by Jennifer Burcke “Now is the winter of our discontent.” So begins Richard III by William Shakespeare. No, I won’t turn this into a post about iambic pentameter. However, I will tell you that here at 1840 Farm, the year 2011 began in much the same way as Shakespeare’s epic masterpiece. We are deep in […]

by Jennifer Sartell The thing I love best about raising chickens, is that there is always something new to learn. Especially when it comes to breed diversity. In 1994 I was watching a show all about chickens on Canadian television, sadly, I can’t remember the show’s name. The program featured a chicken that laid a […]

by Jennifer Sartell Hi there, my name is Jennifer Sartell and it is a pleasure to begin this new adventure in blog writing for Community Cluckers. My husband, Zach, and I run a small hobby farm where we raise Angora Goats, Angora Rabbits and, of course, chickens. We call it Iron Oak Farm. “Iron” because […]

Guest post by Claire Culver If you are reading this article it’s a fair bet that you’re interested in chickens. Perhaps you’re considering adding a few feathered friends to the family. Or maybe it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and, bolstered by enthusiasm and insomnia, you’re about to go to the first hatchery you find […]

by Jennifer Kendall Chickens are omnivores with simple stomachs. They can and will eat both animal and vegetable products. In addition to foraged plants and insects, it is important to provide them with adequate protein in a form that is easily digested. Heritage Chickens need more protein than is in rations prepared for commercial chickens. […]

by Jennifer Kendall Many people have heard of heirloom seeds, vegetables and fruits, but did you know there are heirloom breeds of livestock and poultry. Often referred to as “heritage,” these animals once roamed America’s pastoral landscape, but today they face the threat of extinction. Modern agriculture’s focus on increased yield and production has led […]