Author: Jesse

Jesse’s Instagram

Please don't run away ever again Becky! You just aren't the rugged, outdoorsy type. If you wore shoes I think you'd be platforms, not hiking boots.

Please don’t run away ever again Becky! You just aren’t the rugged, outdoorsy type. If you wore shoes I think you’d be platforms, not hiking boots.
#petchickens #glamourpuss #polishchicken #bufflacedpolish #beckywiththegoodhair #zone7b #backyardchickens #gardeningwithchickens #escapist

Jesse’s Instagram

My car brings all the lizards from the yard! I don't know why this is happening, but there are at least three anoles on this car at all times lately! So weird! Obviously we are not driving it while it is a lizard habitat. Priorities!

My car brings all the lizards from the yard! I don’t know why this is happening, but there are at least three anoles on this car at all times lately! So weird! Obviously we are not driving it while it is a lizard habitat. Priorities!
#lizards #anoles #zone7b #Gwinnett #Lawrenceville

Jesse’s Instagram

I did some rearranging in the run and now everyone is acting like the floor is lava. They are all standing on the remaining logs shouting about how unacceptable it is. I just wanted to freshen it up! Turn the compost! Improve drainage! But no. They hate it.

I did some rearranging in the run and now everyone is acting like the floor is lava. They are all standing on the remaining logs shouting about how unacceptable it is. I just wanted to freshen it up! Turn the compost! Improve drainage! But no. They hate it.
#petchickens #chickenrun #polishchicken #whitecrestedblackpolish #kahlo #sicilianbuttercup #Gretchen #zone7b #gardeningwithchickens #compost

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky and I had a long conversation about her escape this week. She's sorry she stressed me out and now understands that there are no treats on the other side of the fence. However, she blames me for not trimming her bangs. She got lost and couldn't see her way home. Fair point.

Becky and I had a long conversation about her escape this week. She’s sorry she stressed me out and now understands that there are no treats on the other side of the fence. However, she blames me for not trimming her bangs. She got lost and couldn’t see her way home. Fair point.
#beckywiththegoodhair #beardedchicken #bufflacedpolish #polishchicken #petchickens #bouffant #bighairdontcare

Jesse’s Instagram

Their personalities are so perfectly captured here. Vi is headed straight for me because if I squatted down there might be treats. Kahlo on the left is cracking me up with that interested head tilt. Becky is clueless and facing the wrong way. Donna is not participating. These are my pets. Pets are not food!

Their personalities are so perfectly captured here. Vi is headed straight for me because if I squatted down there might be treats. Kahlo on the left is cracking me up with that interested head tilt. Becky is clueless and facing the wrong way. Donna is not participating. These are my pets. Pets are not food!
#vegetarian #petchickens #DarkBrahma #bufflacedpolish #silkie #whitecrestedblackpolish #polishchicken #covercrop #itsweeds

Jesse’s Instagram

This girl is GROUNDED! Becky with the Good Hair gave me a terrible scare by wandering off yesterday! I couldn't find her before dark so she spent whole night in the wild! (It might be obvious from her look, but she's not the outdoorsy type.) The neighbor found her wandering in their yard this morning and returned her to safety. Becky is grounded. Vi is in trouble for not supervising her flock. Kahlo is stressed out from the upheaval. I'm exhausted. Keep it together flock!

This girl is GROUNDED! Becky with the Good Hair gave me a terrible scare by wandering off yesterday! I couldn’t find her before dark so she spent whole night in the wild! (It might be obvious from her look, but she’s not the outdoorsy type.) The neighbor found her wandering in their yard this morning and returned her to safety. Becky is grounded. Vi is in trouble for not supervising her flock. Kahlo is stressed out from the upheaval. I’m exhausted. Keep it together flock!
#polishchicken #bufflacedpolish #beckywiththegoodhair #myflock #petchickens #escape

Jesse’s Instagram

I am sitting inside the chicken coop because it is raining. Gretchen is clearly saying "Lady, that's my house." But I don't want to get rained on and I do want them to have free range time so this is the compromise.

I am sitting inside the chicken coop because it is raining. Gretchen is clearly saying “Lady, that’s my house.” But I don’t want to get rained on and I do want them to have free range time so this is the compromise.
#judgemental #sicilianbuttercup #Gretchen #freerange #petchickens #beckywiththegoodhair

Jesse’s Instagram

My winter garden looks like a lettuce playpen. I learned the hard way that I must fence in these babies or every hungry critter in the neighborhood will stop by. Broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, lettuce and celery should keep the chickens and me in greens until spring. The fence stops deer, chickens,  most bunnies and zero squirrels. I would say it is about 10' x 20'.

