Down to Earth: November 2011

A recent production scouting trip took us north to the Muenster, TX area. We were delighted to find wind turbines dotting the landscape. We even saw a turbine manufacturing site. It is encouraging to see our big Texas winds being put to good use. The use of alternative power is a hot topic that Down to Earth plans to explore on the show so stay tuned!

While in Muenster, we were fortunate to visit the lovely Elm Creek Manor, an inn and spa in the countryside just outside of town. They grow their own vegetables and herbs from which they create five star quality meals for guests. Meals are served in the elegant dining room of the main house, exquisitely decorated from the inkeepers' worldly travels. Dairy goats, chickens and bees will soon be taking up residence and contributing their own gifts to meals. Guest rooms are peaceful and relaxing. An oh so comfy bed is dressed in crisp white linens; the inn follows the European tradition of a fluffy down duvet without a top sheet.

We learned from proprietors Brad and Marcia that the original house had burned and was at first considered a total loss. After many bids to demolish the structure, they learned that many structural elements were still sound and were offered the opportunity to rebuild. The house today contains much of the original wood, showing the scars of the fire, but possesing unique character.

Every year we look forward to the great State Fair of Texas! This year, Andrea hosted a talk and demonstration about urban chicken keeping. We brought along Wedgewood, the bantam blue Orpington to help us out.

There is much to learn about selecting and caring for your chickens, but they are a fun and low maintenance pet. In fact they are the only pet that can provide you with fresh ingredients for fluffy omeletes and yummy cakes and quiches. We have a wealth of information to share and have included some of it here. Check in with us often to find out when and where we will be appearing with our fun and informative presentation - Household Hens!

Why Choose Chickens?

They are fun, quiet and clean.

Enjoy fresh eggs without a trip to the store.

They bring a bit of the country to the city.

They produce the best garden fertilizer around.

Children can learn about farm life and caring for animals.

They are a natural component of sustainable living.

Things to know:

Look up codes and regulations on your city’s website.

Most municipalities do not allow roosters.

You do not need a rooster for your hens to lay eggs.

Be sure your chickens are safe from predators.

Keep the peace with your neighbors by offering them eggs and keeping a tidy roost.

Basic supplies include:

The coop

A run or outdoor area

Feeder and waterer

Chic chicken décor to suite your taste

Feed appropriate to your hens developmental stage

Kitchen scraps make a great supplemental feed.

You can get most everything you need for keeping chickens at your local feed or farm store. Here are a few we know of, check local listings where you live.