My Kitchen Cookbook: Mind Meister (Mind Mapping)

My Kitchen Cookbook: Mind Meister (Mind Mapping)   This is a useful tool of a bunch of different web tools that I use often, the links are imbedded in the mindmap so any tool you would like to know more about just click to travel to the home page.

Happy Easter

click the link below: 
The Chicken Happy Easter

Eggs are Good for You: High Cholesterol Myth or Reality?

Eggs have been getting bad press because many beleive that eggs are not healthy because of their high cholesterol content. Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs may reduce another heart disease risk factor — high blood pressure.

But there are still far too many people throwing away the best part of the egg, the yolk. Now, look at this: Eggs may reduce blood pressure

Spring Free Ranging

Happy Chickens on a warm Michigan spring morning. The sun is out, temperature is cool, snow is melting and we can finally see the yard.  The girls are very happy to be outside out of the chicken coop running around, scratching in the dirt, breathing in the fresh spring air. HAPPY Chickens.

Live Strong http://www.livestrong.com/organic-eggs/

Eggs can be a good source of protein, an easy last-minute or early morning meal and a key ingredient in plenty of baked goods. Eggs are also one place where buying organic can make a big difference. If you're trying to improve your diet and eat more responsibly, make the switch from commercially produced eggs and reap the benefits of organic eggs. It's an easy way to make your kitchen a healthier place in the new year.

More Nutrients

Pasture-raised organic hens produce eggs that have 2/3 more vitamin A, three times more vitamin E, seven times more beta carotene and twice the omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercially produced eggs, according to a study conducted by "Mother Earth News" and reported in the October/November 2007 issue. Make the switch to organic eggs, and you could more than double the nutritional value you get when you eat an egg.

Vitamin B Health Benefits Need More Energy? Learn about how Vitamin B can Help. www.NatureMade.com/VitaminB

Sponsored Links

Less Cholesterol

Eggs are little protein powerhouses that tend to get a bad rap because they're high in cholesterol, but organic eggs tend to have 1/3 less cholesterol than commercially raised eggs, according to "Mother Earth News," making them a healthier choice. Even better: Organic eggs have 1/4 less saturated fat than commercially raised eggs, according to the "Mother Earth News" study. Reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your everyday diet can decrease your risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease.

Fewer Toxins

Eggs that come from chickens who've been fed organic food are less likely to have pesticide residue than commercially produced eggs. Trace amounts of pesticides can be particularly hazardous for children and pregnant women, so if you're feeding people in those two categories, organic eggs may be a good choice. Eggs from organic chickens also come without added hormones or antibiotics, which some commercial farmers may use to treat poultry to increase their production.


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/67236-benefits-organic-eggs/#ixzz1IiHMHf2x

The Chicken Queens @ Clarklake over the 4th

Randay Burkey Company Sale and free shipping on traditional Poultry products

Randall Burkey Company Free Shipping 

For the next 3 days until March 25 Randall Burkey is offering free shipping on your order. Randall Burkey is a great source for chicken supplies at reasonable prices. Their specials are always worth ordering! I am always completely satisfied with the products I order and the prices are very competitive.

Right now they have sales on chick starters: Naturewise chick starter grower,

The Lansing Backyard Poultry Meetup Group

The Lansing Backyard Poultry Meetup Group is for people who have small backyard flocks of chickens for pets, eggs, and meat.
You just might be suprised at how many people living in your neighborhood have pet chickens!
There is nothing quite like walking outside in the morning to gather fresh organic eggs for your breakfast!
We welcome everyone that has a small backyard flock of chickens, and those that are interested in getting started raising a small backyard flock of chickens.
We get together once a month at our "Let's Talk Chicken Over Chicken" meetings.
We are "eggcited" you have visited with us today, and hope you will consider joining our group!

Learn more about this Meetup Group

where do you find chickens on a cold winter day?

Where do you find chickens on a snowy winter day?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRZgrK6y_Dw

Chickens...Yes or No???

Do you have a desire to raise your own organic chickens in your backyard? The fun and pleasure you get from watching their antics and eating the fresh organic eggs is worth the efforts you put forth in getting ready to raise chickens in your backyard.

I am fairly new to raising organic chickens. When I began I had no real knowledge of chickens but I was thrilled  and  eager to learn everything I could learn. 

That was the beginning of my daily learning experiences of raising backyard organic chickens. If you are thinking about starting a flock of your own, I hope you will be better prepared than I was. I have  listed some necessary items to start off successfully with keeping  backyard chickens.

1. Food-A commercial layer mix is available in all  feed stores, many offer an organic layer mix. If your space allows free ranging is fun and healthy for your chickens. There are a variety of feeders available for purchase. Or you can  designed your own.
2. Water-When I first started tending to my flock I had a round bowl filled with water. The chickens filled it with dirt daily since it sat on the ground. I found it is much easier to have a watering station suspended above the ground.
3. Housing from predators and the elements of weather. It doesn't have to be fancy but the chickens need a place to roost in the evenings and have protection from other animals. There are a variety of books available with plans for stationary or mobile coops. Later posts will address designs.
4. Storage for feed-I found the squirrels and mice love the chicken feed as much as the chickens do. We use a plastic kitty litter pails to ensure no intruders have access to the feed. If you have trouble with squirrels make sure to use metal, the squirrels can eat through a plastic lid.
5. Nesting boxes- are not necessary but if you want an easy way to find your eggs I recommend either making them or purchasing your preference of style from your local farm supply store. TRS has nice wooden boxes for $4.99, or you can use anything from a cardboard box to a plastic container.

In the beginning it may seem like a lot to get prepared for your chickens but once you start raising your backyard organic chickens you will reap many benefits that chickens will bring to your life. Once your flock is established, daily chicken care is minimal.

Today I have two roosters and nineteen laying hens. I thoroughly enjoy feeding, watching, and tending my flock. Not a day goes by without a crow from the rooster in the morning and a visit with the hens.

I live in Michigan and I raises a variety of  chickens. I am going to share my learning experiences and hope to educate others on how to get started and the many benefits of raising backyard chickens.