My winter garden looks like a lettuce playpen. I learned the hard way that I must fence in these babies or every hungry critter in the neighborhood will stop by. Broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, lettuce and celery should keep the chickens and me in greens until spring. The fence stops deer, chickens, most bunnies and zero squirrels. I would say it is about 10′ x 20′.
#zone7b #wintergarden #lacinatokale #redleaflettuce #cabbage #broccoli #growyourown #chickensnacks #eatlocal #lovelawrenceville #Gwinnett

Jesse’s Instagram

I can never find a shirt with capacity listed. I suppose materials, wash instructions, and country of origin are important but I really need to know how many bell peppers it can carry. "Long sleeved tee. Cotton. 18 bell pepper capacity. Not recommended for tomatoes." This is useful.

I can never find a shirt with capacity listed. I suppose materials, wash instructions, and country of origin are important but I really need to know how many bell peppers it can carry. “Long sleeved tee. Cotton. 18 bell pepper capacity. Not recommended for tomatoes.” This is useful.
#harvest #greenbellpepper #showmeyourpouch #headedtothefreezer #growyourown #eatlocal

Jesse’s Instagram

Bryyyyyyce! (That's how I usually say it because that's how she squawks. Long, drawn out, braying.) Even though she is a catalog model for @mcmurray_hatchery, she rarely holds still for head shots.

Bryyyyyyce! (That’s how I usually say it because that’s how she squawks. Long, drawn out, braying.) Even though she is a catalog model for @mcmurray_hatchery, she rarely holds still for head shots.
#whitelacedredcornish #CornishHen #brycedallashoward #petchickens #chickenportrait #chickensofinstagram

Jesse’s Instagram

Do I have a handful of scratch or is Gloria just a close talker? Both are true. Glo finally finished her molt so she's friendly again. Unlike Becky, who is a bitter porcupine of rage.

Do I have a handful of scratch or is Gloria just a close talker? Both are true. Glo finally finished her molt so she’s friendly again. Unlike Becky, who is a bitter porcupine of rage.
#petchickens #backyardchickens #gloriavanderbuilt #myflock #chickensofinstagram #chickenportrait #portraitmode

Jesse’s Instagram

A baby asparagus in October? I don't know how to interpret that. All the other stalks are huge and ferny or dead. But this hopeful little sprout...

A baby asparagus in October? I don’t know how to interpret that. All the other stalks are huge and ferny or dead. But this hopeful little sprout…
#zone7b #gardening #asparagus #freshasparagus #outofseason #organic #springtime

Jesse’s Instagram

This Dirt Vulture is Ruthie. She is broody (again) and when thrown out of her (empty) nesting box she immediately evicted her (much larger) sister from the favored dust bath. She is tiny but has energy.

This Dirt Vulture is Ruthie. She is broody (again) and when thrown out of her (empty) nesting box she immediately evicted her (much larger) sister from the favored dust bath. She is tiny but has #RBG energy.
#silkie #ruthbaderginsberg #petchickens #dirtbath #Gwinnett #broodyhen #broody #tinybutmighty

Jesse’s Instagram

Peek a boo! Slide to see you! The eggplant trees are about chest high and still producing. This little dude was pretty well hidden but the super long antennas gave him away.

Peek a boo! Slide to see you! The eggplant trees are about chest high and still producing. This little dude was pretty well hidden but the super long antennas gave him away.
#grasshopper #eggplant #gardenpests #zone7b #Gwinnett #growyourown #antennas

Jesse’s Instagram

The Garden Inspector noticed that I was finalizing the winter garden and came over to discuss my permits. The fence is way too high and planting 100% of the lettuce INSIDE the fence was ruled a violation. I threw some scratch in the opposite direction and she took off. Hopefully that was a big enough bribe.

The Garden Inspector noticed that I was finalizing the winter garden and came over to discuss my permits. The fence is way too high and planting 100% of the lettuce INSIDE the fence was ruled a violation. I threw some scratch in the opposite direction and she took off. Hopefully that was a big enough bribe.
#gardeninspector #gloriavanderbuilt #Glo #petchickens #gardeningwithchickens #zone7b #oliveegger #myflock #wintergarden

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky is having a very odd molt. Just her shoulders and about 10% of her bouffant. She's VERY angry about it though. No one can get near her without a strenuous telling off.

