A Country Girls Heart -Beats that Matter Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

March 7, 2022March 3, 2022

Choosing the Best Age of Your First Chickens

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I previously shared questions to ask as you decide on specific chicken breeds in the blog post titled What Chicken are Right for You. Today’s post takes you on the next step. When deciding on chickens that are for sale, there are 4 different growth stages to choose from, hatching eggs, chicks, juvenile or grow outs, and adult. Let’s examine different reasons you might choose from adult birds, hatching eggs, chicks or grow outs when choosing your first chickens.

Adult Birds: Choosing your First Chickens

There are a few reasons adult birds are the best options for your new chickens. By purchasing adult chickens, you will not need to wait for them to start laying. You will not need to feed them for the 4 to six months prior to beginning to lay. This, also, applies to birds you are raising for meat if they are heritage breeds.

The modern meat bird is ready to harvest as early as 2-3 months. Either way you will not need to invest the time to wait or the money to feed them. Do expect to pay a higher price for adult birds compared to juveniles or chicks to cover the fact the seller has invested the time and money (that you did not) to raise them.

Juvenile or Grow Outs

Some breeds cannot be easily sexed until 2 or 3 months of age. If you do not want a rooster, waiting for male or female characteristics to appear might be the best route for you. If sounds like you, there are still advantages to purchasing a juvenile over an adult.

If your chickens are your pets, you will be able to bond with them as they finish growing and will be able to decide what they are eating. Feed options such as organic, non-GMO, traditional, or even grow your own feed will be up to you. Raising them yourself allows them to have free range time and finish raising them to your standards. This is not to say that you cannot connect with a breeder that feeds chickens in a manner similar to yours, but that makes your search chickens a little more challenging.

Buying Baby Chickens for Your First Chicks

baby chicks are one option when choosing your first chickens

Purchasing chicks can be a bundle of fun. The cute, little fuzzy babies chirping and running around. When they have had enough of that, their little heads suddenly droop. They slowly lay down and sleep. Whether purchased locally or picking up at the local post office the fun of bringing them home and watching them grow up provides a bit of ole fashioned entertainment.

Other Considerations When Purchasing Chicks.

The act of shipping them through the mail can sometimes cause loss of life, even with the best of packing.
There often is a shipping charge in addition to the price of the chicks.
If you choose to stay local with your purchase, you will be limited to the local breeds of chickens for sale.
Chicks need a heat source until their first feathers grow in.
A brooder of some fashion is needed for chicks until they are old enough.

Hatching Eggs: Choosing Your First Chickens

Hatching your own chicks gives children the experience of seeing a new life develop. The lessons learned go a bit farther than sitting down at a desk and reading a science book. The hands on activity creates an environment where seeds of responsibility and discipline can be planted. The best part is watching a healthy chick pop out of its shell.

A word of truth here: As it is in all aspects of life, the genetic imperfections that fill our world may occur. As an example, a chick may not hatch all the way due to improper development. Or one may hatch, but it did not develop properly. This too is an excellent opportunity to teach a child the facts of disappointment and grief. As adults we know these are a part of life, and what a great time to teach a child how to deal with them in a manner that promotes healthy minds.

Best Option Hatching Eggs vs. Chicks?

Hatching eggs are less expensive vs. chicks. Do not expect every hatching egg to produce a chick. It would be an unusual case for all purchased hatching eggs to hatch. I do not always get a 100% hatch from eggs that travel no farther than from the barn to the house. If the eggs are shipped a general rule of thumb is 50% of the eggs will provide you with new baby chicks.

Let's look at the math for a minute. As an example, with shipping and the price of eggs you have $70 into 12 eggs. If you hatch 6 (50%), the price per chick would be $12. If the same breed of chicken cost $15 and you purchased 6 chicks, you would have spent $90 plus shipping. Congratulations you saved money! and had the fun of hatching. However, this is intended only as an example. The hatching result could go either way resulting in more or less chicks. This is where you decide the risk or chance you are most comfortable with.

In conclusion

Knowing your goals and resources will lay a foundation for choosing your first chickens.

Leave a comment, if you found this helpful and share which stage of a chicken’s life you have decided to purchase.

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October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

Ten Acres Enough, Homesteading in the 1800’s

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I slowly digested Ten Acres Enough by Edmond Morris in the summer of 2018. Reading a few pages while I ate lunch or found I needed to sit down for a break. As I read, I often felt renewed energy and motivation to continue, keep on with the tasks at hand staying focued with the big goals.

The end of 2020 is approaching. I find myself looking back at what I accomplished and what goals I want to set for 2021.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Pasture on CG Heartbeats Farm — Current horse pasture, but may serve a new function as the year unravels.

I gained a new perspective for the property I live on reading thorough Ten Acres Enough. My view shifted. Instead of seeing it through the eyes of where a horse barn, shelters, and pasture could go, I began to see where blueberries, grapes, and garlic might produce the best.

Click on the picture above to purchase your copy of Ten Acres Enough

The mistaken ambition for owning twice as much land as one can thoroughly manure or profitably cultivate, is the great agricultural sin of this country.
Edmund Morris in Ten Acres Enough

At least one of the areas chosen to grow grapes

At times, this homesteading journey can feel a bit lonely, but reading Ten Acres Enough I found a kinship with a man and his family now passed. After living and owning a business in the city for 20 years, he fulfills a longtime dream of owning farm ground in the country.

His farm, he purchased in the 1850’s. This is no typo. Nor is the price he paid, $1,000.00 for 11 acres, with a house and barn on it. The land I have is 11.7 acres and believe me the price was well above $1000.00.

