We're douchebags. There, I've said it.

After we get over the shock of paying $130 for a chicken's vet bill (details to follow), we're buying this. Then we're going to make this. Ordering seeds for our garden tonight, probably from here (local company with a massive collection of heirlooms). Tomato plants (and an apple tree?) on the (living?) roof. I give up - time to just embrace it.

Catching up, part III: The chickens take a walk

Princess came to us with a clipped wing, and in an effort to give her a break from the other chickens, we let her wander around the back yard on occasion. Almost immediately she jumped up into the other garden bed and began rolling about in the dirt. As this was revoltingly adorable, and she seemed to be enjoying the experience, we decided the other chickens should be allowed the same privilege. We inexpertly clipped the chickens' wings (just the primary flight feathers, nothing awful), and unceremoniously tossed them out into the great wide backyard.

Not only was this a field trip for the chickens (who occasionally enjoy a little walkabout every couple weeks or so -- at least while we don't have a productive garden), E got to try out his bird handling skills. Bizarrely enough, if you hold a bird upside down by its feet, it completely freezes. Then again, these are also animals that are immediately fooled into immobility when you cover their heads too, so perhaps it's not so surprising after all.