Cage Free Monkeys

Want Tips on Natural Living??

Check out my article over on EverythingMom.com to read all about it.
Go see it!

Launch

I have finally finished my new website that will be my basis of operations for my freelance writing. While I still need to get my new domain name and all that full stuff I would love if you would chick it out and give me your thoughts....
check it out here

Home Sweet Home: The New Chicken Coop-Phase 1

We finally began construction for the chicken coop this weekend and despite having only started on Saturday afternoon, the girls moved in on Monday.

The interior of the coop is 10 feet by 6 feet by 8 feet with a 6 foot roosting pole. The two windows are floor level so they will be used as "chicken doors" once the pen is attached. The walls are double layered for added insulation and all painted and sealed to facilitate cleaning. The kids also added artwork to the walls so the chickens would have something to look at.

Here are the pictures up to this point. We will begin the landscaping and beautifying of the area this week, as well as the pen construction.

Published

As I emerge on this new path of freelance writing it is encouraging and joyful to see my first article in print in Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine.

Want to read the article? Click here.

Chickens Meet the Outdoors

Finally we had (unusually) warm weather here in Syracuse and the chickens got to meet the outdoors. Since we had no pen ready or coop for that matter we made a temporary pen that was so easy it was ridiculous! How??



We took the base of our trampoline and ran chicken wire around it securing it with zip ties. Then we covered the top with bird/deer netting. Total cost: $21. So this will be the daytime home for the chickens as weather permits until the coop is ready.

Easter Basket Rescue: Organic Candy

It is easy to succumb to the commercialization of Easter-- the push of Marshmallow Peeps and all the standard candy coming in Easter themed wrappers and shapes.



But you can make a choice. A choice to give your kids less chemical laden candy. Less artificial food dyes and flavorings.


Many of the candies I suggest are available at higher end grocery stores which contain an Organic Section. Wegmans and Whole Foods are especially helpful here. You can also order many organic candies online. Amazon carries a wide range. There is also Pure Fun with a wide selection.





Green and Blacks Chocolates are wonderful and offer large bar like chocolates. Godiva is almost all natural on their basic chocolates. Yummy Earth makes the yummiest organic lollipops.

There are organic gummy bears and m & m like candies. Seek them out. Avoid the toxic food colorings and flavorings such as vanillin. Most of us don't want our kids feasting on candy, but for those special times like Easter, at least it could be natural.