Seasons at Procter Farm

Over the past week or so the chickens and I have been trying to work out a routine where I go to shut them in their coop when they are already inside and ready to sleep. Usually I get worried that it is getting too late and too dark and head over there only to find them all scurrying around cheeping contentedly (not in their coop, I might add). Usually I poke around the farm, waiting for it to get darker and for them to all go inside but end up chasing the last few, bent over, arms outstretched, in an attempt to get them inside. Yesterday was the first day of synchrony. I was again worried, seeing as how the sun was nearly set and it was about 9pm, that the chickens were being stalked by predators. My imagination was working overtime as I arrived at their coop, expecting to see little foxes peering at them through the poultry fence, licking their chops. Instead, I looked in the door and to my great satisfaction, found half of my chicks wedged onto the first roosting bar and the rest practically on top of each other on the floor below. Some of the roosting birds were facing backwards. They’ll learn. I think now I know to go out later than feels comfortable and they will be all set to be tucked in for the night. No more chasing them around and feeling bad that I am closing them in when they still want to romp outside.

In other news, major planting is getting underway. I have planted spinach, beets, scallions, leeks, onions, and next week flowers, kale, and parsley will go out. Corn and the nightshades will follow soon after. All of the brassicas (turnips, radishes, cabbage,) are growing excellently and very quickly! The “spring” peas are finally up and I saw the emergence of some potatoes that were gifted to me by Rock Dove Farm in West Jefferson. Have a look at the pictures below!