I found myself inspired as I read Edmund’s account of creating food and an income to support his family by farming 10 acres of land.
Maria Graber

Click on the picture above to purchase Ten Acres Enough

Interesting Facts found in Ten Acres Enough

Edmund Morris shares not only of his personal experience, but also of farming practices and the economic impact of the last half of the 1800’s.

Facts to Ponder

produce and fruit prices at that time,
the price they paid for manure (that they even paid for manure),
weed control methods,
how they used manure,
how they dealt with insects and worms that damaged crops,
their experience (or perhaps inexperience) with chickens.

Eventually, Edmund hired not only one, but 2 people to help on only 11 acres. This was a family with 6 children who also helped.

Click to order Ten Acres Enough

The words he used to share his story have added to my vocabulary. Some I have never heard in this day and age and likely will not.

This book provided me with a new view of our land and produced many new ideas to ponder on. I intend to reread Ten Acres Enough, as I plan for 2021. In the coming months and years I will reference certain practices mentioned though out this book

It takes a man a great while to learn the way of Providence, and to understand that things are better contrived for him than he can can contrive for himself.
Edmund Morris in Ten Acres Enough

Click on the above picture to purchase Ten Acres Enough

Winter is Proverbially the farmer’s holiday. But it was no idle time with me. ….. The careful man will find a world of fixing up to do for winter.
Edmund Morris in Ten Acres Enough

I recommend this book to any and all who desire a homestead lifestyle. If you read or have read this book, I would be trilled to hear what stood out to you.

If you can not afford a physical copy, good news! Written in 1864, prior to copywrite laws, it is considered public domain. It can be read free as an e-book in downloadable PDF form: https://archive.org/details/tenacresenoughpr00morriala/page/n5

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September 4, 2020December 15, 2022

Janoel 12 Incubator Review and Helpful Tips

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Read what I like and do not like about the Janoel 12 Incubator. I share a few tips I have used to help this incubator work for me.

While I have used different incubators, I have found the Janoel 12 to be my go to incubator right now. To be open here, I have used the Incuview (plastic), and the Little Giant Styrofoam incubator with the addition of a fan. I have listened to others experiences with different incubators. Of course, the price has influenced my personal incubator purchases.

My flock of 3 heritage breeds consists of breeding pens made up of 1 or 2 roosters with 1 to 6 hens. To clarify I do not put one hen with 2 roosters. Due to the smaller pen sizes and my desire to track what chicks hatch from each pen, I like the incubators that hatch a smaller number of eggs. I share this to provide a picture of where I am coming from with my current goals.

What I like about the Janoel 12 Incubator

1. Price

I find it hard to beat for the price of slightly over $50.00, based on what I see available on the market. This incubator has an auto turner, temperature settings can be modified and a display of real time temperature.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Learn more by clicking the picture above.

2. Auto Turner

The auto turner provides room for 6 to 12 eggs. I say 6 because with larger eggs that is about all that fits on the turner. Given the fact I may only have 5 or 6 eggs from a specific breeding pair, this incubator serves an important purpose on CG Heartbeats Farm. I have found a way to place close to 30 eggs in the Janoel 12 incubator. See my Tips for the Janoel 12 Incubator in this post.

3. Bottom Half Cleans Easy

I love the how easy cleaning the bottom of this incubator is. To start I dump out the water and mess. I spray outside with a garden hose. Next, I put apple cider vinegar in the bottom and the amount varies based on how dirty it is. I fill almost to the top with water and allow it to soak for several hours. The mess simply does not stick to the sides or interior bottom. The tray takes a bit of scrubbing with a brush to get the stubborn stuff off. I wipe the legs of the hatching tray with a paper towel. I also wipe the bottom half inside and out to dry it.

4. I Hatch Chicks with the Janoel 12

Examples include a hatch that started with 14 eggs, 2 were not fertile, at lockdown there were 11 viable eggs and the end result was 9 chicks. In another (1 time) instance, all 10 eggs hatched. I generally have a decent hatch rate with this incubator. There are several factors that influence how well a hatch goes. I will share that the first couple times I used this incubator I was not successful. I needed to determine the right amount of water to add at lockdown and I share that later in this post.

5. 360 degree View

The sides provide a view all the way around the incubator.

6. Adjustable Spacing in the Janoel 12 Turner

The spacers in the turner allows the width of each row to be a custom fit.

A way to adjust turner spacing on the Janoel 12

7. Durable

The longer I use this incubator, the more I am impressed with its durability. I have hatched in my original incubator for 3 years, gaining multiple batches of chicks each year.

Purchase your own Janoel 12 Incubator by clicking the picture.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

What I do not like about the Janoel 12 Incubator

1. Cleaning Inside of the Top

Cleaning any part of the top requires a screw driver to remove parts. It is simple to take part and put together, but more time consuming due to needing to remove several screws. I do not clean the top every time.

2. Lack of Setting Options

While the temperature is displayed and can be changed, that is the only setting. This model does not provide other settings such as a count down to hatch day, or a setting based on current room temperatures. There is not a humidity reading or a way to automate humidity levels. I have experimented with how much water to add at lockdown, based on the climate here in northern Indiana.

3. Not made in America

I like to purchase products made in America. This incubator is not.

4. Harder to See

While there is a 360 view of the eggs, the durable plastic has a bit of smoky haze when looking through it or taking pictures. The view is not as clear compared to other incubators I have used or seen used. I have noticed after several hatches the plastic becomes scratched, clouding the view.

