The Lock Flock Coop

The coop is officially on its way.  Aaron started the construction last week and has come a long way.  The first day he got the floor complete and then his brother came over the following day and they really made a dent in the construction (Thanks Gav!).  It has been a hot and busy few weeks here at the lock household but we are managing to get things done; slow but sure.  Today Aaron is putting on the hardware cloth around the roof venting as well as shingling the roof - a job he hates.  Aaron will be making up a page which I will later provide the link to which will give the details, specs and such for the coop.  For now I will simply post some photos.       

As for the ducklings and chicks, they are growing and doing very well.  The ducklings seem to be growing very fast but not getting much as far as feathers, only a few straggly ones on their tales which aren't true feathers.  The chicks are fully feathered on their wings and getting some back feathers as well.  The ducks are just now starting to make some small "quack" noises.  They aren't very loud yet but in a week or so I am guessing they will all be quacking away.  We have been having some issues with the waterer.  The ducks sure do make a big mess with the water.  We opened up their area to include the dog crate and an area between the pool and crate for the waterer and put cardboard on the floor with some sprinkled chips.  So far this has helped and we no longer have a small pool full of soaked wood chips and chick/duckling poop... it smelled to say the least.  Now I simply remove some cardboard boxes covered in the wet wood chips and replace with clean fresh boxes.     

They have decided that they prefer the crate, although they do venture back into the pool often.  

Our older 4 chicks are outside in our old small coop and doing well.  They have a small run which is enough for them for the time being.  They get to roost in the coop, scratch and peck around in the grass and dust bath in the chip dust so their lives are fulfilled for the time being.  In a few weeks they will need more space to spread their wings but hopefully when that time comes we will have the big coop finished.  Then the younger flock will head outside into the small coop until big enough to be with the older birds.  Once in the small coop I can put out a nice pool for the ducks to really go for a swim!

Mr. Roo Man!

Here is a Barred Plymouth Rock Pullet and Cockerel.  Note the differences: feathering colour, comb and waddle length as well as  colour and the wash on the feet (cockerel feet in photo above) and beak.  The pullets typically have darker feathering, foot and beak colouring, slower growth and lighter colour in the comb and waddles. 

They're Here!

Our chicks and Ducklings arrived yesterday!  In preparation for their arrival we purchased a round kiddie pool and filled it with wood chips.  We also purchased a new trough style feeder similar to this one.  We purchased a large waterer for the month old chicks and gave the small waterer to the day olds.  I do believe the ducklings are a few days old since they are far to large to be day olds.  Also some of the chicks are already getting wing feathers so they are likely a few days old already.  I assumed they would all be within a few days old but they can't possibly guarantee all day olds.  For me if they are a few days old that is great, they are far less fragile after a few days.  We have hung the heat lamp over the pool and put a thermometer inside to monitor the temp.

Also, we received 13 chicks as opposed to 12 which is how many we ordered.  I think they gave us only 1 New Hampshire X and then 3 Barred Rocks and 3 Black Sex Link to make up for it giving us 13 in total. Although once they get more feathered out it will be far easier to tell... for now the best we can do is guess.  So far, the kids have been loving the new arrivals.  I simply cannot believe how adorable the ducklings are!  

Our 4 Pekins!

Rouen.  Similar to the Mallard only heavier and domesticated.

Duck Feet!  Rouen on the left and Pekin on the right (as well as a chick foot squeezed in).

Fuzzy Bums!  Bums starting from the left: Pekin, Barred Rock and RIR.

Sleeping Chickies!  Left is a Columbian Rock Cross and right is a RIR (I think) who is even rooting!

BTC ACRE... Coming Along

Things are really moving over here at the new place.  We weeded one of the existing garden beds over the past weekend and put in some of our tomato plants.  I started some more seeds such as squash, broccoli, peppers and cabbage.   In addition to our seeds we went and purchased some strawberry, blueberry and raspberry plants.  Aaron is going to build a strawberry tower and we will be planting the other berries once we've decided on a good location.

More seeds planted.

Ready for the ground!  *Fingers crossed - Stay away frost*

 Those were what the weeds were like before we dug them all out.

One more bed to weed.

 Our tomatoes with an eco-friendly rabbit/rodent repeller... i.e. rubber snake.  :)

In other news, we adopted 4 3 week old chicks from one of Aaron's coworkers.  The coworker had purchased 4 day old chicks for his kids at Easter.  They spent time watching them grow simply for the experience and were ready to get rid of them.  Aaron offered to take them and it was a win win situation.  So we now have 2 Barred Rocks and 2 what we believe to be Rhode Island Reds.  The chicks were not purchased sexed so we are fairly sure we have 1 BR Cockerel... but only time will tell if we are correct.  We are unsure what we will do with any roosters we acquire but if they are not aggressive or too loud we may keep 1 or 2.  The kids have been having a blast feeding them dandelions and seeded grass.

