Found 41 hits.

Animals IN Nursing Homes – HenBlog – Tuesday, October 21, 2014

...of her employees to “llama school.” This is the designated handler,   but anyone can pet Travis.   Not all of the residents can go outside. No problem. Travis comes in.   Animals bring the unexpected into a place where life is regimented by meal times, therapy sessions and visiting hours. My photographs failed to capture the sheer craziness and joy of the animals in this building. Not only was Travis plodding on his camel-feet down the carpet, but there was this young dog in training learning to work with his occupational therapy owner:   Along with Ellen’s two goldens,...

A California Visit – HenBlog – Wednesday, December 5, 2012

...kept chickens was tempting. I had always wanted to feed a carrot to a friendly llama. I wanted to meet the other Temecula librarians who were all Tillie Lays an Egg and HenCam fans. Donna said that she’d take me to a winery. I’m not a big drinker. I still might have said no, but then Donna offered to take me there on horseback. I couldn’t possibly refuse. (In the above photo her husband is leading their colt on the winery trail. I’m riding Gus.) I love the internet. Who, you might ask, was taking care of the animals back...

Chicken Breeds – HenBlog – Tuesday, December 1, 2009

...legs, yellow legs, white legs. Their combs can be flat or spiked, or not there at all. Chickens can have big poufs of feathers on their heads, or have naked necks. You can also select hens by the color of egg they lay. I like to keep a blue-egg laying breed in my flock, just to have that egg in the carton. But once people get chickens, what they notice is their temperaments. I’ve heard, “I don’t like Americanas, they’re too aloof,” and “I love my Orpingtons, such gentle birds!” My own personal favorites are the basic big brown layers....

Treating Candy’s Ears – HenBlog – Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dr. Meade used the process of elimination to come up with a diagnosis of a fungal infection on Candy’s ears. He took a skin scraping, looked under the microscope, and didn’t see mites or lice. But, the white, dry, lumpy skin on her ears sure looked like an external issue. There wasn’t a test for fungus, but that was the logical conclusion and to go ahead and treat for it. If it didn’t clear it up, then there were some serious systemic issues, perhaps an auto-immune disease. Fortunately, the daily ear washings (with a special disinfectant) and applications of fungicide...

End of Fall Color – HenBlog – Thursday, October 28, 2010

My grandfather was a trucker. He told me of driving trucks with solid rubber tires, of hauling logs on roads in Maine, when he’d shift with both hands and steer with his knees, and of doing long-distance runs to Canada with an auto-transport truck (with my mother and grandmother enjoying the ride from the top car!) He always said that the most dangerous conditions weren’t ice or snow, but wet leaves. They’re treacherously slippery and you can’t see the edge of the road. But, I love it when the leaves come down and narrow my already narrow street. When it...

At the Fryeburg Fair – HenBlog – Monday, October 4, 2010

karin helfmann What great pics! I am in the market for a bunny after watching your dust bath video---seems like the perfect addition to our menagerie...the fair looks like so much fun! Terry Golson As much as I love Candy, I'd recommend a bun with upright ears so that they stay clean and can help with temperature regulation. The ears hanging against the sides of the bunny don't act as blood coolers like they should in the winter. And, they get dirty and need extra care. Linda Symons Thank you so much for the great pictures and the narrative about...

Worms – HenBlog – Thursday, January 21, 2010

...of my readers want to comment? I'd worry that you'd have garlic eggs. Go with the DE. In my experience, it works. It seems that it "never rains but it pours" in California. Poor llama. What do you give a llama for treats? I imagine a soggy llama would have a soggy llama smell.... Wendy A very timely post - just picked up my wormer for the hens today. In England we can buy layer's pellets that have a wormer already in them, made by a company called `Marriage's' - so much easier than mixing the powder in and you're...

Brood Coops – The Vintage Hen – Thursday, March 21, 2013

Michelle Can't wait for ChickCam! How is Buffy doing in her private suite? Terry Golson Buffy is doing fine. She seems quite content to watch the flock from her secure home with no anxieties over food, water, or bully hens. Jo I am getting six chicks the middle of May. I am so excited you are getting your chicks first so I can watch and learn! Can't wait for ChickCam! Also, thanks for introducing me to Lauren's blog--I have been reading her older posts all day and I have ordered her book. Celia Oh! the first diagram is just like...

