I may have spoken too soon. I was cursing our 3 roosters for not being hens and sure enough, yesterday we were short one. We’ve decided to let them free range because A) They have picked their fenced in piece of land dry and all that’s left is dirt and spare roof tiles for them to roost on and B) There are plenty of bugs and fun things for them to forage for on the property and I think they will be happier with more room to roam(despite what the boyfriend says about all the racoons, hawks, coyotes and all the other animals that would be happy to have our chickens as a snack). While exploring all day long, they always find their way back to the coop and by the time the sun sets and it’s time to shut them in for the night, they are all happily snuggling each other on the west wall.
Alas, yesterday while shutting the coop doors for the night, and doing the nightly count to make sure there is 10, there was only 9. And believe you me I counted and counted and scooted some out of the way to make sure one wasn’t hiding under the roost or in the corners. 9 lonely chickens.
Of course I knew this would happen eventually. You can’t live in the country and expect the other wild animals to leave your delicious chickens alone.Our head honcho rooster had chased our Rhode Island Red away before and he had always been wandering around behind the house by himself, but he would find his way back to the coop eventually!
So now, we are a flock of 9. But don’t worry, I’ve already planned on expanding our chick-raising area for new chicks in the spring!
While the remaining girls(and two boys) are coop bound because of the snow, I decided to make Pumpkin doggie treats!
They won’t even come outside… what wimps.
Wait a minute– Did you say pumpkin? Why yes. Yes I did. And not canned pumpkin. Oh no friends. Real fresh pumpkin!
We stocked up before Halloween and now are down to our last two. I never knew this but as long as the pumpkin still has its stem on the top, it can last for months! We got ours in October and were told they will be good enough to eat until Easter! Once they are cut from the vine(do pumpkins grow on vines? I mean of course they do but is that what they’re called?) they “harden off” and get a wax like coating that protects them from the elements! Hence being usable months later.
So here we are, with sad chickens and fresh pumpkin. Of course I had to bake.
Mocha, the chocolate lab loves to eat. She will eat anything except maybe olives or cucumbers. So of course she loved the treats I made! And as a bonus we used all organic ingredients so if they wanted, the sad chickens could eat them too.
Patient Puppy!
I used the recipe from here and made my own organic adjustments.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used Cheese Pumpkin, yes that’s what it’s actually called)
2 organic eggs
1/2 cup organic oats (optional if your dog is on a grain free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain free flour)
3 cups organic whole wheat flour, organic brown rice flour (I used half and half)
3 Tbsp of all natural peanut butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tsp salt (optional. To extend shelf life)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together wet ingredients. In a large bowl mix oats, flours, cinnamon and salt. Stir wet ingredients into dry and then roll out onto a floured surface until 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and bake onto a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely and then store in the fridge.
Who says they’re only for dogs! Banksy loves them too.
Gray's Farm Life 