Seriously... how cute are these little chickies!?!

Our Suspected Roo!

I must say it is a very nice feeling knowing no one will be able to tell us to get rid of our birds.  Just today there was yet another article in the local paper about a family with some Rouen Ducks (which we are getting 4 of next week) who are now being forced to get rid of them.  There is an 11 year old girl who will now lose her pets and 2 ducks that will lose their home.  I am so very thankful that we were able to sell our home and find a property that suited our desired lifestyle.  Every time I walk out into our yard or drive up to the house I get this feeling of inner peace I never had living at our old home.  Many people think we were nuts moving from our trendy, modern subdivision home into the sticks, but I think its crazy not too.  Whats not to love about being back with nature where we belong.  It is unbelievable satisfying being where we are and having the freedom to grow most of our own food.

My advice to anyone considering making a move into the county is.... Do it, you will never look back.

The Big Move!

The day finally came and we are officially moved into our new home.  We had a trailer hitch installed on the van for the move (used my brother's trailer) which will come in handy often I assume.  We spent a few days clearing out our old home and filling the new house with boxes.  Its been about 10 days since the big move and we are just getting settled in.  We have very few boxes left to unpack and have even starting cleaning up outside a bit.  We had a man come cut down a few trees that had grown right against the house allowing raccoons to hang out up there in the late evenings; their poop on our roof gave them away.  My Mom even spent some time weeding in the back gardens around our patio and sun room.  Our new batch of seeds arrived and we are getting ready to plant them, although I can't decide whether to do it before or after our upcoming vacation, which is much needed I amy add.  The gardens will not be ready here until mid summer but we are planting in the existing 2 raised garden beds as well as out at the CSA.  After our vacation Aaron will also be getting started on the chicken/duck coop.  Our day old birds arrive May 15th so we will need to get cracking.

Camp out with the kids our first night.

Front yard.

Front side yard from across the street.

Side yard. 

Back patio.

Backyard.

Backyard from opposite corner. 

Needless to say, we have our hands full!  It has been a long few weeks but I would not change a thing.  Now that we are in our new home it feels like we have been here forever.  It felt like home the moment I stepped foot into the house and we plan on having many wonderful memories raising our family here at BTC Acre! 

Coming along.

I spent some time over the past weekend moving some of the seedlings into their larger, temporary homes.  We will be in the new house after this weekend and will be able to keep the seedlings in the sunroom to prepare them for the great outdoors.  There are also some new sprouts coming up and I planted some more kale and cucumber seeds in larger pots.  I am hoping that more will germinate since we currently only have 1 of each from the first batch.  Hopefully we will be able to get some planting done out at the farming cooperative as well as get some gardens ready at the new place for the summer.

       
From the left: Wiltham Butternut Winter Squash, Brandywine Tomato,  Russian Red Kale.


Hopefully next year the gardens should all be setup and we will be far more organized.
                                                                                                                                                                            

Super Foods!

Not all foods are created equal.  If we were to compare the nutritional content of iceberg lettuce to kale many people would be flabbergasted by the results.  I have recently come across some foods that are not well known as being super foods... although they should be.  I became aware of some foods on this list from a film called "Hungry For Change" which was very informative and definitely worth watching.

Let me start off with a a few herbs that many people underestimate.

Parsley:   Souce

• The activity of parsley's volatile oils qualifies it as a "chemoprotective" food, and in particular, a food that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens. 
• The flavonoids have been shown to function as antioxidants and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. In addition, extracts from parsley have been used in animal studies to help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
• Also an excellent source of two vital nutrients that are also important for the prevention of many diseases: vitamin C and vitamin A (notably through its concentration of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid, beta-carotene) and folic acid. 

Cilantro/Corriander Seeds:   Souce

• When tested on animals, coriander helps stimulate secretion of insulin and lower blood sugar. Reduced the amount of damaged fats (lipid peroxides) in their cell membranes. And lowered levels of total and LDL, while actually increasing levels of HDL. 
• Contains an antibacterial compound that may prove to be a safe, natural means of fighting Salmonella suggests a study published in the June 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
• A powerful natural cleansing agent. Effectively used to help remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body (chlorella also works well).  Source

Oregano:  Source

• One of the most powerful healing herbs and natural anti-biotics ever studied.
• Oregano Oil is an extraordinarily powerful natural anti-biotic.  
• The strong phenol anti-oxidants in oregano destroy pathogenic bacteria, viruses and yeasts.
• It is the third highest herb in oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC).
• One of the world's greatest sources of the powerful phenol component thymol. Thymol is great for improving digestive function as well as destroying harmful microbes.
• Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions.
• Works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production.
• Studies have shown that carvacrol, a phenol anti-oxidant within oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity when applied to food or taken in supplement form.
• Also contains rosmarinic acid which has very strong cancer fighting properties.

Now onto some other super foods.