Tips for Using Janoel 12

How to fit 20 plus eggs in the Janoel 12 Incubator

If I remove the tray the turner sets on and place in the hatching tray, the Janoel 12 holds 20 to 25 eggs. The eggs need to be hand turned. I try for 6 times a day, but fall short some days. This starts a larger group of eggs. Often when I use this method, I know that it is likely not all eggs will be fertile. If the number of fertile eggs drop low enough after a week, I begin to use the turner. If not, I am committed to hand turning the eggs until lockdown. Either way, I end up with a higher number of chicks compared to only using the turner from day one.

Adding Water at Lockdown

I have found the best hatch results by adding ½ cup to ¾ cup of water at lockdown. The room humidly plays a part in my determination. To date, I use the dry hatch method. I may add a ¼ cup water on day 17 depending on the size of the air cells when I candle. If I do, I would only add ¼ cup to ½ cup more at lock down.

Note the incubator in the picture is not on a level surface. The water level is not equal but this is a general idea of what it looks like.

Maintaining a Hatch

The eggs often become bunched when using the auto turner. Maybe I do not have the spaces set correctly? I am not sure if that is the cause. I check the eggs once a day when they are on the turner and place them in a better spot.

“I like this incubator so well I have three.”
Maria Graber

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

In Conclusion

The Janoel 12 has been my go to incubator this year. I even purchased a second one in April, to hatch out different batches in. As I said, knowing the chicks correct parentage ranks high for me and the Janoel 12 helps me meet this goal. Is it a perfect incubator? No, but when I consider the small amount I invested in each one and all the ways it serves my purposes. I am excited to use the Janoel 12. I would love to hear your experience with the Janoel 12. Please reach out using the form below to send me an email with your questions or leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

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August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

Tomato Juice: How to Prepare and Preserve

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To my recollection, the last time I canned anything was around 20 years ago. As I am producing my own food, canning is one of the homestead activities I want to incorporate back into my life. One family branch has a tradition of eating tomato gravy at Christmas gatherings. I have been blessed with a wonderful crop of heirloom tomatoes. In August of 2019, I decided to make tomato juice for my own consumption and as a base for the tomato gravy this coming holiday season.

List of Supplies

Clean pots
Sharp knife
Scrap bucket
Pan with water
Jars
Lids
Rims
Stomper/Colander
Pan/pot for juice to drain into
Water bath canner or pressure cooker
Ladle
Funnel
Measuring cup

Food Ingredients

Tomatoes
Garlic
Onions
Water

Before I share my personal experience making tomato juice, do you want to learn other ways to begin living a homestead lifestyle? Click this link to learn other ways to start living a homestead live-style.

Prep Tomatoes for Tomato Juice

First, gathering a knife, a pan of cool water, 2 clean pots, a scrap bucket, and of course a five-gallon bucket full of tomatoes, I sat on the front porch of my neighbor’s house and cut up tomatoes.

What I started with
Pan with water. I changed the water once when I was halfway through.
Clean pot to cook the tomatoes in.
Srapes or waste left from prepping the tomatoes to cook.
For the fun of jumping ahead: the result. From a heaping 5-gallon bucket of tomates I now have 6 quarts of tomato juice and 7 pints.

I removed any bad spots and the cores. These large, heirloom tomatoes filled 2 pots. I spent 30 to 40 minutes cutting these up.

Before I started cooking the tomatoes on the stove, I cleaned up the jars I wanted to use. My basement has become dirty over the last few years. So, I cleaned them outside with a hose, before cleaning them again inside.

Cook Tomatoes

I added a glass of water to the smaller pan, and 2 glasses of water to the larger pan. I realized later I did not need to add that much water. While I have canned food before, tomato juice is a first for me.

Cut tomatoes in pot — The tomatoes are starting to cook down in this picture.

My plan was to work with my friend, but she needed to be elsewhere. I knew I needed to process those tomatoes or I would end up not getting it done. Feeling excited and a bit unsure, I decided I would move ahead one step at a time. I expected her to return home while I was cooking the tomatoes off, however as life happens, she was unable to be there as early as she thought. I looked up online how long to water bath tomato juice.

Cooked tomatoes — Ready to make tomato juice.

As the tomatoes cook, I prepared candy onions and garlic to add to the tomato juice. I added two onions and a garlic clove to one of the pots as the tomatoes cooked for an experiment of sorts.

Stomper and pan where the tomatoes are pressed for juice — Colander to press cooked tomatoes into tomato juice.

I phoned another friend of mine. I felt a bit unsure. After our chat, I felt more confident. I decided how I was going to add the garlic and onion. I would place one garlic clove and a small onion or a portion of an onion in the jars, for additional flavor. Oops, I realized by that point that I added more water than I needed to. The additional veggies would give the juice additional flavor. Thanks, Dolli!

Tomato juice with onion — The garlic sank to the bottom of the jar and the onion floated to the top.

A closer look at the lids and rings I had found new in their package in my basement, showed me the lids were definitely not fit to use. When the tomatoes were sufficiently cooked, I ran into town to buy new lids.

Stomp Tomatoes to Make Tomato Juice

Using a large pan and stomper, I set out to make my first tomato juice. I pictured myself pouring the contents of the pan (cooked off tomatoes) into the stomper. I seen myself making a huge mess. Instead, I used a ladle to place the cooked tomatoes in the stomper.

