Author: Jesse

Jesse’s Instagram

No bath has ever been as satisfying as this dirt bath. Sigh. Hawk was here first and briefly lost her spot to Vi but then Vi relocated to a spot further away from the rooster. Glo joined Hawk in this spot for a best friends bath. Notice Glo's one tail feather? Poor thing is doing a serious molt. The dirt flurry in the background is Wilge on the far side of the hill. It was a serious dirt bath afternoon!

No bath has ever been as satisfying as this dirt bath. Sigh.
Hawk was here first and briefly lost her spot to Vi but then Vi relocated to a spot further away from the rooster. Glo joined Hawk in this spot for a best friends bath. Notice Glo’s one tail feather? Poor thing is doing a serious molt.

The dirt flurry in the background is Wilge on the far side of the hill. It was a serious dirt bath afternoon!
#petchicken #dirtbath #oliveegger #EasterEgger #chickens #petchickens #pigpen #Tasmaniandevil #Gwinnettcounty

Jesse’s Instagram

It looks like we murdered an angel over here! Glo is having her first big molt and seems very confused about. She has four tailfeathers left. I think she might have been a little prideful about her plumage.

It looks like we murdered an angel over here! Glo is having her first big molt and seems very confused about. She has four tailfeathers left. I think she might have been a little prideful about her plumage.
#petchicken #oliveegger #molting #backyardpoultry #tinyfarmer #whitefeathers #comb #fresheggs #extratreats

Jesse’s Instagram

I love how the Mom deer stamps her foot at me. Umm, I live here lady. Also, we have a very tall fence. How did you even get in? There are two babies. The obvious one and then one hiding behind the bush on the right. You can see it move a little a few seconds into the video. These cuties show up in the yard every couple of days. I think they live on our road and rotate properties. I've known them since the babies had spots! Please don't eat my garden!

I love how the Mom deer stamps her foot at me. Umm, I live here lady. Also, we have a very tall fence. How did you even get in? There are two babies. The obvious one and then one hiding behind the bush on the right. You can see it move a little a few seconds into the video. These cuties show up in the yard every couple of days. I think they live on our road and rotate properties. I’ve known them since the babies had spots! Please don’t eat my garden!
#deer #petdeer #wildpets #Gwinnettcounty #deerfamily #mamadeer #babydeer #fawn #deertwins #softie #backyarddeer #vegetarian

Jesse’s Instagram

These are peppers from plants that went in the ground mid-July. I then neglected them for 3 months and they are just now producing huge peppers! About 3 weeks ago I planted my winter garden of cabbages, kale, broccoli and lettuce, some of which will last all winter here in Georgia. Most of that crop is for the chickens. The girls love their winter greens!

These are peppers from plants that went in the ground mid-July. I then neglected them for 3 months and they are just now producing huge peppers! About 3 weeks ago I planted my winter garden of cabbages, kale, broccoli and lettuce, some of which will last all winter here in Georgia. Most of that crop is for the chickens. The girls love their winter greens!
#yardtotable #farmfresh #farmtotable #bellpeppers #cabbage #organic #tinyfarmer #Gwinnettcounty #mastergardener #Chickenfood

Jesse’s Instagram

Donna Martin is definitely an Autumn. Beyond her obvious pumpkin coloring, she is made for sweater weather and is perma-costumed as a bunny. This is your season girl! @torispelling

Donna Martin is definitely an Autumn. Beyond her obvious pumpkin coloring, she is made for sweater weather and is perma-costumed as a bunny. This is your season girl!
#silkies #Silkie #donnamartin #petchicken #petchickens #backyardpoultry #strut #autumn #fluffybuttfriday #rakingleavesformychickens #spoiledchickens @torispelling

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky with the Good Hair is almost back in peak hair form! Her sister Wilga balded her several months ago in a fit of jealousy. Becky finally started a full molt last month, including every single tail feather and most of her wing feathers, so I put her in a safe space to grow all of her feathers back at once. It's working spectacularly! But now what to do with Wilga? She is always pulling feathers off of her sisters!

Becky with the Good Hair is almost back in peak hair form! Her sister Wilga balded her several months ago in a fit of jealousy. Becky finally started a full molt last month, including every single tail feather and most of her wing feathers, so I put her in a safe space to grow all of her feathers back at once. It’s working spectacularly! But now what to do with Wilga? She is always pulling feathers off of her sisters!
#beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #polishchicken #petchicken #molting #newdo #coiffed #featherplucking #fancychick

Jesse’s Instagram

Taking a 4 year old to the pumpkin patch is excellent cover. I could pet all the goats, touch all the pumpkins and eat all the donuts under the guise of his enjoyment! Thanks Harrison!