A Good Farm Dog – HenBlog – Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Diana Plainville, CT. I have an outdoor cat that does an amazing job....Does that count? lol Katrina I've never had a dog but I have 2 cats that are reliable mousers.They eat whatever eats our carrots.They also go into our neighbours shed and catch mice and he is OK with that. ;) Terry Golson It does count! Terry Golson Cats are so useful that way. Sadly, what with the fisher cats and coyotes, farm cats around here have risky lives and need to be kept in the house at night. Marie We don't have dogs anymore, but we have a...

Dr. Sarah Stops By – HenBlog – Friday, May 10, 2013

Yesterday Dr. Sarah came to give the goats their annual shots. Hello Boys, said Dr. Sarah. Pip smiled. Caper wagged his tail. The Goat Maid said, Dr. Sarah, please be honest with me. Do you think that the goats are overweight? Dr. Sarah felt behind Pip’s elbows. I can feel a rib, she said. Dr. Sarah felt along Caper’s back. I can feel the hipbone, she said. She felt Pip’s belly. He does still have a thick winter coat, she said, and stood up. These goats are not fat, said Dr. Sarah. Pip looked at Caper. That’s what I told...

Chicken T-Shirt Giveaway! – HenBlog – Monday, July 25, 2011

...on an urban house block in a suburb of the national capital of Australia - Canberra. Of my girls, I have four bantam langshans - Bubbas, ATWC, Ms Brown and Blackie; I also have Hammie the Hamburg; Bam Bam the Pekin, Gertrude the Australorp; Cheese a Rhode Island Red; Allee the Sea bright and Fluffy duck a Rhode Island Red x silky. They are all very spoilt rotten and have their individual personalities. For example: Bubbas has only recently taken to squawking at the back door to be let in to lay her egg. Unfortunately my housemate has also taken...

Barred Rock T-Shirt Giveaway! – The Vintage Hen – Thursday, May 31, 2012

...breeds ok ? Nelly Schaffner I forgot to mention that I was born in 1947, grew up in the 50's in rural Philippines, came here in 1969... I shared on FB and tweeter :)) Terry Golson Your childhood is so interesting. Silkies can be bullied by the larger hens. Make sure you build in outside roosts, and a cubby area that the little hens can fit, but the big ones can't get to. Also, silkies need dry homes and warmth in the winter. I wouldn't get a Barred Rock with the silkies - they can be aggressive and need lots...

Caper Goes to the Vet – HenBlog – Thursday, May 13, 2010

...knee. No wonder Caper has been ouchy! The diagnosis doesn’t change how I care for Caper – this will take time (and maybe a few aspirin) to heal. But, I am relieved to know what the problem is and to be reassured that I’m taking care of him as best I can. In order to give a correct dose of aspirin, Caper needed to be weighed. Dr. Sarah picked Caper up and put him on the scale. Caper, being a goat, even a gimpy one, immediately hopped off. Instead of having to wrestle him still, I pulled out my target...

Black Gnat Season – HenBlog – Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Candace He looks so very handsome. Rebecca I could use one of those myself here in TN. Black gnats always biting my ears. Judy I love Tonka's new crocheted cap. I saw them in the Vermont Horse Store from your earlier blog, and couldn't for the life of me envision how they would look a real horse. Now I know. Very Nice. You can tell I know absolutely nothing about horses, so I really enjoy your Tonka tales! jean teri - try plain vanilla - but real vanilla on him. works wonders on wisconsin gnats Marie I think he looks...

Rooster Puppets Giveaway! – HenBlog – Monday, April 16, 2012

...angst maybe. hahaha Shelley Having a summer day camp for kids with disabilities. They will be riding, grooming and other stable chores, feeding/caring for chickens, collecting eggs so they can participate in the weekly farmer's market, crafts and working on social skills. Spruce Point Farm Camp in LaGrange, KY Bet they would sell alot of eggs using the puppets! Gayla We're a bunch of chicken lovers, too! My kids have named them all and have been able to identify the chickens by touch while they (the kids) were blindfolded. At almost 50 years of age I'm starting a new career...

Choosing Chicken Breeds Right For You – HenBlog – Wednesday, January 25, 2012

It’s that time of year. Chicken catalogs appear in the mailbox. Experienced poultry keepers think about expanding their flocks. People who have never kept hens plan their coops, ready their brooders and dream of chicks. Everyone is mulling over what breeds to get. Picking the chicken breeds to order can be overwhelming. Catalogs are a veritable, well, catalog of choices. It’s like opening a box of chocolates. Such a selection! You know you don’t want the coconut bonbon, but what about all of the others? You can’t (you shouldn’t) eat all of them, but they all look delicious. It’s the...