Making tomato juice — All that remained after one pot of cooked tomatoes was pressed

My mind wonder as I pushed out the juice to the days of my past. I remember making applesauce in my grandma’s kitchen using similar tools. I am quite fond of applesauce. Remembering fond memories of my youth when member of the family would work together preserving food, feelings of nostalgia lurked in my mind. Despite beginning to get tired, I felt excited to be canning again. Canning touches the creative side of me.

Jars

Inside I rinsed and dried 6-quart jars and 7-pint jars in hot, hot water. I allowed them to air dry on a towel. I again used a ladle to dip the juice from the pan into the jars.

When my friend returned home, I ask her, “do you have a faster way to do this?” We laughed as she said, “oh yes, I do. What was I thinking?” That certainly sped up the process. She handed me a funnel and measuring cup. The measuring cup had a handle and a spout to pour out of. Perfect!

With the jars full, I cleaned of the rims of the jars. The things that come back to me as I went through this process. I remember my grandma using this little sauce pan to heat the lids before placing them on the jars. I am quite certain I have that little pan somewhere, or one like it. For this process, I skipped that step.

Canning Process

Placing lids and rims on the 6-quart jars that I had cleaned the rims into the canner they went. We used her tap water to fill the canner (water bath). The water almost reached the top of the jars. I waited until the water was at a rolling boil.

I took note of the time and made a metal note of what time the jars would be done. During this time, I continued stomping the second pot of cooked tomatoes. I had enough to fill the 7 pint jars I had cleaned. When the pints were filled, clean and covered with lids and rims. I washed up as many of the dishes as I could.

There was only a small amount of waste from all of the tomatoes that were cooked and stomped. To take a guess, I would say it would not have filled a quart jar. Her chickens would get them for a treat. The waste from cutting the tomatoes before cooking went to my house.

Six quarts of tomato juice waiting for water to boil — Six quarts of tomato juice ready to be canned.

When the quarts were done cooking, I ran home to get my own canner. Returning, I took the 7 quarts home in that and later that night I canned those. A side note here: I used water purchased in town to process the pints at home. The tap water left a residue on the quart jars. The purchased water did not.

Cool

I removed the quart jars from the canner placing them on a towel on the counter. I covered the 6 jars with another towel. Some of the jars had already begun to seal. They sat on my friend’s counter for a couple days until I could get back over to pick them up.

Tomato juice waiting to be processed — These 7 pints of tomato juice waiting to be processed.

Storing Tomato Juice

On Tuesday, I stored them in my basement. Here they will sit for future use. The 6 quarts are for making tomato gravy at one of the family Christmas gathering. Yum, I feel hungry thinking about the delicious taste. Have you ever eaten tomato gravy? Leave me a comment below to let me know.

I skipped the part where I write the date on the lids. If I can more, I will go ahead and date them.

Yield

I was rewarded with 6 quarts and 7 pints.

Did this inspire you to preserve food? Are you looking for other ways to live a homestead life style? Use this link for more ideas: 10 Ways to Begin a Homestead Life Today.

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June 1, 2020June 1, 2020

Homesteading and Chronic Illness

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How do I homestead and balance 3 diagnosed chronic illnesses? Imperfectly!

Taught high standards and a hard work ethic as a child, letting go of perfection proved heartbreaking at times and freeing at others.

Homesteading lifestyle does not lend to ease and comfort on a regular basis. The rewards of opening a jar of home canned tomato juice, drinking my fill, savoring the flavor, while feeling thankful I know exactly what is in my healthy drink motivates me to take one job at a time.

For the fun of jumping ahead: the result. From a heaping 5-gallon bucket of tomates I now have 6 quarts of tomato juice and 7 pints.

Many steps and a bit of hard, uncomfortable work goes into the delicious drink I canned myself. Planting seeds, weeding, watering as needed, picking tomatoes, and the work of actually processing and canning the juice.

Knowing the reward of healthy food options and a feeling of accomplishment for a job completed keeping me moving when my body aches, my head feels dizzy and I am simply tired.

Get a FREE PDF on how to preserve Stewed Tomatoes.

12 steps complete with pictures.

Get your copy today!

There are days I need additional rest, days the best thing for me is to be up and moving however slow I may be. There are days I feel like I used to. On those days I often become wonder woman for a few hours until reality catches up with me.

Reality

Realty might hit me in the form of a low sugar, or becoming so tired I can. Not. Go. another step. It often appears to come on sudden, but in truth many times I am busy celebrating all I am accomplishing. I miss the signs, or I ignore the tiredness lurking because my focus keeps them at bay. Reality might be a high sugar level for unknown reasons requiring me to rest or extra sleep.

Reality means I do not have the same number of hours available for hard work I used to have. In certain moments it means pushing myself because when caring for animals and raising your own food there are windows of time where tasks must be completed. A time for extra rest will be required for sure when the work is done.

The Hardest Part

The hardest part for me has been letting of my high expectations for outcomes of all I do. One of the good parts? Learning to see and act on what is important on any given day. What has to be done today? Resting when it is done.

I brought home my first Swedish Flower Hens in May of 2016. I drove 3 hours to pick up 13 chicks. Pictured about are offspring of those chicks crossed on others I added later.

I might be a workaholic if my health allowed. If you ask my spouse, I am any way. I may need to take breaks before a task is finished or leave things I want done today, for tomorrow.

A New Direction

The idea of writing and running a website was born only after I realized I could no longer work as hard as I used to. To my belief my number one asset I brought to a job, was my physical strength and stamina. It sent me for a loop when I realized I could not longer push through anything I choose to.