Becky is having a very odd molt. Just her shoulders and about 10% of her bouffant. She’s VERY angry about it though. No one can get near her without a strenuous telling off.
#petchickens #beckywiththegoodhair #bufflacedpolish #polishchicken #chickensofinstagram #gardeningwithchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Lunchbox peppers are my favorite for snacking. Very sweet, very few seeds and patient! I had yellow last year but found red and orange this year. Feels like $5 per pint? I just eat them but I like to feel like it is a good value.

Lunchbox peppers are my favorite for snacking. Very sweet, very few seeds and patient! I had yellow last year but found red and orange this year. Feels like $5 per pint? I just eat them but I like to feel like it is a good value.
#zone7b #lunchboxpeppers #redlunchboxpeppers #orangelunchboxpeppers #Gwinnett #eatlocal

Jesse’s Instagram

Violet, lap for scale. Vi is a big girl. As we've previously discussed, she hid her identity from me for years! Now that we are all in the loop we can celebrate her stature fully. Look at those hips!

Violet, lap for scale. Vi is a big girl. As we’ve previously discussed, she hid her #DarkBrahma identity from me for years! Now that we are all in the loop we can celebrate her stature fully. Look at those hips!
#petchickens #violet #violetzindars #backyardchickens #zone7b #gardeningwithchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

I've got some serious moulting in the flock! Bryce and Glo are on the far side of it. Becky and Gretchen are deep in it. I think Wilga and Ruth are just missing feathers from hanging out with their feather plucking sisters. Everyone is looking a little rough.

I’ve got some serious moulting in the flock! Bryce and Glo are on the far side of it. Becky and Gretchen are deep in it. I think Wilga and Ruth are just missing feathers from hanging out with their feather plucking sisters. Everyone is looking a little rough.
#petchickens #moulting #moultingchicken #sicilianbuttercup #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

Most of my girls are busy! They will dig, forage, explore and generally cause havoc the entire time they are out free ranging. But not Becky. She has about 90 minutes in her and then she needs a nap. I guess when you look this good beauty rest is a top priority.

Most of my girls are busy! They will dig, forage, explore and generally cause havoc the entire time they are out free ranging. But not Becky. She has about 90 minutes in her and then she needs a nap. I guess when you look this good beauty rest is a top priority.
#beckywiththegoodhair #polishchicken #bufflacedpolish #petchickens #chickennap #backyardchickens #gardenfriends

Jesse’s Instagram

This is Weed & Feed! I pulled all the clover from a flower bed and brought it back for the velociraptors to enjoy. It tastes best when I hold it.

This is Weed & Feed! I pulled all the clover from a flower bed and brought it back for the velociraptors to enjoy. It tastes best when I hold it.
#petchickens #chickentreats #silkiesunflower #gloriavanderbilt #Violet #donnamartin #beckywiththegoodhair #featheredpigs #gardeningwithchickens #Gwinnett

Jesse’s Instagram

This is an approved dust bathing area. Why do they look so guilty? When they are tearing up the garden they look pleased as punch. But doing the right thing clearly makes them uncomfortable.

This is an approved dust bathing area. Why do they look so guilty? When they are tearing up the garden they look pleased as punch. But doing the right thing clearly makes them uncomfortable.
#brycedallashoward #whitelacedredcornish #gloriavanderbilt #oliveegger #petchickens #dustbath #Gwinnett #gardeningwithchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Friends or enemies? I was pulling weeds and noticed these two eating the ends off of some fresh fern fronds. Reasonable, if we get something attractive/beneficial later. A squishable offense if they are just bad to the core.

Friends or enemies? I was pulling weeds and noticed these two eating the ends off of some fresh fern fronds. Reasonable, if we get something attractive/beneficial later. A squishable offense if they are just bad to the core.
#gardenpests #ferns #zone7b #caterpillar #gardening #bugid

Jesse’s Instagram

Once again, trying to eat dinner while watching the chickens. Instead, being watched by the chickens while eating dinner! Tomatoes by me, basil by @shadygrovefarmstead and happy goat cheese by @cattywampus.acres47. Eat local folks! Farmers market Tuesdays at 6:30 at @slowpourbrewing in downtown Lawrenceville, GA. 
#

Once again, trying to eat dinner while watching the chickens. Instead, being watched by the chickens while eating dinner! Tomatoes by me, basil by @shadygrovefarmstead and happy goat cheese by @cattywampus.acres47. Eat local folks! Farmers market Tuesdays at 6:30 at @slowpourbrewing in downtown Lawrenceville, GA.
#eatlocal #growyourownfood #lovelawrenceville #gwinnettcounty #petchickens #inspectors #

Jesse’s Instagram

I looked it up. The are from @bonnieplants. I'm not sure what it says about Teutonic royalty that these are super ugly...but really tasty!

