Introducing...

The Ninja Turtles, Master Splinter, and Shredder! 

Matilde and Evan had fun picking five new broilers and a turkey this week. We lost the other turkey to what we think may have been a bird of prey. Our Mr. Bowling enjoyed roosting high, so we will be sure not to wait before clipping Shredder's wings. By clipping a bird's wings it grounds them. We haven't done it to the Donnas or any of our other birds but none have wanted or attempted to fly out of the yard. Anyway, the NInja Turtles and Master Splinter are Cornish Cross chickens. We will harvest their meat around Labor Day. As for Shredder, he is an American Standard White turkey that will grow between 25-30 pounds by Thanksgiving! I am so excited and will do everything I can to keep this guy alive and well fed until November. 

Thank you to Bradley Farms in Puyallup for ordering the bulk quantity birds and sharing their skills and knowledge with other farmers around the area! www.facebook.com/thebradleyfarm

RIP Betsy, Betsy, Betsy, and Betsy--CAUTION!! Photos may not be suitable for all viewers!

Today marked eight weeks for our beloved Betsy's.  As you can see in the first photo, these birds were dragging their bellies and were ready for our dinner plates!  I still can't believe how fast they grew!  Andy did a great job butchering all of the chickens. Every bird was easier and easier. I helped finish cleaning them and packaging them for our freezer. 

11.5 pounds of skinless, boneless breasts, wings, and leg quarters were processed this afternoon, and Evan and Matilde seemed just fine with it!  They said their goodbyes and then asked for baby chickies. Evan watched the processing, well, all but the actual "act."  I think she understands completely now exactly why we do what we do. 

I am very excited to get new birds and start the process all over again. What an experience!