Taking a 4 year old to the pumpkin patch is excellent cover. I could pet all the goats, touch all the pumpkins and eat all the donuts under the guise of his enjoyment! Thanks Harrison!
#curtisorchard #pumpkinpatch #wartypumpkins #heirloompumpkin #donuts #applecider #champaignillinois

Jesse’s Instagram

Common Question: Do your chickens have names? Are you kidding me? My chickens have first names, last names, nicknames, origin stories, best friends, and a Primary Care Physician. They celebrate birthdays, holidays, funerals and happy hour. These chickens do tricks, play games and organize missions. They have a custom coop and can recommend a carpenter. I'm pretty sure they had Uber Eats bring them a snack last night. They also lay eggs. What does your human kid do?

Common Question: Do your chickens have names?

Are you kidding me? My chickens have first names, last names, nicknames, origin stories, best friends, and a Primary Care Physician. They celebrate birthdays, holidays, funerals and happy hour. These chickens do tricks, play games and organize missions. They have a custom coop and can recommend a carpenter. I’m pretty sure they had Uber Eats bring them a snack last night. They also lay eggs.
What does your human kid do?

#petchickens #gloriavanderbuilt #oliveegger #backyardchickens #chickenportrait #chickensofinstagram #wattlemodel #grubblieshappyhour #glowstick #pets #fresheggs #familypet

Jesse’s Instagram

The face of evil. Sonia Sotomayor is my one year old rooster that is a polarizing figure in my flock. Sonia has recently started sleeping in a nesting box instead of his traditional position on the highest roost. What's up with that? I know silkies are notoriously broody but the rooster too? Maybe it's the feminine name? Too bad! He was supposed to be a girl! She hates Violet, Donna and my mother. She loves Ruthie, Wilga and Glo. Fairly neutral on the other hens. Not a fan of me but knows I am at the top of the pecking order. She used to have a mohawk but seems to have lost it to an aggressive hen. Ha ha. The crowing is too loud and too often but not enough to be banished. Roosters. Eh.

The face of evil.
Sonia Sotomayor is my one year old #Silkie rooster that is a polarizing figure in my flock.
Sonia has recently started sleeping in a nesting box instead of his traditional position on the highest roost. What’s up with that? I know silkies are notoriously broody but the rooster too? Maybe it’s the feminine name? Too bad! He was supposed to be a girl!

She hates Violet, Donna and my mother. She loves Ruthie, Wilga and Glo. Fairly neutral on the other hens. Not a fan of me but knows I am at the top of the pecking order. She used to have a mohawk but seems to have lost it to an aggressive hen. Ha ha.

The crowing is too loud and too often but not enough to be banished. Roosters. Eh.

#petchicken #petrooster #silkierooster #SoniaSotomayor #blacksilkie #sixtoe #wattlemodel #furfeet #backyardpoultry #myflock #comb

Jesse’s Instagram

This crabby guy keeps moving his web closer and closer to my path to the coop. I assume he is beneficial so I'm letting it go for now but one more foot to the left and he's getting relocated.

This crabby guy keeps moving his web closer and closer to my path to the coop. I assume he is beneficial so I’m letting it go for now but one more foot to the left and he’s getting relocated.
#spider #crabby #gardenpests #gardenfriends #Gwinnettcounty

Jesse’s Instagram

If you leave green peppers on the plant they will eventually turn colors. Then rot. I seem to miss the small gap in between colors and rot every single time.

If you leave green peppers on the plant they will eventually turn colors. Then rot. I seem to miss the small gap in between colors and rot every single time.
#mastergardener #greenpepper #redpeppers #yellowpeppers #homegrown #eatlocal #locavore #gardeningfail #bellpeppers

Jesse’s Instagram

Very effective circular snacking today. There is some bonus crowing if you turn up the volume. All of my chickens are missing some head or neck feathers. The pecking order has consequences around here!

