And then there were five...

Unfortunately, we had to cull one our hens yesterday, which was a first time experience. I will spare everyone the graphic images. So that leaves us with five hens. We have one other chicken on the fatal waiting list, but I would rather do this in baby steps.

This particular hen was not laying any eggs. In fact, I am not sure she has ever produced any eggs. Also, she was not eating much and earlier became sickly looking. Then she started pulling her own feathers out. I isolated her from the flock and did everything in my power to make her better. In spite of my effort, she never fully recovered enough for me to feel confident to place her back with the other chickens. Therefore, we made the decision to cull her. Strangely enough, it almost feels like playing God, making the decision to end another living creature's life. I am not sure if I am totally comfortable with that kind of responsibility; but one thing I have learned, it is definitely a necessary part of raising chickens. By the way, just a little practical advice to make the culling a little easier, do not name your chickens.

Cooking Hobo Style

The Hobo stove is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to cook. It is nothing more than a tin can with some holes made at the bottom for air flow. Also, there is a hole on the side to add small sticks of wood. The one in the picture is a #10 can, and the top consists of a small wire grill to hold the pan. Small sticks can be found just about anywhere, but I am currently using pieces I chopped up from a hardwood pallet. I am cooking a steak in a cast iron skillet, which only took about 5-6 minutes. Also, I have scrambled eggs, made toast and boiled water using this stove as well. As you can see, this one is starting to rust so I really need to make another Hobo stove.