Backyard Farms

You’ve probably started to notice the price of eggs has risen substantially. This is due to the Avian flu, and the worst outbreak of it in nearly 30 years. According to recent reports, about 50 million chickens and turkeys have died or have been humanely euthanized in 15 states as the virus has continued to spread.

Because of this outbreak, many families have begun turning to local farmers markets for their egg needs. If eggs are a main source of your family’s daily diet, you might consider purchasing from these local farmers, or even investing in your own chicken coop!

Photo Cred: backyardchickens.com 

 

Yes, your own chicken coop – we’re serious! Backyard farms have been growing in popularity, as many families now see the benefits of eating organic, non-GMO foods. Backyard chicken coops are becoming more popular, and they are allowed in most areas of Rochester. Check with your town on regulations and restrictions.

A little about backyard chickens:

·      They’re easy and inexpensive to maintain (compared to most in-home pets)

·      They manufacture the world’s best fertilizer

·      Fresh, delicious and nutritious eggs provided six days per week (hens take one rest day - can you blame them?)

·      Fun and friendly pets with a personality (truth!)

What you’ll need for the coop:

·      2-3 square feet per chicken and 4-5 square feet of running space per chicken outside the coop

·      Pine shavings and corn cob bedding

·      90-100 degrees for chicks, decreasing by 5 degrees each week after

·      Food, water, and treats like veggies, bread, and bugs

·      Playtime

Want to learn a little more? Check out backyardchickens.com!

Your Outdoor Space

School is out, sun is out – it is summer time and the cooler is stocked and the grill is always hot. Is your outdoor living space ready to entertain?

Photo Credit: HGTV

 

Whether you have a deck or a patio, or just a fabulous green backyard space, there are a ton of ways to decorate and accessorize. Here are a couple ideas to get you started:

Grab an outdoor rug and think outside of big-box retailers. Outdoor rugs add color and can completely define or refine the space. While big shops like Target and Lowes are convenient and their inside displays are stunning – check out Overstock.com or Wayfair.com for deals. These online retailers have much larger, one-of-a-kind inventories and often offer free shipping.

Patio sets with enormous umbrellas are always popular, but if you’ll use your outdoor space more for conversation, you may consider furniture that will make the space more like a living room. Check garage sales and consignment shops for comfortable chairs and large tables that sit low to the ground.

A common problem with outdoor spaces is lighting. You’d like to be able to enjoy your space once the sun goes down, but not at the expense of being able to see your guests. Instead of floodlights, which are effective but not decorative, try up-lighting trees and shrubs. As another more romantic option, use outdoor lights to light up a pergola.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board dedicated to outdoor spaces.