Molting Chickens

Our chickens are molting. In December, which is rather strange. Usually they do this in the heat of the summer. So, for now, no eggs. Right now we have 3 hens with heavy feather loss, which is not good for this time of the year when it is cold.... Naked chickens running around in the snow....

Today we watched more of our science videos. Topics were matter and energy, animal facts & the food chain. We also did our reading comprehension and history, and worked again on our animal notebooks. We did not get English or Math done, but as the girls keep pointing out to me, they are supposed to be on Christmas and New Years break....

I have written some for a site called Thriftyfun.com, and received news that the founder and editor, Susan passed away on December 21. She will be missed by her many readers. She always sent me such nice emails after I would submit an article or tip.

Our farm has a new resident. Unfortunately it is an unwanted one. We seem to have acquired a rather fat grey mouse in the last 2 days. She has set up residency in the house and spends a lot of time running from under JD's desk to under the love seat in the office. She has been trying to make a nest under the love seat, but I think she is rather upset with me, as I have now vacummed it up twice. Why is it they are cute when they are in a cage and not so cute when they are in your house? J.D. is allergic to cats in the house. My meowing at the mouse seems to have no effect, so tomorrow I will put out a trap or some Blue Death.

Our new water bill came in the mail today. This is now the 3rd one in the $30 range since I got my new washer. (Bosch front loader). It only uses 8 gallons per load, as compared to the old Kenmore top loader at 66 gallons for a full load. Our water bills used to be in the $75 and up range. Considering we also watered stock a few days when the ponds were frozen, I am happy with this water bill. To add to my delight, there is a notice on the bill that 94.6% of the coop customers will notice lower bills due to a lower rate change.

Making soap

Tonight I started a batch of laundry soap. I should have opted to just make half the recipe, as I am short about 2 containers. (milk jugs will have to do) This will make about 10 gallons of soap. Enough to last me a year.

I have a front loading washing machine. I will use about 2-3 tablespoons per load.

We are on a septic tank. All ingredients are natural and do not harm the septic system. They are also easy on the skin. You can add scents if you want, but I don't.

I mix it up in my mop bucket. It will sit over night and in the morning it will be gel like. I will then fill containers half way with the laundry gel, and top off with hot water to fill. Cap well.

Before you do a load with this soap you do have to shake the container--it will sometimes settle.

If a years supply of soap scares you, you can make just have or a fourth. Also remember, you can always add more water if you didn't cap it good and it tries to dry out.