Nathaniel is Building a Tractor!

Well, not exactly!  Nathaniel isn't building a real tractor, but he is building a chicken tractor!  What's that, you ask?  Well, you could also call it a pasture shelter.  It is basically a mobile chicken house.  You move the chicken tractor around the farm so it is always nearby where the chickens are scratching and feasting on grass/bugs/whatever they find on the land.  Here are some photos of the chicken tractor in progress.

Framework

The frame with more supports.

Another view...the nesting boxes will be on this end with a fun trap door so we 

can gather the eggs without going inside!!

Since this one is his first, it is taking a while to build, but I have no doubts he will be able to build his next one in a jiffy.  He has built all of this himself, none of it came in a kit!  It looks fantastic so far, and I will be sure to post pictures when he is finished.  I hope to even include pictures of the chicks in their new home!

Speaking of chicks, all of the baby chicks we got a couple of weeks ago are still alive and well.  They are eating all the time and growing so fast.  They are at least double in size, some even bigger, and they are all getting their feathers.  Beautiful wings and tails so far, and their other feathers are coming in also.  It has been fun for the kids to help care for them, and also watch them grow.  Natalie has been the one to be super involved as she works to clean their water bowls, make sure they have food, and also cleans/replaces their bedding.  It has been really cold here this week, but Natalie hasn't let that slow her down.  She is out before 7 am each morning making sure the chicks are well, and also breaking the ice on the rooster water, and giving them fresh food and water as well.  She is particularly fond of the awesome insulated cover-alls I found for her at the thrift store!  They are a welcome wardrobe addition on these frosty mornings of chores.

As for other happenings around the homestead, we are staying busy as we continue to settle in.  We had a wonderful Christmas with family, and for the first time in years, Santa was able to stop at our house.  The kids were thrilled because usually he has come early, or Santa has had to deliver at my parents house.  It was great fun for them to wake up at home and see what Santa had brought.  We also celebrated with extended family, as well as just our little family.  We gave a little, received more than we need or deserve, and ate entirely too much food.  'Tis the season, right? 

We continue to LOVE life on our homestead.  The kids spend hours outside each day, playing with the animals, riding their bikes, and just getting nice and dirty!  Nathaniel and I are already dreaming and planning for 2013, and are brainstorming ways to get more animals like a dog, some barn cats (mouse traps!), some hogs (hello home-grown bacon and pork chops!!), and goats (Levi LOVES fresh raw goat milk!).  Natalie is also hoping that a horse will be in her future :)

As 2012 draws to a close, we end the year full of gratitude for all of the blessings the Lord has showered upon us.  While the year hasn't been always easy or without troubles, we trust God for His provision and His guidance.  His love never fails.  We are blessed beyond measure, and pray that your year has been full of blessings as well.  And as we all look toward 2013, let us not forget where all of our blessings, our days, and our very breath comes from...thank you, Father, for all of these gifts.

Happy New Year from Hen Hollow Homestead!