Gail Damerow Visits The HenCam (and a giveaway!) – HenBlog – Thursday, March 15, 2012

...isn't that common, either, and yet as soon as a hen looks poorly, that's the first assumption! Terry Golson My vet does the fecal. Some people train themselves to do it. You just need a microscope and a field guide to internal parasites. Not all vets do fecals on chickens. Ask around. Also, don't go where they insist on charging you for an office visit (one vet wanted to see the chicken first and charge $65 for that before running a fecal.) All chickens have some level of internal parasites, so something might turn up. It's a matter of quantity....

White Leghorns – The Vintage Hen – Monday, June 25, 2012

...one hand, as opposed to my laced wyandottes and productions reds, who are all larger and don't seem as securely in my girl sized hand. I purchased 3 new leghorn chicks this spring. Terry Golson Nice to hear :) Terry Golson Hens have only one functioning ovary. If that one becomes diseased or damaged, the hen can take on some male traits. It's nice that she's so long-lived. BARB HORSTMEYER I have Americanas,Silver laced Wyandottes, and California Leghorns, and the Leghorns out lay them all. They lay beautiful large white eggs. They are so sweet and friendly, I would recomend...

Ameracauna Eggs! – HenBlog – Thursday, August 29, 2013

...to mate! I think that she recognizes my high status, and that I'm not another hen (hens don't squat for other hens.) Terry Golson Ken, that's so surprising, as I had 4 in my order, and they all looked so different from each other! Rebecca So nice to see all the activity this morning. I finally had to shut down as I had chores to do. I love to see all the excitement when you are about with the kids. TN Rebecca Terry Golson I never tire of it, myself! With the cooler weather, Phoebe has been quite busy, too....

Egg Laying Glitch – HenBlog – Friday, February 12, 2016

...the states I plan to have a gorgeous mixed flock, such as you have. :) For now I'm just reading everything I can possibly read about chickens, from as many sources as possible! I actually have made a sort of collage of all the chicken breeds/colors I plan to get for my flock, so I can see how they all look together. I've learned about chicken math too already, I originally thought a small flock of 4-6 would be good but now I have over 15 in mind! I plan to get 5 or 6 each year for 3 years...

I Have A New Camera – HenBlog – Sunday, June 26, 2011

...my iPhone and an old Coolpix. Both limited my already limited skills. I’m delighted to let you know that I have a new camera. It focuses with alacrity. It can handle background light. It zooms. It flashes. It can do this. Note the insect! And it can do this. Capers eyes are squeezed shut! And look how Pip is airborne! (Despite the belly. He’s defying the laws of physics!) Agatha is delighted. She already loves to pose for the camera. Now if I could just get Agatha out of the way so I can take pictures of the other girls…...

Rose Tomato – HenBlog – Friday, August 3, 2012

...While the creepy crawly thing was the most interesting insect I've ever seen, I read that it can decimate tomato plants :( I do, however, have a whole bunch of pickling cukes coming all at once! Carol Caldwell Here in England we have had the wettest summer on record, with very little sun at all. It has rained through April, May, June, July and now continues in August. I have three huge tomato plants and before I have had a single tomato, all the plants have blight. This will be the first year we have no tomato's at all. However...

Chicken Tote Giveaway! – The Vintage Hen – Sunday, July 8, 2012

Janice I LOVE this bag!! I would use them for groceries and other supplies... or even take it to the beach!! My daughter goes to camp, and maybe she'd like to use a bag like this to carry her camp stuff (towel, goggles, sunscreen, etc.). Thank you! Jonquil What a great idea! I would use this bag to carry around needlecraft...crossstitch, knitting, etc. It would also be one of my 'Nor'easter-maybe-evac' bags (alongside the big blue IKEA bags ;). Robin It looks like a good,sturdy bag to take to the farmer's market on Saturday. I think my 16 lb cat...

“How To Raise Chickens” Book Giveaway – HenBlog – Monday, April 15, 2013

...Thatcher and also the London Marathon on sunday, there will surely be problems, just pray everyone stays safe xxxx Susan K I have always loved the gentleness of Buff Orpingtons. I have had several other breeds but always come back to this particular chicken. Jonathan My favourite breed is the Black Jersey Giant. Lois I would say Barred Rock - I love black, white and red together. Although I like the white rock too Cathie Just picked up the little sweeties yesterday, but I'd have to say the Dominique. Susan Orpingtons, but in all the different color variations -- not...

