Health Radio</a></li>
<li><a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/podcast/">Everyday Paleo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.paleohacks.com/category/podcast/">Paleohacks Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://5by5.tv/paleo">Latest In Paleo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://paleoparents.com/the-paleo-view-podcast/">The Paleo View Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://paleomagonline.com/radio/">Paleo Magazine Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cavemandoctor.com/tag/paleo-podcast/">Caveman Doctor</a></li>
</ul>
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Brewing - Cooking<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.basicbrewing.com/index.php?page=radio">Basic Brewing Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thebrewingnetwork.com/shows">The Brewing Network</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hogtownbrewers.org/podcasts.cfm">Hogtown Brewers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.harvesteating.com/category/harvest-eating-podcast/">Harvest Eating Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.splendidtable.org/episodes">Splendid Table</a></li>
</ul>
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Interesting - Random <br />
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<li><a href="http://www.jackspirko.com/category/podcasts">5 Minutes With Jack</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.icanfixamerica.com/podcasts/">I Can Fix America</a></li>
<li><a href="http://c-realmpodcast.podomatic.com/">C-Realm Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="http://podcasts.joerogan.net/">Joe Rogan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://philosophynow.org/podcasts">Philosophy Now</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amatterofdoubt.com/">A Matter Of Doubt</a></li>
</ul>
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Here is a list of video sites I am subscribed to or watch often. Some are just funny, some are very informative. I want to Highlight two of the most interesting and useful video sites I frequent.<br />
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<li> <a href="https://www.ted.com/">TED</a></li>
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T.E.D stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. TED's mission is to bring scientist, entertainers and inspirational people together to speak in a video format about whatever topic they are passionate about. I have watched every TED video on this site that I am interested it, that is a lot. Check it out, you will find something you like.<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/">Khan Academy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy">Khan Academy YouTube</a></li>
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Khan Academy is the direction I believe education, not only of children, but anyone who wants to further their education, is going now and into the future. The days of the modern education system are numbered. Before I go off on a long tangent about the systemic problems of the modern education system, let me just say, you should check out the Khan Academy. You would have to try not to learn something new.<br />
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YouTube is a great resource. The following are all channels I am subscribed to.<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MyHarto">My Drunk Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SourceFed">SourceFed</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sxephil">Phillip Defranco Show</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/growingyourgreens">Growing Your Greens</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EatTheWeeds">Eat The Weeds</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jonlajoie">Jon Lajoie</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/radmycology">Radical Mycology</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EpicMealTime">Epic Meal Time</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/paulwheaton12">Paul Wheaton</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SourceFedNERD">SourceFed Nerd</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/actionfiguretherapy">Action Figure Therapy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/survivalpodcasting">Jack Spirko</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MidwestPermaculture">Midwest Permaculture</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics">Minute Physics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/scishow">Scishow</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lrfromme">The Backwoodsman Institute</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheOnion">The Onion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers">Vlog Brothers</a></li>
</ul>
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I know the above list is long, but it is only a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the information available to anyone who wants to look for it. All of these links and resources are free, some have voluntary yearly subscriptions, which I have a couple of. <br />
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These are just some of the things I am interested in. If you are into spinning wool, you would be amazed at how many resources are available for free online. Just Google it. ;)<br />