Very effective circular snacking today. There is some bonus crowing if you turn up the volume. All of my chickens are missing some head or neck feathers. The pecking order has consequences around here!
#petchickens #chickensnacks #chickenvideo #cochins #silkies #rooster #Bantams #Faverolle #EasterEgger #apple

Jesse’s Instagram

Hi Vi! Welcome to my personal space. No, just come on in. Get right up close. Thanks. (She's my favorite. Don't tell the others.)

Hi Vi! Welcome to my personal space. No, just come on in. Get right up close. Thanks. (She’s my favorite. Don’t tell the others.)
#VioletZindars #Cochin #furfeet #petchicken #chickenportrait #backyardchickens #fresheggs #cochins #silverlacedcochin

Jesse’s Instagram

Just a minute of my tiny velociraptors eating an ear of corn. You can see that Vi and Donna are the most focused. Kahlo, in her cape, really doesn't get it. Gretch and Bryce aren't super brave about getting near Vi but give it a try. There is a second ear of corn in play off camera in case some of the lower pecking order girls want to get some.

Just a minute of my tiny velociraptors eating an ear of corn. You can see that Vi and Donna are the most focused. Kahlo, in her cape, really doesn’t get it. Gretch and Bryce aren’t super brave about getting near Vi but give it a try. There is a second ear of corn in play off camera in case some of the lower pecking order girls want to get some.
#petchicken #velociraptors #featheredpigs #Cochin #Silkie #SicilianButtercup #Faverolle #Chickensaddle #homegrown #chickentreats #chickenvideo

Jesse’s Instagram

I found Price Charming here under the garbage can and decided to relocate him to this scenic garden area. You're welcome. (I hope he didn't leave a family behind. It is a long hop back across the driveway.)

I found Price Charming here under the garbage can and decided to relocate him to this scenic garden area. You’re welcome. (I hope he didn’t leave a family behind. It is a long hop back across the driveway.)
#garbageday #toad #toadstool #wildlifephotography #gardeningsuprises #outdoorpets #Gwinnettcounty

Jesse’s Instagram

This is Donna Martin. She is a 7+ year old Silkie hen with a broody disposition. She is not a Muppet or a bunny. She is loud, bossy and will bully a chicken twice her size. She is super angry about being removed from the nesting box and is ignoring me. She has been in broody jail for four full days and shows no signs of giving up. She has maximum poofiness right now so I took her picture anyway. I Donna. Donna s brooding.

This is Donna Martin. She is a 7+ year old Silkie hen with a broody disposition. She is not a Muppet or a bunny. She is loud, bossy and will bully a chicken twice her size. She is super angry about being removed from the nesting box and is ignoring me. She has been in broody jail for four full days and shows no signs of giving up. She has maximum poofiness right now so I took her picture anyway. I Donna. Donna s brooding.
#donnamartin #Silkie #silkies #partridgesilkie #petchicken #backyardchickens #broodychicken #Bantams #crazybroodies #chickenportrait

Jesse’s Instagram

I'm going to have to reevaluate my tomato systems. I've had two or three years of consistently shabby plants and low harvests. Maybe a cover crop for this winter? More compost? Start them from seed again?

I’m going to have to reevaluate my tomato systems. I’ve had two or three years of consistently shabby plants and low harvests. Maybe a cover crop for this winter? More compost? Start them from seed again?
#gardeningsuprises #gardener #growyourown #zone7b #tomatoes #Lemonboy #chocolatecherry #heirloomtomatoes #mastergardener

Jesse’s Instagram

Can you feel her broody rage? She's locked out for one hour and staring daggers full time! Drama queen.

Can you feel her broody rage? She’s locked out for one hour and staring daggers full time! Drama queen.
#donnamartin #silkies #broodychicken #broodies #petchicken #partridgesilkie #backyardpoultry #deathstare #angrybird

Jesse’s Instagram

Both baby and mama Bun Bun made appearances today! Neither one has any interest in the chickens. But I do think they like the company. Why else would there be here? (Endless food supply. Safe from predators.)

Both baby and mama Bun Bun made appearances today! Neither one has any interest in the chickens. But I do think they like the company. Why else would there be here? (Endless food supply. Safe from predators.)
#wildlifephotography #wildrabbits #petrabbits #petchicken #myflock #gardenpests #gardeningingeorgia #weedcontrol

Jesse’s Instagram

I've done something terrible. Something beyond forgiveness. Something I may regret forever. I have removed a broody Silkie from her nest of nothing and asked her to drink some water. If you were not already aware of my crime then this top volume shrieking should fill you in. This has been going on for 20 minutes. There is nothing stopping her from returning to her imaginary brood except for her Please Donna, stop with the drama!