Chicken Chore Clothes – The Vintage Hen – Monday, July 15, 2013

George McRae I do not miss that at all. I have a vivid memory of my mother sitting on the sofa in our house in Lexington one horrifically humid night crying her eyes out at how disgusted she was with the walls and linoleum floors literally dripping wet. My heart broke for her. i used to sleep on said kitchen linoleum floor with our cat to try and find some/ any comfort in the New England summer. Today in El Cerrito California, our typical July morning is 59 degrees and overcast with the marine layer. A cold dry wind off...

Hidden In Plain Sight – HenBlog – Thursday, September 5, 2013

...suckers. At least the chickens were willing to help clean that up.   I’ve more work to do before I’ve got the squash bug infestation under control. I’ve learned my lesson that you can only ignore a garden for so long until the neglect catches up with you. But, with gardening, a failure in one corner doesn’t mean a failure everywhere. Last night friends came for Rosh Hashanah dinner. Side-dishes included honeyed carrots, tomato, cucumber and basil salad, chard with a dressing of lemon juice and toasted mustard and coriander seeds, and rice with minced herbs. All from the garden....

Mothers and Daughters (and chickens and a goat) – The Vintage Hen – Saturday, May 10, 2014

I love this photograph of three generations of women and daughters. This family portrait was not a spontaneous snap shot. All of the women are wearing their finest clothes, embellished with lace, bows and jewelry. And yet, they pose with animals under their care – chickens and goats. (Notice the goat cart that the youngest is perched on!) These animals were symbolic of the realm of women’s work, and also a sign that there was abundance and productivity on the farm. Look closely at their smiling faces filled with pride and love of family. I wish the same for you...

Misty’s Disappearing Act – HenBlog – Friday, August 7, 2015

...look like breath mint strips that dissolve on the tongue. The problem is you need scissors to open the packs. But as soon as you get bit/stung by something questionable, two go on the tongue. They can help lessen the reaction and give you time to react or get to the ER. It might also be time to have two epinephrine auto-injectors on hand. Because I can speak from personal experience that YES, if you had a reaction that bad this time, the next time will probably be worse. Jan Have you thought of trying the cheap all in one...

Thinking About Pie – HenBlog – Thursday, November 10, 2011

...of the meal, the mother rolled it all up in the tablecloth and tossed it out! Easy, yes, but not exactly a way to create fond family memories. To this day my friend can't bear to eat with plastic utensils! Terry Golson I have a cranberry nut pie in my Farmstead Egg Cookbook. Great combination. I'm using cranberries from Great Brook as well! The just went into a banana-cranberry-walnut loaf. Terry Golson I might make fewer than that, about 18. Still a lot. Pies are easy. It's cakes that I find the chore. Carol Caldwell After all this time, I...

Vintage Cat Photo – The Vintage Hen – Tuesday, March 25, 2014

...our home for almost 40 years. My husband was never a cat lover until he gave in to our daughter's wishes for a kitten. Guess who loves cats now. Terry Golson I had cats growing up (before allergies kicked in) and yes, it was my dad who said he didn't like any animals who ended up doting on the cats the most. Kit in CA Total cat lover here! Just going to check on 7 feral cats that live in the neighborhood...they are healthy & are part of a TN&R group so thankfully no kittens. These cats are friends with...

Cure for the Common Cold – HenBlog – Wednesday, April 6, 2016

...it and enjoy my "girls"all the more when i get home. Feel better Terry and thanks for all the great posts!! :) Terry Golson Nothing worse than being sick while away from home. I'll be taking a llama training/care course in September! Not because I'm getting llamas, but because working with other species is enlightening about one's own. Are your llamas pasture pets? Guard llamas? Jean R Animals seem to be intuitively tuned to our health and moods. And we have to work so hard to be better attuned to them. Thanks for all the awareness that you pass along...

A Scary Day – HenBlog – Friday, August 14, 2015

...found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=B0064GBCL0&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_6f643bc8de211e05a07a309d380c70e3 (to detoxify the system), Auto Amazon Links: No products found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=B001B2RG1C&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_c0e12da5919a03958494db77330c6f48 (to whish out anything bad remaining in the nooks and crannies of the goat’s gut), dried ginger (to settle the stomach), pepto-bismol to soothe, and water to hydrate a goat who hadn’t had anything to drink all day. By now, Steve was home from work. He held Pip and I dosed with the oral syringe. It wasn’t difficult. Pip said that it was tasty, and that the...

A Cautionary Tale – HenBlog – Monday, August 11, 2014

...you do!! Heather Helen Golly! Glad he's okay. And so glad we are reading a cautionary tale, not a tragedy. Here's my cautionary tale: I've always heard that cats can be left alone for a few days with food and water. But... We were remodeling our house in Massachusetts, doing a complete tearout. We got a phone call that required an instant emergency trip to Maine so we left the cat with kibble and water in several bowls, enough for two weeks, at least. When we returned five days later, kitty insisted she was staaaaaarving! No food in any bowl....