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The important thing is to know how to separate the bullshit from the well meaning uninformed writer, from the truly valuable information. Make sure to get your information from more than one source, three is a good start. If you come across something you are interested in, and there are links from the article to the source material, read it and make your own conclusions.<br />
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I could do a longer post on all the books I recommend, but one in particular comes to mind that will help you sift through the bullshit in life. It was written by my personal hero, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan">Carl Sagan</a>. Read this book before you die, the sooner the better.<br />
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<h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Demon-Haunted-World-Science-Candle/dp/0345409469"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark</span></span></a></h1>
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Obviously <a href="https://www.wikipedia.org/">Wikipedia </a>is a great resource. Just remember, anyone can go in and change things. Most of the time, if there is incorrect information, it is corrected very quickly. The community is very good at self policing.<br />
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There is a specific survivalism wiki set up through The Survival Podcast community. Check it out <a href="http://tspwiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page">here</a>. TSP also has a great forum that I have been a member of since 2009, check it out <a href="http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/">Google</a> is such a great resource. If you really want to delve into something you can do a search on <a href="http://scholar.google.com/">Google Scholar</a>. This search will pull up any published scholarly articles on the subject you are interested in.<br />
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I hope this post helps some people find new and interesting sources of information and entertainment.<br />
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-55623577048847044892014-04-25T14:21:00.005-04:002014-04-25T15:00:29.157-04:00Red Light District<div style="text-align: center;">
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There is an eerie glow in our backyard these days. It's like a chicken aquarium!</div>
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I didn't properly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ween">ween</a> the chicks off of the heat lamp. Any night that goes below 50 degrees I have been turning the light on. I know it is probably not needed, but I guess I would rather be safe than sorry. These birds are probably the most coddled birds in Warren county. </div>
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Has anyone had an issue with their chickens being afraid of the ramp out of the coop? Only about half of our chickens will skittishly flop down the ramp, the other half will just stair down it and not leave the coop. The chickens that do leave the coop, never go back up the ramp. Any suggestions? I am going to change my ramp design and see if they like a longer, wider ramp.</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-75561986058002133832014-04-20T22:28:00.000-04:002014-04-21T11:59:08.625-04:00Homestead Update <br />
We have a lot going on around the homestead. I always seem to have multiple projects going on at the same time. But, I have one project that needs to be done last week.<br />
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This is a teaser on my chicken tractor / tank. A full post will come later. It is turning out really nice. Just not fast enough. <br />
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These gals are the reason I need that chicken tractor done now. They are totally ready to get out of this brooder. They jump out all the time and run around the spare bedroom. Just a heads up, if you read that brooding chickens in the house is a bad idea because of the dust they produce, listen carefully to that sage advice. I swear there is a 1/16 of an inch of dust on everything!<br />
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The garlic is doing great. These are the soft neck varieties. I am never buying garlic from the store again.<br />
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These are the hard neck varieties. Once I harvest them I plan on building a raised berry circle in this spot. But that will have to wait until I harvest these, look for the berry post later in the year. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-35165455729372551522014-04-15T10:20:00.000-04:002014-04-24T16:12:30.273-04:00Permaculture Design Certification Course<br />
I recently took my first Permaculture Design Certification course. I have wanted to take one for a long time and finally found the time. What is Permaculture? Here is the Wiki definition:<br />
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"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture">Permaculture</a> is a branch of ecological design, ecological engineering, and environmental design that develops sustainable architecture and self-maintained agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems"<br />
