Bumblebee Blog

Bzzzz October 20th, 2008

As the garden begins to slow down in the fall I often think, “What on earth will I have to report on Bumblebee in the winter?”

But as I reflect on the ideas and topics that have captured my interest in the past, the truth is that Bumblebee isn’t entirely about gardening. I have written extensively about chickens lately, since my recent home project has been the construction of the Palazzo di Pollo. I have posted some of my favorite recipes, including my all-time favorite Italian cream cake. I have told stories about my travels and the crazy gifts my brother and I exchange. I have even written about my commitment to exercise and my yearning for simplicity.

Lemon grass, Swiss chard and lettuces in the October garden

Then the other day as I was sitting outside jotting some thoughts in the notebook that I always keep handy, it occurred to me that there are several themes here at Bumblebee that are similar to the Manifesto those clever gardeners over at Garden Rant have posted on their blog. I don’t think I would call mine a manifesto, but it is a set of beliefs or values that I believe are reflected here. So let me share them with you…

-Productive vegetable gardens can be ornamental and beautiful, especially when integrated into the home’s plantings.

-Our food should be as local, fresh and chemical/hormone-free as possible.

-Preparing healthy and delicious foods for ourselves and our families is an important daily activity.

-A beautiful and rewarding life requires slowing down and simplifying so that there is time for thoughtful contemplation.

-Our surroundings should reflect the things we care about. The things around us should be beautiful, useful or both.

-Spending time maintaining our health through exercise and good nutrition is part of the foundation of happiness.

-Don’t take everything so seriously that you make yourself or those around you unhappy.

Herb bed in October

Of course, I hold many people dear—family and friends. And other things are important, such as my work. But these are the themes that I write about here at Bumblebee.

Maxine shows off her regal profile

What do you think? What’s important to you?

(By the way, have you checked out all the photo albums here at Bumblebee? Click the “Photos” sign at the top of this page. There is even an album dedicated to the chickens!)

Posted In: Gardening Life

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Bzzzz October 13th, 2008

We are not natural carpenters here Chez Bumblebee. So when we set out to build the chicken run for the Palazzo di Pollo (Italian for Chicken Palace), we were making it up as we went along. I provided the genius grand design. Harry provided the muscle and skill with the post hole diggers. We both contributed fingers that were pounded and bruised by the end of our building project.

We are now ready to unveil the Palazzo di Pollo.

Drum roll, please…

Tah dah!

Just to be very clear, and in the interest of full disclosure, we did not build the actual chicken coop. That is a children’s playhouse build by some local Amish craftsmen. We built that ugly, crooked, wacky screened in porch that the chickens access via two little ramps and an open window. And, yes, it took us about three days spread over three weekends to do it.

Chicken wire encloses the whole run. The wire is dug about 12″ into the ground to deter burrowing predators. We have made efforts to put chicken wire over any opening. Of course, the chickens are closed into their Palazzo at night. Except during their free-range time, when we throw caution to the wind for a couple of hours, the girls should be safe.

Throughout the whole building process my son Ben kept asking me, “Do you really think they’re going to go through that little window?”

“Of course! Chickens love ramps, bridges and acrobatics,” I responded, fingers crossed behind my back. “I’ll probably teach them all sorts of tricks before long.”

Despite my enthusiasm, I will say that the chickens are not, uh, well, they’re not very smart. They seem to have to learn to go up, through the window and down the ramp each and every day.

Also, this is only their third day in the Palazzo, but they seem to be indoor chickens. Unless they are free-ranging they seem to prefer the indoor comfort of the Palazzo. I suppose the pine bedding-lined nest box condos, the roosting bars, the 24-hour buffet, three-speed ventilation fan and dual panel heaters and all are just too much to pass up for scratching in a pen.

But if I go outside and call them, they come storming through the window—no doubt looking for the corn treats they get at the end of the day.

Yes, all this for three chickens—so far.

We have two other chickens that have moved to the Eglu. You may remember them—Minnie Ruth and Olive (previously Olivia). Well, today they revealed a huge surprise.

As I was out walking I heard two very distinct “cock-a-doodle-doos!” I may not know a lot about chickens but I know enough to be sure that a hen does not make that kind of noise. That is a very distinctive rooster noise.

As I started thinking about it, we may actually have TWO roosters. They do seem to have been doing a lot of sparring since we moved them into the Eglu on Saturday where I can spend more time observing them.

Only time will tell if they are nice roosters. But one thing is certain, I do not need two roosters to tend to my three hens. One—and maybe both—will need to find a new home.

I did not get pet chickens only to be afraid to walk into the chicken coop. Right now, the chickens let me pick them up and pet them. They may not actively jump into my lap, but they are quite tame and friendly, eating from my hand and following me around.

Well, enough about chickens. With all this activity, I have been giving some thought to what I’ll be writing about this winter when the garden goes a bit quiet. I have some thoughts I will share in the next day or two.

P.S.

In answer to a couple of emails—YES! We will be getting more chickens in the spring. As a novice, it is one step at a time though.

Posted In: Chickens