The realization came on over a period of a week or two. I was working at a factory learning a job I would have not had a problem with in the past. Sanding a trailer should not have been out of my range of capability. Instead, I learned I had contracted mono. I was let go from my job with the understanding I had the option to return when (if) my health allowed.

I did not return. Six years later, I do not believe myself capable of doing the work.

Blooms from Ashes

Roses will bloom again, Just wait and see, Don’t mourn what might have been, Only God knows how and when, but roses will bloom again.
~ chorus of song ‘Roses Will Bloom Again’ by Bill Gaither

Recently, I was reminded how events look terrible to us at the time, actually open doors for opportunities we would have never looked for. Loosing my job pointed me in a new direction. I felt lost , my pride wounded. I carried (from God) a belief blooms rise from ashes and good awaited me down the road.

The road meandered slowly bringing me to my current life. I did not immediately decide to start a website or homestead. Such ideas came along over the coming year and a half. Implementation itself continues to this day.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

I earned my first income online in 2016 from Swagbucks.

If you would like to learn more, CLICK Here

I write to share my journey and knowledge. I homestead to produce more of my own food. I continue to learn how to improve my writing, homestead skills, and earn a bit of money along the way. I strive to keep the genetics of 3 heritage chicken breeds alive. In my newest venture, I am learning about the Great Pyrenees dog breed as I train a puppy.

I may be slower these days, but I still find joy in a new challenge. Blogging, homesteading, and creating provide me with ways stimulate a desire to see what lies around the next bend. I have a couple ideas up my sleeve for the remainder of 2020. Stick around to find out what they are.

Are you living life with a chronic illness or two? How do you make the most of your life?

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May 28, 2020May 28, 2020

Roots and Wings ~ Joy or Heartache?

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A homestead lifestyle, raising food and caring for animals brings joy and hardship. Today, I struggled to find the good.

I recently read a quote from the last chapter of Old Yeller.

What I mean is, things like this happen. They may seem cruel and unfair, but that’s how life is a part of the time. But that isn’t the only way life is. A part of the time, it’s mighty good. And a man can’t afford to waste all the good part, worrying about the bad parts. That makes it all bad.
~Fred Gipson, quote from Old Yeller

Today I am watching a kitten die. I found I lost a hen. I cried about the kitten. I have been nursing him daily I feel those familiar words creeping in, ‘You are a failure.’

He happens to be a niece’s favorite via pictures. I do not look forward to telling my niece, but a voice inside reminds there is a life lesson for my niece in the story of loss. A silent prayer, ‘Lord, May I have the right words?’

I quoted the following Bible verse to myself.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is noble, whatsoever is just, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is noble, whatsoever is of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be anything praiseworthy, think on these things.
~ Philippians 4:8 NKJV

A reminder to focus on what is of good report and praiseworthy. I almost forced myself to think on the fact it was time to take Aneta for a walk. Spending time with the adorable Great Pyrenees puppy decidedly brings joy to my life. Time with her has already proven an antidote for any dark mood I might be facing.

As I prepared to head outside, I thought, I am thankful 4 of the 7 eggs in lockdown are pipped already. It was late last night when I set up the lockdown. I skipped candling them. I have no idea what to expect from this hatch.

A long list of work awaits me. Our wet weather in the last week has proven a challenge to do any planting or working the ground. The chicken barn is over due for a good cleaning and the list goes on.

Again, I have a choice to look around at all the blessings and good or carry a weight of frustration. Where will my focus be? On this day, the battle rages minute by minute, hour by hour. Yet, Do I really have a right to be discouraged? My friend recently lost her mother. Now there is a reason to grieve.

I recall a specific night I worked at a foaling barn. On one side of the 30-stall barn was a baby who would be gone by morning. Mamma had kicked a, soon to be fatal, blow earlier that evening. On the other side of the barn a healthy foal birth, new life. The contrast of life and death sharply burned in my heart.

As living people, we are free to make choices in our thoughts and actions. There are moments a hard choice will bring a good emotion down the road. Choices might appear good under present circumstances that down the road create a terrible emotion.

Our world may saturate us with feelings of fear and unknown future. I am thankful for a God who sits on the throne no matter what. He sits there when I lose a chicken, when I watch a kitty die, when we lose a loved one and when a family member struggles.

I am thankful for all the good around me, watching other kittens play, watching a puppy romp in the grass, the chirps of newly hatched chicks, the whinny of a horse, the warm breath of a trusted horse, and wet puppy kisses. Life’s blessing surrounds us, we choose to see them, or not.

Jesus said he goes to prepare a place for us. I am thankful this broken world I live in is not my final destination.

Perception, a powerful word when put into action.

May I encourage you to focus on all the good you are surrounded with today?

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April 25, 2020April 25, 2020

5 Reasons to Shop Local Farmers Markets

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I recently learned of a story telling how a great uncle hauled cucumbers into a local town about 7 to 10 miles from the homestead. Here sat large wooden barrels where cucumbers soaked to be hauled off on the train as pickles.

A picture of the place my great uncle hauled pickles. I wonder if my Grandpa did too.

It must have taken an entire day to drive with horses pulling a wagon loaded with cucumbers almost 10 miles, unload the cucumbers and drive home. Imagine the time involved in hand picking all those cucumbers before somebody in the family needed to spend an entire day hauling a load to town. Yet, in those days it was worth it? Our American society needs were different during that time.