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I like one of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mollison">Bill Mollison's </a> (the father of Permaculture) definitions the best. He said Permaculture is "the active application of what you observe in nature, to the things you construct". <br />
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Many people have different definitions of what Permaculture is. I like to think of it as "a toolbox of ideas, based on natural observations, that we can use to make smart, sustainable and ecologically beneficial decisions, in construction, agriculture and human interactions."<br />
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The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture#Core_tenets">core tenants</a> of Permaculture should give you a good idea of what the movement is all about.<br />
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<li><i><b>Care for the earth</b></i>: Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply. This is the first principle, because without a healthy earth, humans cannot flourish. </li>
<li><i><b>Care for the people</b></i>: Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence.</li>
<li><i><b>Return of surplus</b></i>: Reinvesting surpluses back into the
system to provide for the first two ethics. This includes returning
waste back into the system to recycle into usefulness. </li>
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The course was full of great information, but one of the best parts of the class was human interaction. Humans are social creatures and I think everyone needs to do more to understand each other. I barely know my neighbors after living in my house for over three years. I need to fix that. How many of us really know the family next door, or down the street? <br />
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One of the social activities we did was making a huge crock of fermented vegetables. Everybody brought in a knife and cutting board and cut up cabbage, carrots, ginger and garlic. Not only was this fun, fermented vegetables are one of the healthiest things you can eat. Every culture has some form of ferment associated with them. <br />
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After everything was cut up, salted and crushed, it was added to this enormous crock. We then added spices and capped it off. Everyone in the class enjoyed eating this delicious ferment on the last weekend of class.<br />
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Ferments were around the whole course. For the catered class lunches, a local companies specialty fermented foods were served. I recommend checking out <a href="http://fabulousferments.com/?page_id=2">Fab Ferments</a> if you want to try some amazing products. </div>
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The course was put on by <a href="http://this-land.org/">This-Land.org</a>. The two main teachers were <a href="http://www.permacultureglobal.com/users/989-doug-crouch">Doug Crouch</a> and <a href="http://www.permacultureglobal.com/users/1080-braden-trauth">Braden Trauth</a>. Many other people came in to teach specialty topics. We learned about alternative energy, the finance and hurtles of starting a small business, natural pest and insect control, how intentional communities are formed, fruit tree grafting techniques, community gardens, seed libraries and many other interesting topics.<br />
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And of course, we learned the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture#Twelve_design_principles">12 design principles</a> of Permaculture, which are: <br />
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<li> <b><i>Observe and interact</i></b>: By taking time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.</li>
<li><b><i>Catch and store energy</i></b>: By developing systems that collect resources at peak abundance, we can use them in times of need.</li>
<li><b><i>Obtain a yield</i></b>: Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.</li>
<li><b><i>Apply self-regulation and accept feedback</i></b>: We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.</li>
<li><b><i>Use and value renewable resources and services</i></b>: Make the best use of nature's abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources.</li>
<li> <b><i>Produce no waste</i></b>: By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.</li>
<li><b><i>Design from patterns to details</i></b>: By stepping back, we can observe
patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our
designs, with the details filled in as we go.</li>
<li><b><i>Integrate rather than segregate</i></b>: By putting the right things in
the right place, relationships develop between those things and they
work together to support each other.</li>
<li><b><i>Use small and slow solutions</i></b>: Small and slow systems are easier
to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and
producing more sustainable outcomes.</li>
<li><b><i>Use and value diversity</i></b>: Diversity reduces vulnerability to a
variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the
environment in which it resides.</li>
<li><b><i>Use edges and value the marginal</i></b>: The interface between things is
where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most
valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.</li>
