to keep , 2 ) access to fresh , clean water , 3 ) a feeder that is available to your birds but less so to rodents and other pests , 4 ) dietary supplements like grit and oyster shells , 5 ) enough nesting boxes for your size flock , 6 ) roost ( s ) for them to perch at night and sleep , 7 ) a plan to deter predators , such as a fence , guard goose , or guard dog , 8 ) plenty of straw and 9 ) a recipe collection for what to do with your incredibly fresh eggs .
We wake up each day to the crowing of our two roosters ( that we said we would never have ) and our morning chores include opening up the barn door to let the girls out to their pasture , giving them their feed and the kitchen scraps from the day before , and freshening their water . Each evening
includes a visit to the gals for “ chicken happy hour ” to pick up the day ’ s eggs and make sure that everyone has made their way back to the roost for the night . We close up the barn to protect them from any predators that might be watching and wish them a good night sleep . Our flock has become a part of our family and keeping chickens provides the rhythm to our days .
Bobby and Allison Tjaden are coowners of Bluebird Farmstead LLC , just outside Laytonsville MD . Bobby is the owner of Tjaden Design Associates , LLC Landscape Architects . Allison works at the University of Maryland , College Park promoting healthy & local food , sustainability , wellness , and student engagement . Learn more and contact them at www . tjaden . design .
Backyard Poultry Online Resources
UM Extension - Backyard Poultry https :// extension . umd . edu / farmmanagement / backyard-poultry
Backyard Chickens Online resources and active community with blog www . backyardchickens . com /
A collective of artists in and around the Ag Reserve
17700 White Ground Road Boyds , MD • ( 301 ) 972-7513 susannafarmnursery . com
From dwarf and unusual evergreens to Japanese maples , Susanna Farm offers some of the most unique and beautiful trees and plants you ’ ll find in the area . Situated in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve , your visit is guaranteed to be a memorable one !
October 9 ~ 11 • December 4 ~ 6
Studios and galleries open 10-5pm each day
Meet the artists See where they work Learn about their mediums
2020 Tours
Spend the day in the country ! Follow our map to reach each unique destination as you explore the beauty of Maryland ’ s countryside .
countrysideartisans . com
34 plenty I autumn harvest 2020