Thanks for the Carrots! – HenBlog – Thursday, June 19, 2014

...out... on my days off if I am home I open the door to the kennel and let him have free run of the yard Jonathan also for being intact he is gentle and has no aggression like I have heard they could have For the record, Phoebe is trying to convey that she is a big-boned neanderthal rabbit breed and that she still has winter fur. (Right Terry?) Carolyn Will Phoebe share her carrots with Tonka? Terry Golson Yes, I've insisted. Robin Off topic, but I was laughing so much. One of your goat boys appeared to be trying...

An Odd Harvest – HenBlog – Monday, August 9, 2010

...in the past years! Terry Golson I love tomatilla salsa! Terry Golson When I was about 5 years old, and not allowed any pets, I kept a tomato horn worm! In a shoe box! Can't stand them, now. Even the chickens say they're too big and ugly to fuss with. Terry Golson Isn't it wonderful when kids eat cherry tomatoes like candy? Donna How funny! They are truly a disgusting looking thing! Terry, I could not have pets either..do you think we are on to something? Let's see...3 cats, 1 llama, 3 horses, assorted parakeets and 1 cockatiel, and 40...

Shedding Season – HenBlog – Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Lynda in Michigan Fur lined nests. Lucky birds. Kit from VA I figured goats would ask people to be groomed by their owners. Our tools and fingers can get places their teeth or hooves, or another's goat's can't get at, and also massage them at the same time. I am sure the goats and more than a few horses love to be massaged and groom. And will even recognize and act with excitement or fall asleep while you are doing it, Terry. Bobbie What a coincidence! I would use a tool just like that one to brush my cat! I...

Book Giveaway! – The Vintage Hen – Tuesday, September 17, 2013

...Price 'Like' ed Hencam on FB (can't believe I hadn't already...) Pat D. I vote for the Dog cover, even though they are all great! I just love the goggles on the dog! That would be something I would do, if I had lived back then! Ha! Laura A. Of course, I like the big hen!!! Rebecca My favorite is the dog cover. It has a sense of playfulness and mischief.....makes you want to see more of what is inside the book. Donna I already LIKE you on FB...I love VINTAGE FARM ANIMALS! I think a picture of Pasco the...

Bainbridge Farm Goods Giveaway! – The Vintage Hen – Wednesday, September 12, 2012

...Blueberries sign. That would go well with my yellow Kitchen. I already own one of her signs at work, Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes. Donna You were right! Loved the Llama Drama sign but where to hang? Also loved the Hold Your Horse sign but the same problem applies since everyone is in a pasture! I think I will go with 5 MPH Chickens at Play! So cute! Jackie I love these signs! My favorite is the "be the black sheep" one! (But how can you pick! They're all great!) I Voted! Amy I have one of these and I LOVE...

How Many Hens? – HenBlog – Monday, July 30, 2012

...response to mine. Do you really use the okra? Terry Golson So happy that you made the pudding! Terry Golson The girls are sensitive to weather. A lot of people in the states, where it's been brutally hot, have also seen their egg count go down. Carole I too have found eight to be a nice number. I like your plastic cartons, where do you purchase them? In the fridge I use plastic four lock cartons, with the oldest eggs in the carton on top and new eggs go into the carton below. Thanks for all the info that you...

Egger's Good Day – HenBlog – Wednesday, January 27, 2010

...those annoying hens, Siouxsie and Tina. The children fed her lots of cracked corn, and it was ALL HERS. No sharing. She was held and pet gently by little hands. This made her very happy. The children were happy, too. They tried to capture Egger’s beauty in their drawings. Of course, it’s impossible to paint a chicken who is so perfect in real life, but they came close. If you would like one of the “actresses who play Tillie” and me to come to your school email me (terry@terrygolson.com). Eggers, Betsy and Coco are all eager for more road trips....

Working From Home – HenBlog – Monday, April 5, 2010

...llama? Yes..he tells me..I think something is wrong because I can't see his face because there is something stuck on it...Ok...so do I leave work with a room full of kids to find out what this knucklehead did? After I calmed down I called my lovely stay-at-home neighbor to investigate...She called me again at work to tell me he had a blue feed bucket pulled on his head with the handle under his chin like a chin-strap. He was so humiliated, he stood still and let her pull it off...yes....where was that dang camera??????? Terry Golson Oh, Donna, I'm laughing!!!...