Roost & Roots Homestead

Our flock was attacked a couple of weeks ago. It's a risk we know we take when we let the hens free range - it's a risk we generally find worth taking because it gives our birds a better life.

They have that freedom to forage and scratch for all the bugs, worms, and mice they can find. They can wander under the trees and dust bathe in the sun together. They have constant access to covered spaces and up high places, but the risk is still there. The predator load is small during the day but not zero.

We lost four hens. Mossy, Daisy, Maisy, and Sibby. My grey Olive Egger, both Wyandottes, and one of the Light Brahmas. All of them were ones we raised as chicks last year. We buried them in between a wind break where the flock often congregates and rests ♡

This garter snake put up quite the fight against the 6 year old. We're pretty sure it's the same one he's been trying to catch all week.

Garter snakes can be great against mice... yes... but this big one is practically trying to live inside the house, too. No thank you!

The look from 3 hens who saw me carrying a watermelon inside today and not immediately bringing slices out to them for snack 😅

Let your kids name your animals..

Why?

This is Perpendicular.

🫶🐔

We planted flowers in our pajamas this morning 🌸🌼🏵

We got well over 300 plants and seeds in the dirt over the weekend. Hoping for lots of jalapeños, garlic, and corn this year to make all the work worth it.

My tiny farmhand 🥰

What do you think I'm putting in here??

Loved going to the well as a kid, still love going to the well now

It's starting to feel like a big scavenger hunt this week 🐦🐍🍇🧄