What's Happening:
Spring 2011…
Ahh, the joys of spring! Everything is growing
again, and the citrus trees smelled so nice. The chickens are laying
very steadily, and enjoy this beautiful weather.
Sure was a cold winter with two major freezes. Very unusual.
Did you know that Phoenix recorded a dew point of minus 18 degrees on February 2nd? Now, that is dry!
A lot of damage occurred to vegetation, the dryness along with the cold was brutal. My poor lemon tree still has a lot of dead wood, but has come back just fine. And it is a Lisbon Lemon, more tolerant of the cold. There will be no crop on my tree for the coming season though.
Interest in backyard chickens is defiantly growing. I believe our country is undergoing a fundamental change to a more organic and healthy lifestyle. The recession is still affecting us, and increases in food prices seem to be on the horizon.
I have read several articles about how the food supply in the United States may be in for major changes. We pay only about 10% of our income for food – among the lowest in the world. With increased demand, higher fuel prices, health scares, and possible shortages, people are looking to produce some of their own food.
I think it will be a positive change for us. One of the most important aspects of backyard gardening is a sense of accomplishment, and the fulfillment of our need to nurture. On the farm and at the nursery where I work, I see parents who spend time with their children gardening and taking care of animals. In the past the time was spent more on soccer, softball, and many other pastimes. These activities are important also, but to see a father spending time planting tomatoes and chili peppers with his children is so rewarding.
We are teaching a new set of values to our families. One man told me that his children seemed disconnected with the earth. He said this generation did not have the experience of spending time in a garden like a lot of us older people had. The stories told to us by our parents and grandparents about gardening and raising animals has been lost. Time to reconnect.
And what an enjoyable time to spend with others. When I am planting on the farm with another person, we talk and share. You get to know others and hear their stories.
The chickens have been great this year. Due to a “code violation” my two roosters now live on the farm. It is a great place for them to live, and they are so happy. I miss them, but get to see them five days a week.
Little “Tweety” is in heaven on Saturdays when the farm is open to the public. He greets people, and has to see what they are buying. And once in awhile he gets to chase a child! Then struts around, so proud of himself – amazing how a six ounce banty can make a little person run so fast.
I felt bad for Tweety being all alone, so I decided to get another chick to keep her company. At my local feed store, all the pullets they had were too big, and I was disappointed. Then I spied one little chick all alone in a feed trough. She was perfect!
Metro Tech High School raised over 60 chickens, and sold them for backyard set ups. It is a great program. The students in the horticulture program teamed with the woodshop and culinary programs to build gardens, and chicken coops. Teaching our children how to nurture and be nature’s stewards is rewarding.
Emmet Fox once said “Remember the wonderful fact that when you work for a person the result will be with him for the rest of his life.”"
Now that May is here, the heat won’t be far behind. Get your chicken areas ready soon - temperatures can climb fairly fast. Shade and cooling are very important needs during our long hot summers. Get your mister systems installed, fans if necessary, and be sure the birds have plenty of shade and cool water.
Chickens can’t sweat like we can, so no Right Guard or mopping of the brow will help them. They cool themselves by panting with their beaks open. You don’t want to be without cooling when it is 110 degrees, and neither do your flocks.
I use misters, and also strong fans. Used to have a portable swamp cooler – those are great to have. Egg production often slows in the heat, and a little vinegar in the drinking water helps with any stress. Just keep your birds cool!
I met some people with an interesting company based in Scottsdale: Humble Seed. They sell organic, non-GMO variety seeds, and are good community supporters. Their web site is: http://www.humbleseed.com. Check them out!
The farm is busy and looking great. Right now we are switching from cool season to warm season crops. I look down the long field waiting for Okra seed, baking in the hot sun. Ouch!
The farm is a cool place and we are open Saturdays from 8a-1p. Singh Farms is on the northeast corner of Thomas Rd and the Loop 101 in Scottsdale. Stop by and say Hello!
The Phoenix Permiculture Guild is now called the Valley Permiculture Alliance. Same great information. Check out their classes at http://phoenixpermaculture.ning.com
Let me know if you need anything, and enjoy this spring. Take care and enjoy your flock!
Jim