I’ve done something terrible. Something beyond forgiveness. Something I may regret forever. I have removed a broody Silkie from her nest of nothing and asked her to drink some water. If you were not already aware of my crime then this top volume shrieking should fill you in. This has been going on for 20 minutes. There is nothing stopping her from returning to her imaginary brood except for her #tinyfury. Please Donna, stop with the drama!
#donnamartin #partridgesilkie #angrybird #Silkie #silkies #broody #broodychicken #chickendrama #petchicken #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Baby Bun Bun is the cutest! I haven't seen mom in a few days but baby has been chilling with me and the chickens every night! I can get within about 3 feet. The chickens can walk right up to her.

Baby Bun Bun is the cutest! I haven’t seen mom in a few days but baby has been chilling with me and the chickens every night! I can get within about 3 feet. The chickens can walk right up to her.
#tinyfarmer #wildlifephotography #babybunny #wildrabbit #gardenpests #Gwinnettcounty #cottontail

Jesse’s Instagram

Baby bunny! I know that these monsters ate all of my green beans and helped the squirrels destroy my corn but...baby bunny! This cutie surprised me by hopping out from under my chicken supervising chair. She's about the size of my hand. The mother, Bun Bun, was on the other side of the fence eating a fallen tomato. Maybe I should plant them some more green beans?

Baby bunny! I know that these monsters ate all of my green beans and helped the squirrels destroy my corn but…baby bunny! This cutie surprised me by hopping out from under my chicken supervising chair. She’s about the size of my hand. The mother, Bun Bun, was on the other side of the fence eating a fallen tomato. Maybe I should plant them some more green beans?
#suckerforbabyanimals #babybunny #bunbun #gardenpests #wildrabbit #wildlifephotography #outdoorpets

Jesse’s Instagram

A little pollinator for my peppers! Half of my garden still has standing water from heavy rain this week. I think I'm going to lose most of my tomatoes. Bummer.

A little pollinator for my peppers! Half of my garden still has standing water from heavy rain this week. I think I’m going to lose most of my tomatoes. Bummer.
#homegrown #bellpeppers #greenpepper #gardening #zone7b #eatlocal

Jesse’s Instagram

At first I thought this was just shoddy work on a watermelon bowl but when I held it up I discovered that it was actually their first attempt at a picture frame! My CraftsChickens are so talented! I should get them an agent.

At first I thought this was just shoddy work on a watermelon bowl but when I held it up I discovered that it was actually their first attempt at a picture frame! My CraftsChickens are so talented! I should get them an agent.
#petchickens #backyardpoultry #chickenportrait #chickensofinstagram #chickentreats #watermeloncarving #myflock #crafty #artproject

Jesse’s Instagram

Snack bar! Rosie is still not feeling well so I'm trying to encourage her to eat or drink something. I think she has sour crop. I plan to call the vet in the morning.

Snack bar! Rosie is still not feeling well so I’m trying to encourage her to eat or drink something. I think she has sour crop. I plan to call the vet in the morning.
#Rosie #petchicken #Chickenfood #gamebird #tail #poundchicken #adoptdontshop

Jesse’s Instagram

The corn thievery is now a felony! The squirrels are taking the merchandise across state lines! (Property lines = state lines. Squirrels are small.) They ate our entire second planting. Fist shake of anger!

The corn thievery is now a felony! The squirrels are taking the merchandise across state lines! (Property lines = state lines. Squirrels are small.) They ate our entire second planting. Fist shake of anger!
#squirrelfood #gardenpests #homegrowncorn #stolenmerchandise #squirrel #gardeningingeorgia #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

It is really hard to give just one chicken extra treats! Rosie is working on a little cup of oatmeal with scratch and I am defending. I have six chickens exiled to the garden, three locked in the coop, the rooster is corralling two hens and Big Red is over here supervising. Big Red does not jump and is therefore not a threat to the oatmeal at this height. She will take care of any bits that go astray. Please eat faster Rosie! Your sisters are hard to contain!