I heard my great uncle had the following to say about hauling pickles:

“He said his Dad was one best pickle sorter and the pickle factory knew it. They always had him unloaded ahead rest of the wagons they knew he always had the best sorted pickle.”

These ‘days gone by’ marked the beginning of the industrialized and global market we know today. While some changes are good, others sadden me. Why does a farmer today need money from the government to survive when he or she produces one of the most important commodities for human life: food?

In our current crisis why does a farmer find themselves reliant on a global economy for income when neighbors need to eat? These same neighbors purchase food that may or may not have even been produced in our own country.

Why Local Farmer’s Markets Today

CG Heartbeats Farm table at a 2019 Market

Here is where I see a huge value in a local farmers market, not only do you support families in the community where you live, you are also able to gain first hand knowledge of practices used to produce the food you eat.

I am not sure how you think about this, but I hate it when I read ingredients on a package to realize there are several that I do not know what they are or why I want to put that inside of myself.

Does it take longer to cook your own food? Maybe, but not always. It is rather, a mind set shift. I would like to use garlic as an example. Until I began raising my own garlic, I always used the dry stuff that came in a shake out container.

Fresh Garlic vs. Dried Store Garlic Powder

Easy to open the cupboard and dump. But not much more work to use real garlic once you have a process in place. Mine looks like this:

Granted this does involve a few additional steps. Key in this process is a good garlic press. I have tried a few different ones. I highly recommend a quality hand garlic press to help the process go smoothly. The whole process takes me less than 5 minutes.

We just decided that it takes about 5 minuets or less to use real garlic, so what is the motivation behind adding a few more minuets to cooking a meal?

Health Benefits and Flavor

Health benefits first prompted me to start growing my own garlic. I found that it grows well here at CG Heartbeats Farm and most varieties grow rather large.

Order Garlic

Grown with no chemicals at CG Heartbeats Farm

Excited to offer shipped garlic.
Now order and pay for online.
Garlic ships in September and October
Limited to the lower 48 states in the US.

**Click Here** or on **above picture** to order / pre-order garlic. 2020 garlic crop ships in September or October.

Order Today

Using fresh food enhances flavor dramatically. This applies anytime a person uses a fresh food, even home processed (frozen, canned, or dried) over some similar product processed in _______ (Who knows? Fill in the blank.)

These days I find it most unfortunate the difficulty of knowing truly where food came from. A label may only read a location in the United States where a package was distributed from. I feel a disappointed at the lack of disclosure on several different factors of many food options today.
~ M. Graber

5 Reasons for Shopping Local Farmers Market

Here are my top reasons for choosing to shop at local farmers market. We can all utilize our local markets as often as possible.

What reasons would you add to what I listed above? Leave a comment sharing why you find local farmers markets important.

Shop Online at Local Farmers Market

Relevant to our current call to social distance, a new way to shop at local farmers markets has emerged. Online shopping with local pick up. One market in Culver, Indiana uses a web company called Local Line. CG Heartbeats Farm now offers online ordering as a part of Culver Farmers Market. Check it out if you are in or near Marshall County Indiana as this site is for local sales ONLY! https://www.localline.ca/cg-heartbeats-farm

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April 17, 2020April 17, 2020

Hatching Baby Chicks

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Do you know what you need to hatch your own baby chicks? If not, read on. If items you will need may be obvious, may I encourage you to give thought to a few details when preparing to incubate chicken eggs.

4 Items to Hatch Baby Chicks

Hatching Eggs
Egg Candler
Incubator
Brooder (for chicks after they hatch)

Hatching Eggs

Yes, to hatch chicks you need hatching eggs. I am sure you all are aware. Let’s consider, for a minute, where you will get chicken eggs.

4 Places to Obtain Fertile Hatching Eggs

Hatcheries
Private Breeders
Local Private Breeders
From your own Chickens

Hatcheries

Commercial operations often offer many different breeds to choose from, both hatching eggs and chicks. If you are looking for a variety to hatch, here is where you often get the most choices. Sometimes the quality of the breed may not be top notch as hatcheries often go for quantity over quality. If you are not planning to show your birds, or breed your birds to a breed standard and want a pretty back yard flock, consider this option.

Private Breeders

Private breeders offer a smaller selection of breeds., but there may be several to choose from. Another option is ordering from different smaller breeders. This can be coordinated so that the hatching eggs arrive at the same time.

Local Private Breeders

If you find a local private breeder producing the breed of chicken you are looking for, you will not have to have your eggs shipped. This should potentially should increase the number of chicks hatched. Shipping hatching eggs can reduce the viability. The local breeder hopefully will package the eggs similar to if they were shipping them. Even a car ride can cause the eggs to be shaken up a bit.

From your own chickens

If you have a rooster, most likely you will have fertile eggs, needed to hatch chicken eggs. It is possible for a rooster to be infertile, but if so, you have the option to find a different rooster. The way to find if your rooster is fertilizing eggs is incubate them.

If you would like to learn more about hatching chicken eggs amd other homesteading practices consider joining the Facebook group, Hatching Eggs, Ideas, and Homesteading Practices.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Incubator

Incubators imitate a broody hen to the best of technologies ability. There are many to choose from in today’s market. Some are produced in the USA and others are imported. Incubators come with different prices tags and corresponding functions. Often the more automated the process the higher the price. Particular brands carry a higher price, but with that comes an expectation of superior performance.

If you are interested in hatching a large number of eggs at one time as in hundreds, investing in a cabinet incubator may be the route you choose to go.

Features of Incubators: Air quality, humidity, and turning the eggs are all critical for proper incubation.

