Bigger and better than before! Join us for an entertaining evening filled with fun, information and refreshments on August 11th at 7:30 p.m. We have a beautiful venue for the next screening — U of T Hart House. Sneak preview… [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEELebRvSU[/youtube]
Category: Blog
Freshly Laid in 5 Minutes
In my never-ending attempt to simplify things, I struggled for a simpler, faster way to get just-laid eggs onto the plate. My regular approach was to sauté in olive oil some chopped onion and red pepper. I followed this with some peeled, chopped tomatoes, a pinch of cayenne and some chopped parsley. Into the sauce… Continue reading Freshly Laid in 5 Minutes
Urban Pasture Management
I finally figured out a cost-effective way to keep the girls exactly where I want them to be. For a total cost of about $50, I am using portable fencing and stakes from Home Depot. No ties necessary – just weave the stakes through the fencing material and cut to size! The plan is to… Continue reading Urban Pasture Management
Ontario Premiere of Mad City Chickens
Join us for the first Ontario screening of Mad City Chickens. When: Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns – Green Barn – 601 Christie Street, Barn #4 Highlights: “Mad City Chickens is a sometimes wacky, sometimes serious look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken… Continue reading Ontario Premiere of Mad City Chickens
The cost of a dozen eggs
Many people have asked me just how much it costs to produce a dozen organic backyard chicken eggs. Time to show off my mighty Math skills. Organic layers mash $26.00 per 25 kg. bag = $1.04 per kg. Consumption ~ 4 1/2 ounces per bird per day. Annual egg production ~ 300 eggs. 4 1/2… Continue reading The cost of a dozen eggs
Don’t mess with this chick!!
This was my first experience with a broody hen. Goldie is a Buff Orpington breed, and unlike the Rhode Island Red hens, she has not had this trait bred out of her. The hormones kicked in and she decided she wanted to hatch her eggs, along with everyone else’s. Her body went through some changes,… Continue reading Don’t mess with this chick!!
Spring Chickens!
Spring has finally sprung and the chickens are roaming free, shedding their winter feather weight, enjoying the warming weather, and best of all, feasting on a new crop of delicious bugs while basking in sunshine and colour. The girls couldn’t be happier, and are consistently laying an egg a day each. To celebrate, the famous “Bead Bug”… Continue reading Spring Chickens!
Vancouver City Council Legalizes Backyard Hens
Vancouver City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to legalize backyard chickens, as an important part of a sustainable food system for the city. What is really shocking to me in the media report here is the strong dissent by the Vancouver Humane Society, citing concerns of neglect. Do they have absolutely no concept of how chickens… Continue reading Vancouver City Council Legalizes Backyard Hens
Seedy Saturday
Come visit the Toronto Chickens table at Seedy Saturday (Toronto’s best Eco Fair), this coming Saturday between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the Artscape Wychwood Barn (St. Clair Ave. W. and Christie Street). With Seed exchange, Heirloom seeds for sale, gardening workshops, and kids activities. For details about the event along with directions, see Seedy… Continue reading Seedy Saturday
Winter Setup
A small adjustment to the Eglu converts it into a cozy winter home for the hens. The Eglu is raised onto an 8” wooden platform, which is filled with wood chips (horse bedding). As the bedding gets soiled, wood chips are added so that the girls are always on clean bedding. The entire coop and… Continue reading Winter Setup