<li><b><i>Creatively use and respond to change</i></b>: We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time. </li>
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There are many websites and books devoted to explaining the teachings of Permaculture. I recommend starting with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Hemenway">Toby Hemenway's</a> book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gaias-Garden-Home-Scale-Permaculture-Edition/dp/1603580298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397227384&sr=8-1&keywords=Toby+Hemenway+gaia%27s+garden">Gaia's Garden</a>. </div>
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We visited many places during the course. One of the weekends was taught at Greensleeves farm in Alexandria Ky. I would like to thank <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foC4lYYuUKY">Gretchen Vaughn</a> for welcoming our class to her farm. <br />
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We learned how she grows enough produce to support a <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa/">CSA</a>. They also sell at farmers markets and to select restaurants in the area. Last I heard they were looking for an intern. If you are interested in an experience like that, get in contact with Gretchen. <br />
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It was pretty chilly the day we showed up at the farm. This greenhouse was so warm, I didn't want to leave. They start most of their plants in it and use it to brood chickens. A wind storm had ripped the top layer of plastic off, so the class helped put it back in place. The farm has many laying chickens and a couple sheep.There are plans to expand the farms operations in the future when the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_gardening">food forest</a> begins to produce. <br />
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This is looking away from the greenhouse. You can see a series of ditches on contour, in Permaculture we call these <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swale_%28landform%29">swales</a>. The purpose of a swale is to slow water down on a property and hydrate the land. Swales also help control erosion. In front of the swales you can see white posts everywhere. Each one of them is a fruit tree. Eventually support species trees and shrubs will be planted on the downhill side of the swales, supporting the hillside and drinking up all the stored water. Typically herbaceous plants are planted on the uphill side. This landscape will be a diverse and productive ecosystem in 5-10 years. </div>
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Here is a close up of one of the swales. Eventually this system will turn into a mature food forest. You can graze animals through the lanes created between the swales. I plan on putting in a small swale in my front yard where the land raises up to the road. I will plant both sides of it, creating a small food forest. </div>
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We cut down a bunch of willow around Gretchen's pond to make a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle_%28construction%29">wattle</a> fence. This would be a great place to plant some runner beans or peas.Trellis material from a box store can get expensive very fast. What if you take one "problem" like willow growing on a pond dam wall, and turn it into a solution. </div>
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We spent a couple weekends at the <a href="http://enrightecovillage.org/">Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage</a>. Our class was in the <a href="http://www.imagoearth.org/">Imago Earth Center</a> in the middle of the ecovillage. We started building, what will be a very long forest swale, in the woods of the nature preserve. This will slow down the water in the landscape and help fight the massive erosion happening in the area.<br />
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After digging the swale, we went on a tour of some of the houses in the ecovillage. Intentional communities are very interesting. Everyone we met had something different going on. We saw people raising bees, chickens, sheep, ducks and many varieties of plants. Some for personal use, some for commercial operations. <br />
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Towards the end of the class some of us went to an optional apple grafting workshop. We learned how to take <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grafting">scion</a> wood and graft it onto hardy root stock. I grafted six different varieties of apples and will be planting them very soon. <br />
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Here we are mixing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob_%28material%29">cob</a> for a small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthbag_construction">earthbag</a> and <a href="http://middleearthhome.com/green-and-natural-building-construction/earthshiptire-dwelling/rammed-earth-tire-dwellings-aka-earthships/">rammed earth tire</a> building on Braden's property. We harvested the straw and clay from Braden's back yard.<br />
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Cob is a fun and forgiving building technique. One day I would like to design and build my own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthship">Earthship</a>. <br />