Fans

Forced air meaning an incubator has a fan moving the air around in the incubator. This feature promotes incubator air to be a consistent temperature throughout. It also pulls in air from any available air vents.

Humidity

The humidity levels are controlled by adding water. Tools are available to automate that process. Or another feature may be a exterior port to add water so the incubator does not need to be opened when adding water. A hen will generally get off her next one time per day so I am not convinced that opening a lid to add water is a terrible detriment to hatching success. In fact, there is a newer incubator on the market that can be programmed to intentionally cool the eggs one time a day.

Turners

A tray attached to a motor will turn eggs for you. If an incubator does not have an automatic turner you are responsible for turning the eggs approximately 6 times a day. Many incubators can be fitted with a turner. However, a draw back is the number of eggs that can be fit into the incubator at one time. As an example, one of the incubators I use is set to turn around 9 eggs, but I can fit around 25 eggs with out the turner

Egg Candler

From setting the eggs to trouble shooting a hatch once it has ended, an egg candler with be most useful. When I started I used a bright small flashlight and went to a light marketed for the sole purpose of candling eggs. I am all about using what you have and when I started a small bright flashlight was what I had. A candler plugs into an outlet instead of using batteries as a small flashlight would. I now use a small bright flashlight once again. I have at times used the light on my phone. If you are interested in saving money, use what you have on hand.

Brooder with Food and Water

Once a chick hatches and dries, they will need to move into a brooder. Brooders come in different forms, material and shapes. On a homestead they often are a product of using what one has available and develop out of creativity. There are commercial brooders that can be purchased at stores. They all serve the same purpose, to provide dry shelter, heat, food, water, and protection from predators.

Newly hatched chicks need to be provided with a heat source of 95 degrees in a shelter safe from predators. Dry clean bedding, clean fresh water, and chick starter should be in place near the heat source. The temperature in the room needs to be a match for the heat source. A pen that meets the above criteria will qualify as a brooder. What creative ideas have you seen, thought of and possibly used for a brooder? Leave a comment below.

Purchase now and receive the E-book, Plan Your Hatch as a bonus.

The course content is already available with additional videos, resources, and printables to be added soon. Begin today!

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March 2, 2020March 10, 2020

5 Reasons to Help a Chick Hatch

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Consider the following scenario, you have researched hatching eggs and incubators, made your purchases, incubated eggs for 21 days. now there is a chick that has pipped the shell, but has made very little progress in the last 24 to 26 hours. Should you help it out?

To be clear I am speaking only of eggs that have pipped through the shell.

5 Reasons to Help a Chick Hatch

The chick has pipped in a bad spot
Last of a bloodline
Limited eggs available
Limited fertility in a rare breed
You know human error played a part

You are Feeing Sentimental About this Chick

Perhaps the little chick has tugged at your heartstrings as you watch its effort to break out of the shell. I know I have felt that pull of desire to come along side in their struggle to make sure the chick lives or has a chance to. Maybe it has been 36 hours since you noticed the egg was pipped. While the chick has tried valiantly to work its way out, it has made only a slight progress. Lets look at 5 reasons why you would help a chick out of its shell.

First, I offer a word of caution that I plan to address further in a future post. If you help a chick out, be prepared for potential deformities. There are several reasons not to help out and only allow the strong chicks to survive. In certain cases, an argument can be made for an exception such as if a hatch temperature or humidity create difficult circumstances for a chick to hatch.

The Chick has Pipped in a Bad Spot

Chicks may not be positioned correctly in the shell. They then pip down toward the pointy end of the shell. Not an optimal way for chicks to hatch. They are supposed to pip nearer the top or rounded part of the egg.

This picture shows a shell that a chick pipped in the bottom part of the shell and still made it out on its own.

When they pip toward the bottom or the pointy tip of the shell a chick has a harder time working its way out.

This picture shows the same egg next to an egg shell that a chick pipped and zipped out of correctly.

One time only there was a chick that pipped at the bottom that I helped out. One of its little legs was up over its head, completely in the wrong spot. I aided the chick by supporting it with props until it could adjust to proper leg use.

Last of a Bloodline

Perhaps one or both of the parents are deceased due to a predator attack or age related death. In this case, I consider the value of continuing a specific blood line.

Limited Eggs Available

There may be limited eggs available from this group or from a certain breed. Perhaps you paid a large sum for the eggs and only 2 eggs are pipped.

Limited Fertility in a Rare Breed

A specific breed may be struggling with fertility or even faced with extinction. If fertile eggs are truly rare, that may be a time to assist a pipped chick with hatching.

You Know Human Error Played a Part

When we incubate eggs we are in part, taking over for the natural course of a broody hen hatching her eggs. Inconsistent, or incorrect air flow, humidity, egg turning, and heat all impact the development of a chick, it’s strength and subsequent hatching. There are times that I have helped a chick hatch knowing that human error created the difficulty to begin with.

These are a few reasons I would help a chick hatch. Do you have additional reasons you would assist a baby chicken out of the shell? If so, please leave a comment below.

Purchase now and receive the E-book, Plan Your Hatch as a bonus.

The course content is already available with additional videos, resources, and printables to be added soon. Begin today!