Spirulina (seaweed variety):  Source

• The protein digestibility of spirulina is rated at 85% versus about 20% for beef.
• A rich source of natural, plant-based iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
• The alpha-linolenic acid profile in spirulina is the highest in the plant kingdom, coming in third overall behind milk and evening primrose oil.
• Allergy sufferers who took 2000 mg spirulina every day saw significant improvement in their allergy symptoms.  (YAY FOR ME!!!)
• Enhances exercise performance.

Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L):  Source

• Contains the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid found in nature
• A complete source of protein. 
• Have the power to stabilize blood sugar, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Used as an endurance food by Aztecs and Mayans to increase the energy levels during hunting.
• They absorb water very easily (9-10 times of their weight), therefore, resulting in prolonged hydration and retention of electrolytes.
• Contain around 22% of protein, 35% of healthy fats (Omega 3, Omega 6), and around 25% of dietary fiber. Not only that, they also contain plenty of minerals and vitamins – A lot of calcium, potassium, and iron is found in these seeds.
• Help the body to absorb fat soluble vitamins.
• Provide relief from arthritis or diabetes (by absorbing sugar), decrease blood pressure, help with acid reflux, or just improve the general cardiac health.
• Cleanses the colon, and gets rid of toxins.
• Some research shows that it can also improve your mental performance and allow you to have a better rest during the night. 

Kale:  Source

• An incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food
• Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.
• Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.
• One serving of kale contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
• A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.
• An incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

Aloe Vera Gel:  Source

• Scientific research shows strong immunomodulatory and anti tumour properties for aloe vera polysaccharides.  One study published in International Immunopharmacology (1995) showed that aloe vera polysaccharides exhibited potent macrophage-activating activities including producing increased volumes of nitric oxide (which has antitumor potential).
• Can also be used internally, reducing inflammation throughout the body from the inside out.
• Also enhances skin health when used internally.
• improves the quality of the blood and helps balance the blood chemistry in a way that lowers cholesterol and total triglycerides (in people with elevated levels).
• It makes vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants work better.
• Polysaccharides in the aloe vera plant have curative effects on numerous digestive disorders. The Internet is a storehouse of information and testimonials about aloe vera curing IBS, ulcers, Crohn's disease and other disorders of the digestive tract.
• Also has many skin care benefits.

Chamomile:  Source

• Acts to sooth the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract, relieving irritable symptoms
• Used commonly to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia
• Aids in muscle pain associated with menstrual cramps and muscle strains
• Certain active compounds in chamomile work similar to anti-anxiety medications, which promote relaxation in the brain and nervous system.
• Fights bacterial infections by destroying the very bacteria that cause them. One of chamomile's active ingredients, Azulene, directly fights staphylococcus and streptococcus infections. 
• Also has many skin care benefits.

Coconut Products:  Source

• Highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. 
• Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits.  There are too many benefits to mention in this post; many of which can be found here.
• Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."
• Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).  They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.
• Nutritional Content of types of Coconut products can be found here.  Links to coconut research can be found here.

Some other known super foods are Garlic (Source, Source), Goji berries, Wild Salmon, Cinnamon, Tumeric, Pomegranate, Quinoa, Avacado and Blueberries just to name a few.  

I am a firm believer that food heals!

Disclaimer:  I am not a health professional nor am I giving you medical advice.  I am simply sharing information for you to make your own informed decisions with regards to your health.

Homemade Neti Pot solution

Between allergy season (for me means nice weather) and cold and flu season I likely go through 30 boxes of tissues.  I will contract a cold from my husband from which he had the odd cough and sniffle and I can barely breath for a week.  I often will get severe congestion accompanied by pain in my sinuses (and eventually my entire face!) which lead to a sinus infection treated with antibiotics, which I loath!  There had to be a better way.  In came the NETI POT!

It was about a year or 2 ago that my wonderful mother in law introduced me to the neti pot.  I had been suffering from a terrible cold and sinus infection when she decided to purchase a neti pot for me and bring it by with a pot of homemade chicken soup... that's right, I am spoiled!  MAN, did this little pot ever save my life.  I have not taken antibiotics since receiving my neti pot!  The pot also came with 50 packets of pH balances sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate mixture (baking soda and salt).  It did not take long for me to go through these little packs so I decided to make my own.  Again, in came my Mother in law.  She had a recipe that she had been using with success for some time.  I gave this a whirl and EUREKA!  Works equally as well as the sachets you can buy... for me at least.  I have to imagine that the sachets you purchase are more refined and medical grade ingredients but for me, this homemade solution is working just fine.


Recipe:
3TBSP baking soda
1 heaping TBS salt (I used sea salt)

Method:
Simply mix these and add 1/2-1tsp per pot of lukewarm distilled water (tap water may contain pollutants).  I simply mix up a batch and keep it in a small tupperware in the washroom.  Be sure to use non iodized salt since iodized can irritate the sinus and exacerbate the condition.