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For our final design we split into groups and voted on what project we wanted to do. I joined the team working on <a href="http://www.cincynature.org/planyourvisit/long_branch_farm_%2B_trails-2">Long Branch Farm</a>. This farm and the trails around it are used to teach under served children the value of nature. There is a young food forest already in place, birding opportunities, trail hiking, vernal ponds, composting toilets and a large barn for community programs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jBIlc0KyV5ZaQylOkCeaPMYydtormNQ_kWnH-xjHE9rLmy9cXc4nPweTPHpZ6kpDHJfRKr0nPqBIOTCMPx3iN578yH179yYcmIdkqYHbq9z6ebGdblTUYuoeC5dE3wklTfsHLa9p2vA/s1600/LongBranch_sector.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jBIlc0KyV5ZaQylOkCeaPMYydtormNQ_kWnH-xjHE9rLmy9cXc4nPweTPHpZ6kpDHJfRKr0nPqBIOTCMPx3iN578yH179yYcmIdkqYHbq9z6ebGdblTUYuoeC5dE3wklTfsHLa9p2vA/s1600/LongBranch_sector.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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This overlay map is what is called a sector analysis map. The purpose of this map is to identify energy inputs like summer sun, water and wind patterns. You use this information when laying out your design of the property. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH8qLWjdNKQzIC84quXa_slHl-v5w1vrxvwi4cCTtjcjNRSpeGuImvvao2tgy_ThiA89GCZJr-OXhPBxAmsgZRdD7ShckyUgkubcGCvHcZtFxaotk2eG_9BffkrVox7apzx1oORrg0Lk/s1600/LongBranch_zone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH8qLWjdNKQzIC84quXa_slHl-v5w1vrxvwi4cCTtjcjNRSpeGuImvvao2tgy_ThiA89GCZJr-OXhPBxAmsgZRdD7ShckyUgkubcGCvHcZtFxaotk2eG_9BffkrVox7apzx1oORrg0Lk/s1600/LongBranch_zone.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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This is a zone map. In Permaculture, there are 5 zones, with zone 0 being the house or center of your design. </div>
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<li>Zone 0 - House or center of your design</li>
<li>Zone 1 - Area closest to the house, managed intensely, kitchen garden, herb garden</li>
<li>Zone 2 - Further out from the house, perennial plants, raised beds, compost, bee hives</li>
<li>Zone 3 - Further away still, less managed, nut and berry shrubs, large scale crop production</li>
<li>Zone 4 - Semi-wild area, food forest, timber management, forage, wild edibles</li>
<li>Zone 5 - Wilderness area, observation, hunting, generally left alone</li>
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Any of the things I mentioned can be moved to another Zone. Your bee hives could be in zone 3 if it makes more sense. Your zone 5 could back up right to your house. These are just general guidelines. Understanding your property through careful, patient observation will show you where to locate different systems. </div>
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Here is our final design. Having wheelchair accessible raised beds will allow people with disabilities to easily garden and enjoy some fresh food. An amphitheater located in the woods will offer a cool shady classroom on hot summer days. Water catchment off the barn will store and slow down water moving across the landscape. A cob oven built near the barn will allow people to cook some of the fresh vegetables grown on the property. Raised perennial mounds will be covered in native edible berries and other useful plants.<br />
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I recommend that everybody on the planet should take a PDC. The perspective you come away with is worth every penny. Imagine if the world was filled with people who understand the current methods of mono-crop agriculture cannot be sustained indefinitely. Do you know what the largest US export by ton a year is? It is topsoil, seriously look at a satellite view of the Mississippi river draining into the gulf. We have to change the way we grow our food and raise our animals before it is to late.</div>
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I would like to end with another quote from the father of Permaculture. We could turn the destructive and wasteful practices of modern agriculture around over night if the following idea caught on and spread. </div>
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"Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against
nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted
and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their
functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system." - Bill Mollison</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-67304949162780529522014-04-09T17:51:00.003-04:002014-04-11T23:55:30.864-04:00Black Powder Flint Lock Rifle<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This past deer gun season I went out hunting with my friend <a href="http://gentlemanhomestead.com/">Mike</a> on his property. I learned two valuable lessons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. When you see a deer walking down a slope into your firing zone, take off your gloves and make sure your safety is off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. When said deer moves out of your firing zone, because you were not ready to shoot even when said deer turns its flank to you, it will taunt you from a direction it knows you cannot take a shot in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So
after my failed shotgun hunting season came to an end, I thought; there