It is really hard to give just one chicken extra treats! Rosie is working on a little cup of oatmeal with scratch and I am defending. I have six chickens exiled to the garden, three locked in the coop, the rooster is corralling two hens and Big Red is over here supervising. Big Red does not jump and is therefore not a threat to the oatmeal at this height. She will take care of any bits that go astray. Please eat faster Rosie! Your sisters are hard to contain!
#petchicken #petchickens #treats #chickentreats #poundchicken #Gwinnettcounty #backyardpoultry #eatlocal #steelcutoats #scratch #handfeeding #tinyfarm

Jesse’s Instagram

My Rosie feels a little puny today. She's laying down, refusing treats and letting the other chickens walk near her. That is a behavior change! I am hoping it is just a light molt and the heat that is getting her down. She drank from the mud puddle I made her (That's her preferred water source. Clean water is for pansies.) and her breathing is fine. The white on her feathers is from a dusting of Diotomacious Earth I did for No one else has any issues. Please send good vibes!

My Rosie feels a little puny today. She’s laying down, refusing treats and letting the other chickens walk near her. That is a behavior change! I am hoping it is just a light molt and the heat that is getting her down. She drank from the mud puddle I made her (That’s her preferred water source. Clean water is for pansies.) and her breathing is fine. The white on her feathers is from a dusting of Diotomacious Earth I did for #chickenlice. No one else has any issues. Please send good vibes!
#Rosie #poundchicken #adoptdontshop #petchicken #chickenportrait #backyardpoultry #myflock #diotomacious #gamebird

Jesse’s Instagram

The other day I saw a squirrel climb a cornstalk, tear off an ear and then carry it away in his mouth. This is not a drive-through! Or a dine-is establishment! That's my corn! And if I have to share, we should all wait until the ears are full size. That's just smart.

The other day I saw a squirrel climb a cornstalk, tear off an ear and then carry it away in his mouth. This is not a drive-through! Or a dine-is establishment! That’s my corn! And if I have to share, we should all wait until the ears are full size. That’s just smart.
#stupidsquirrel #backyardgarden #eatlocal #gardenpests #squirrelfood #jerks #homegrowncorn

Jesse’s Instagram

Today I asked my CraftsChickens to make me a watermelon basket. In the first picture Glo, Gretch and Hawk are discussing strategy. Swipe to see the final result. These are self taught chickens with no formal training in sculpting or culinary arts. Pretty darn impressive. What's next? Ice sculptures?

Today I asked my CraftsChickens to make me a watermelon basket. In the first picture Glo, Gretch and Hawk are discussing strategy. Swipe to see the final result. These are self taught chickens with no formal training in sculpting or culinary arts. Pretty darn impressive. What’s next? Ice sculptures?
#petchickens #watermelon #crafty #watermelonbasket #oliveegger #SicilianButtercup #EasterEgger #backyardchickens #chickensnacks #craftschicks #chickswhocraft

Jesse’s Instagram

Sharing is accomplished by pushing greedy bullies to one side and offering the peach to less greedy sisters. These are greedy bullies. They are AGGRESSIVE!

Sharing is accomplished by pushing greedy bullies to one side and offering the peach to less greedy sisters. These are greedy bullies. They are AGGRESSIVE!
#petchickens #chickentreats #georgiapeach #pearsonfarm #chickensofinstagram #oliveegger #EasterEgger #backyardchickens #comb #pearsonfarmga

Jesse’s Instagram

Sonia hates it when I let the girls free range. It is so hard to keep track of them! He has to make so many fake treat sounds to keep them close.

Sonia hates it when I let the girls free range. It is so hard to keep track of them! He has to make so many fake treat sounds to keep them close.
#roosterproblems #SoniaSotomayor #silkierooster #freerangechickens #gardening #freshfood #happychickens #happyhens #foraging #petchickens #petrooster #peckingorder

Jesse’s Instagram

The Thing I Did Not Plant has returned! You may remember it emerged from the compost pile a couple if years ago, was dumped in an unused corner of the garden where it inexplicably tripled in size, then had to be moved again for spring tilling. Most recently I moved its pile of dirt with a shovel to a flower bed under a tree and here it is again!

The Thing I Did Not Plant has returned! You may remember it emerged from the compost pile a couple if years ago, was dumped in an unused corner of the garden where it inexplicably tripled in size, then had to be moved again for spring tilling. Most recently I moved its pile of dirt with a shovel to a flower bed under a tree and here it is again!
#lifefindsaway #Cannas #volunteer #zone7b #gardeningsuprises #hardyplants #gardeningsuperstar #cantbekilled