I looked it up. The #pinktomatoes are #GermanQueen from @bonnieplants. I’m not sure what it says about Teutonic royalty that these are super ugly…but really tasty!
#zone7b #harvestbasket #jalepenos #greenbellpepper #gwinnettcounty #mastergardener #growyourownfood #eatlocal #snacks #crudités

Jesse’s Instagram

The uglier, the tastier! It's been a terrible year for my tomatoes but I'll keep trying. This is some sort of pink tomato that is just now ripening. I think it's been in the ground for months!

The uglier, the tastier! It’s been a terrible year for my tomatoes but I’ll keep trying. This is some sort of pink tomato that is just now ripening. I think it’s been in the ground for months!
#zone7b #gwinnettcounty #gardenjournal #Lawrenceville #pinktomato #growyourownfood #eatlocal

Jesse’s Instagram

This fun guy is growing some sort of screened in porch situation. That's very hospitable. I hope it brings whatever guests he is going for.

This fun guy is growing some sort of screened in porch situation. That’s very hospitable. I hope it brings whatever guests he is going for.
#shroombnb #fungusamongus #zone7b #mushroomidentification #igrewthis #Gwinnett

Jesse’s Instagram

Oh, hello Glo. No, it's not for you. No, I don't them inspected. I think you're probably still full from the entire tomato you ate the other day. How about some treats for the human?

Oh, hello Glo. No, it’s not for you. No, I don’t them inspected. I think you’re probably still full from the entire tomato you ate the other day. How about some treats for the human?
#gardenfriends #gardeningwithchickens #petchicken #gloriavanderbilt #gardeninspector #zone7b #LunchboxPeppers

Jesse’s Instagram

Gloria, that's not the ONE tomato I picked today on your beak is it? It is? You knocked it off the fence post and quietly ate the whole thing while I was pulling weeds? And you're not sorry? No shame at all? Pretty proud actually and would 100% do it again? Awesome.

Gloria, that’s not the ONE tomato I picked today on your beak is it? It is? You knocked it off the fence post and quietly ate the whole thing while I was pulling weeds? And you’re not sorry? No shame at all? Pretty proud actually and would 100% do it again? Awesome.
#gardeningwithchickens #petchickens #zone7b #circleoflife #youwinsomeyoulosesome #gloriavanderbilt #badchickens #brat #pinktomato

Jesse’s Instagram

The girls having been paying the rent lately so I'm letting them dig in the compost pile. The compost pile is their number one rated destination on Cluck. (It's like Yelp, but for chickens.)

The girls having been paying the rent lately so I’m letting them dig in the compost pile. The compost pile is their number one rated destination on Cluck. (It’s like Yelp, but for chickens.)
#petchicken #compost #chickenfeast #showmeyourpouch #tinyfarmer #fresheggs #happyeggs #happyhens #payingtherent

Jesse’s Instagram

One is big and one is tiny. One volunteered and one was cultivated. I love them equally. We are all doing our best.

One is big and one is tiny. One volunteered and one was cultivated. I love them equally. We are all doing our best.
#nofavorites #butternutsquash #redbellpepper #zone7b #gardening #gwinnettcounty #tinyfarmer #eatlocal #squashtimist

Jesse’s Instagram

Harvest! It's been another tough year for tomatoes around here but luckily I have a neighbor that shares (plus a CSA and a farmer's market)! That's the last of the cucumbers. I'll be pulling the vines this week. What can I trellis for fall?

Harvest! It’s been another tough year for tomatoes around here but luckily I have a neighbor that shares (plus a CSA and a farmer’s market)! That’s the last of the cucumbers. I’ll be pulling the vines this week. What can I trellis for fall?
#zone7b #farmtotable #SpaghettiSquash #eggplant #zucchini #sungold #gwinnettcounty #harvestbasket

Jesse’s Instagram

Look at Vi in the lower left. She has an entire stalk of kale on her back. Do your chickens throw things over their shoulders when foraging? I mean "foraging." Clearly no one is searching for food around here. The broodies are the best at throwing all kinds of things onto their backs while feeling nesty. Weirdos.

Look at Vi in the lower left. She has an entire stalk of kale on her back. Do your chickens throw things over their shoulders when foraging? I mean “foraging.” Clearly no one is searching for food around here. The broodies are the best at throwing all kinds of things onto their backs while feeling nesty. Weirdos.
#petchickens #VioletZindars #darkbrahma #silkies #polishchicken #sicilianbuttercup #gardeningwithchickens #chickenfeastfriday