is always next year. Then I remembered we have a black powder season
in Ohio. I thought, who do I know that can help me pick the right black
powder rifle? Immediately my friend Chuck came to mind. I mean this in
the most flattering way, Chuck is the rain-man of firearms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I shoot Chuck an email asking what he thinks of
the .50 caliber black powder rifles they sell in the sporting goods
section of the big box stores. Here is his response:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394048070400_8171">"I’m a traditional guy. The in-lines that you may be
seeing in the big box stores, are the spawn of Satan…. Sewer pipes
strapped to fence posts."</span></span></span></div>
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I like chuck.</div>
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So what did Chuck do? He let me borrow an amazing piece of machinery. This is a Great Plains Rifle made by Lyman, in Italy. It rifle is a .54 caliber, black powder, muzzle loading flint lock.<br />
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Chuck
graciously offered to set me up with a black powder rifle and all the
fix-in's. I know Chuck because of our shared love
of the Red River Gorge. We are both volunteers on the <a href="http://rrgtc.com/">Red River Gorge Trail Crew</a>. Thanks again Chuck for lending me your baby. =)<br />
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Flint locks have a interesting history. The first flint lock was created for King Louis XIII by a French gunsmith named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marin_le_Bourgeoys">Marin le Bourgeoys</a>. This was in the early 17th century around the year 1610. Flint locks quickly became the weapon of choice, and everyone had to have one. People kept tinkering with the design. Isaac de la Chaumette improved the design in 1704.In the 1770's, Colonel <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Ferguson">Patrick Ferguson</a> made 100 experimental flint lock rifles that were used in the American Revolutionary War, for the wrong side unfortunately. These rifles came to be known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferguson_rifle">Ferguson Rifle</a>. <br />
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The distinction of the first American flint lock, made by a US armory, goes to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpers_Ferry_Model_1803">Harpers Ferry Model 1803</a>. Followed by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1819_Hall_rifle">Model 1819 Hall Breech Loading Rifle</a>, which was the first flint lock breech-loading rifle to be widely adopted by any military. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder">Black powder</a> has a very interesting history as well. It is a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate or saltpeter. Gunpowder was invented in China sometime in the 9th century AD. All the components of gunpowder were know to the Chinese and used in medicines and other applications long before they were ever put together to make gunpowder.<br />
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It is thought that gunpowder spread from China to the Middle East, eventually making its way to Europe. The term "black powder" is a relatively modern term dating to around 1890. Before that it was referred to as "gun powder" or simply, "powder". The term "black powder" was coined to differentiate between the old gun powder and the new "white powder", a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrocellulose">nitrocellulose</a> powder, or what is today called "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokeless_powder">smokeless powder</a>". <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a lot going on in this picture. Those bamboo tubes were made by my friend Chuck to hold a measured load of black powder. Very handy when you are trying to reload in the woods. The copper tube next to them is full of black powder. When you depress the spring tensioned piston on the bottom, you can load the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_pan">flash pan</a> with powder. You then close the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frizzen">frizzen, </a>holding the powder in. Once you pull the main trigger, after you have pulled the set trigger, the cock, which holds the flint, flies forward striking the frizzen, <span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397074579611_6622">shaving off bits of white hot steel,</span> causing a spark, igniting the powder in the flash pan, which then goes through the touch hole and ignites the powder in the barrel. Simple right? Good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The blue webbing is actually a tube to hold the .54 caliber balls next to it, very ingenious Chuck. The black and white squares are flints. The black one is setting on a patch. Always remember this order, powder, patch and ball. You don't want to screw that up. The white one is in a piece of leather so the cock can hold it. </span></span><br />
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It is very important to keep your barrel clean and dry. I have a ton of cleaners and solvents for my guns. I asked Chuck which one to use, he informed me that water is a great solvent and that water is all he ever uses to clean his black powder rifles. <br />