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January 13, 2020January 10, 2020

A Homestead Vision for 2020

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Honestly, I intended to write this post last week. It did not happen; in that regard I am getting a slow start to my 2020 planning. I do have quite a few ideas bouncing around in my head and heart. In this post I am going to combine looking back at 2019 and what progresses were made her at CG Heartbeats Farm to build on goals for 2020

On the Website

Hatching Course

The idea to teach others how to hatch chicken eggs came to me as early as 3 or more years ago. I have always had a passion for baby animals. I wrote about that in blog series titled ‘New Life’. I actually put pen to paper or rather started typing on my computer in early 2018. I am committed to finishing this in the coming weeks.

The Practice of Hatching Chicken eggs is just that practice. I will continue to add to the course titled ‘Chick Hatching Practices’ sharing new information as I learn it.

Garlic Purchase

I am in the process of setting up product pages for garlic that I raise to make it available to those who are not local. Garlic ships and keeps well. Here at home, I use the previous years garlic well into the March and sometimes even April or longer.

Order and Pay for Hatching Eggs, Chicks and Birds

Hatching egg purchases, chicks and birds paid for through the website is in the works. I always encourage anyone with questions to reach out via email using maria@dontclipmywings.com. I do my best to respond to each question or comment as soon as I possibly can. Planning ahead helps everyone get the best results.

Stories of Farm Life

I shared the first story from the homestead titled Beats that Matter. My goal is to share this type of story every Friday. These will be heartwarming and heart wrenching stories. Important to life, the little moments that touch us deep down.

There are joys and sorrows in life, no more than on the farm caring for animals. I am excited to encourage others to use the hashtag #beatsthatmatter on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Each week I will share some of the moments or the #beatsthatmatter captured on film.

In Addition

I am working on ideas to bring FREE information, checklists and printable forms relevant to homesteading. One goal of the website is to encourage others to produce their own food where they are, using what they have.

On The Homestead

Chicken Pens

Last year I went from 2 outdoor pens to 6. I desire to increase that number this year. All of the current outdoor pens are portable to kill off sod, creating garden space. My goal for this year is to create 2 permanent outside pens complete with runs.

Gardening Space

I have already increased the gardening space, but with the chicken pens moved to a new location this past fall I will be adding another 10’by 20’ space in time for planting. The pens will be moved again in the spring increasing the space again this fall. I planted 350 bulbs of garlic nearly tripling last years crop and the plan for this year is to triple that number again.

I have 10 seed packages from Baker Creek Seeds to try out this coming season. One of them is Kentucky peanuts. I am excited to try these and to grow sorghum and flax. These last 2 may help me raise my own chicken feed in the future. That is a big expense here, purchasing feed. The more I can grow myself the better for the birds and the pocket book in my mind. To be tested out in the future.

Breeding Programs

Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner

The Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiners continue to challenge me when it comes to producing chicks. The hens are 3 years old. The current roosters Cisco and Clinch show promise. I did produce a group of chicks from the hens late last summer using a Swedish Flower Hen rooster. That was largely to prove to me that the hens could in fact produce a chick. Now I wait for the hens to start laying again. I lost 2 hens from this group in December. The are getting older and hope to hatch replacements or purchase more this year. I am not ready to give up on them yet.

Swedish Flower Hen

The fertility in the Swedish Flower Hens has not been an issue at all and are rather easy to add to the flock. I often use incubators, but have raised chicks with broody hens as well. My goals for this breed vary a bit by pen. Cherokee has been chosen to add size to his flock, while other pens are grouped for different reasons.

These 2 beauties are a part of Shoshone’s Pen or Pen # 5

Silver Gray Dorking

This year the Silver Gray Dorkings also lack good fertility, although that has not been the case in the past. The parent stock are just over 3 years old and I wonder if the roosters are falling off in their fertility as they age. I will be switching out roosters with a younger one to see if that improves fertility. I will be looking to add additional Silver Gray Dorkings from another farm.

Container Gardens

I used buckets last year to grow sweet potatoes. I will do the same this year and plan to grow other vegetables in containers as well.

A Cow

I have been casually looking for a cow for that last 3 years. A big goal this year is to actually purchase one. I have changed my mind from a Scottish Highland to a Jersey with the intent to breed for a mini Jersey.

Livestock Guard Dog

While predator loss has been minimal, I also would like to add a livestock guard dog to the homestead. The coyotes seem to be rather brave and I would feel better with a LGD on the loose. Champ, the heeler is gaining in age almost 10 and he will be needing assistance in doing the great job he has so far.

Additional Fencing

I have supplies accumulated to improve current fencing and add more. What I have lacked is energy to complete the project. I know I felt better over all in 2019 compared to 2018 so thinking positive, I have fencing on my list again for 2020. I intend to not only improve existing fence, but construct new fence lines creating additional pasture space.

Barn Renovations

The one barn here either needs to come down or be renovated. I prefer the latter, but the more time that passes the harder time I have seeing that a worth while venture.

Tidy the Property and House

In my focus on other areas last year, I look around and see many places that I have not kept up on when it comes to de-cluttering, organization, and clean up. This applies to house, barn and yard. I want to focus on that in 2020, as well. There are projects started that need to be finished. It seems that a few goals from 2019 carry forward to 2020. That is ok. Progress was made last year with out a doubt and I will celebrate that.

Farmer’s Markets

I took a break from attending markets in the last quarter of 2019. I believe I need to focus on working on the homestead itself in at least the first quarter of 2020. At that point I will evaluate where I am at. I truly enjoy the markets, but currently have little prepared to take. My time needs to be focused on the above-mentioned tasks for the first quarter at least. What are your plans for the coming year to shift to living more of a homestead lifestyle? Producing your own food? I would be excited to share in your goals, dreams and progress.

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