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Here is what the cleaning patches look like in the order I ran them down the barrel. I asked Chuck which one of the many gun oils I have would be good to use on the barrel. His answer, WD-40. Makes sense, but I would have never thought to use it.<br />
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Here I am, patiently waiting for a deer to cross my path. I sat on a 5 gallon bucket turned upside down with a pillow on it for 4 hours or so. I eventually gave up because of the cold. It was fun discharging the rifle in my backyard, I love living in the country. =) I will be going out ever year from now on, eventually I will get lucky and fill my freezer. <br />
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Thanks again for lending me this beautiful rifle Chuck. I can't wait until I can afford to buy one.<br />
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-5676407641645988092014-04-01T14:57:00.000-04:002014-04-01T18:14:44.678-04:00Chicks Love The Worm<br />
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Dara and I have been pulling worms out of the worm bin to feed the chickens. While the chickens love them, I realize I am shooting myself in the foot, since I am trying to split my worm colony.<br />
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I went out to the compost pile yesterday and put a spade shovel in the ground around it. With one shovel of soil, I pulled out about two dozen earthworms. Here is a video of the chicks running around trying to eat their worm before another chicken steals it. Chicken pinball!<br />
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Here is a video of the chicks letting Dara pet them, mostly because I think they are looking for more worms. Either way, they are becoming more accustomed to being handled. Hopefully when they are adults, they will be friendly to humans. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-61208042234241866202014-03-24T15:32:00.000-04:002014-03-31T15:10:38.962-04:00Burning A Bowl<br />
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Okay, its not what you think. Unless you are into primitive technology, then maybe it is what you think... My friend Phil and I went backpacking in the Red River Gorge in January. We decided to burn a wooden bowl around the fire one night.<br />
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If you have never been winter backpacking you are missing out. No bugs, very few people, you can see much further through the woods and a fire is actually needed, not just a luxury. You will need the proper gear and knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable outing. Find a friend or a group that goes out in the winter to learn from. You will quickly learn what draws me into the woods every winter.<br />
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First order of business, fire. No Bic lighters were used in the making of this fire. Before all the primitive purists out there start trolling the blog, I know my K-bar is not a primitive tool, neither is the ferrous rod we are using, but I would never step into the woods without them, so just let it be. <br />
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Reddit edit: I have learned you should not use the blade of your knife on a ferrous rod. If your knife has a 90 degree edge on the back, use that instead. If you have a K-bar like me, use a file and remove the coating to expose the metal first.<br />
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As I mentioned, we used a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocerium">ferrous</a> rod to start this fire. Let me tell you, it is not easy starting a fire with one. If you carry one of these and have never used it, try starting a fire with it the next time you are camping. Know your gear and its possible limitations. If you needed a fire immediately, because you slipped and fell in a stream, you would definitely not want your only source of fire to be a ferrous rod. <br />
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Next order of business, bacon. When you have bacon, all of life's problems seem to melt away. <br />
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I would like to bring your attention to, the backpacking hammock. No amount of padding or sleeping pads can equal the comfort of these light weight hammock systems. Once you try it you will never go back to a tent. <br />
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My wonderful fiance <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ5ACLVjYwM">Dara</a>, bought me this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chainmate-48-Inch-Survival-Pocket-Chain/dp/B002IYDUIK/ref=pd_sim_lg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=16JZZ51BKB59YNBEEEE8">Chainmate</a> handsaw. It is made out of a chainsaw like blade. When I first looked at it I thought, well this is novel, but I bet it won't perform like my folding saw. Let me tell you this thing is amazing. I sawed through the downed log pictured on both sides in a matter of minutes. Sure my folding saw could have done it, but not as fast and easy as this piece of kit. Plus, it compacts down into a very small pouch. <br />
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On to the burning of the bowl. You will want a log about this big if you want to do a burn down the center. I have burned a bowl into the side of a log before, but the log needs to be very large and it is not typically movable, once you are done. <br />
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Start by carving out a small depression in the center. Place a coal in it and apply oxygen. If you have a tube of some sort this is much easier. We sacrificed one of Phil's cheap trekking poles to use as a blowing tube. <br />
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You will want some way of keeping the coals in the depression. A knife, or in this case, a Kukri works very well. Once you get the inside of the depression burning, you will no longer need to add embers, it will keep burning down and out as you add oxygen. <br />
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You have to be mindful of the sides burning out to far when you get close to the edge. Some clay or mud works well to stop the sides from burning while letting the burn continue down. <br />
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Keep burning it down until you get a vessel deep enough for your needs. Unfortunately for us, the sides of the log we used turned out to be very punky. Before we started burning it was very hard and seemed like a good piece of wood. Once the heat got to the outer part of the log it turned soft. Oh well, we still learned from our mistake. It is soothing having something to occupy your mind around the fire on a cold January night.<br />
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Unfortunately, since the punky wood made the bowl not usable, I didn't get a picture the next morning. Sorry. I will do this again, and make sure I get a finished product picture. </div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444675998593165272.post-58582475147181055462014-03-21T16:08:00.000-04:002014-03-25T18:28:37.993-04:00Spring Starts<div style="text-align: center;">
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Do you already have your spring starts going? The time is nigh, past nigh! I had to fight the urge to start my tomatoes and peppers in December. We planted our brassicas, tomatoes and peppers at the end of February this year.</div>
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What is that you ask? A dirt crab? A yeti fur-ball? A comfrey root? Yes, you were right the third time. It is the Russian bocking 14 comfrey root to be precise. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Symphytum x uplandicum </i>for all the plant nerds</span></span>. This cultivar is sterile, meaning it does not produce through seed. The only way to propagate this variety is through root cutting. It only takes a little bit of root to get a new plant, as many people who have tried to roto-till this plant to death have found out. <br />
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I potted up 48 comfrey starts all said and done. I will be giving most of them away to friends this year. I plan on planting about half of these around the property. I have comfrey in 5 spots around the property right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YnX3SonTA-xl_oPv4Z1DGzid2wNoGLwosiYQr9WTBMTVQXXPMDHNnxzDLBu8JTQbOtUa0Q2GukPwBLBiKLq06DXAp6SnLXS8oinsEtk2tqH__rH6LvVphjO8OiAV9tbJ4i6kPJbQYr0/s1600/photo+3(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YnX3SonTA-xl_oPv4Z1DGzid2wNoGLwosiYQr9WTBMTVQXXPMDHNnxzDLBu8JTQbOtUa0Q2GukPwBLBiKLq06DXAp6SnLXS8oinsEtk2tqH__rH6LvVphjO8OiAV9tbJ4i6kPJbQYr0/s1600/photo+3(23).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some happy little brassica's growing in soil cubes. <a href="http://littlecountryhouse.blogspot.com/2012/02/starting-seeds-indoors-with-soil-cubes.html">Here</a> is a post I did on making soil cubes if you want to learn more. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUKl9HF6M5CKhpBukHt3rEeldqtpo3MjSiZ6Ps-DrzRj5P8_31jdm78QsyJmeOk1dFcKDU7Pjw-BuPa-ULvHOoQuetCJkOTmzwG69FUlIbbGgHGle7Hy_IPPm0ZrXOltlttbenph7f1s/s1600/photo+4(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUKl9HF6M5CKhpBukHt3rEeldqtpo3MjSiZ6Ps-DrzRj5P8_31jdm78QsyJmeOk1dFcKDU7Pjw-BuPa-ULvHOoQuetCJkOTmzwG69FUlIbbGgHGle7Hy_IPPm0ZrXOltlttbenph7f1s/s1600/photo+4(16).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some tomato starts. We have peppers going as well. Hopefully this year we won't have the wet spring we had last year. We couldn't plant out our starts until mid May last year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorFhTwFj4OSCE7ulvPvfmJ6hzDb4ilGvfGz9jZ5qMC9DILNkosuYwkefLZCUYFFZVDTexZRsn0pp4Gx6nRg3AXKWkllosckhKeef6igcdF2F4UlLHmO9GLXW87XMsVqfCCRMYm5R_Ct8/s1600/photo+5(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorFhTwFj4OSCE7ulvPvfmJ6hzDb4ilGvfGz9jZ5qMC9DILNkosuYwkefLZCUYFFZVDTexZRsn0pp4Gx6nRg3AXKWkllosckhKeef6igcdF2F4UlLHmO9GLXW87XMsVqfCCRMYm5R_Ct8/s1600/photo+5(8).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is the set-up this year. Looks very similar to the last three years. =) I can't wait to get out in the garden this year. We had poor garden performance last year, mostly our fault from neglect. We plan on paying more attention to the annuals this year as well as continuing to establish perennial plants that will produce with very little input. </div>
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Get out and garden this year!</div>
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Patrick Hallenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06372302769797147338noreply@blogger.com0