My wife and I have been interested in sustainable living, DIY, and farming for some time. However, the city we live in doesn't really allow for any of that. Right now we're getting an opportunity to experience it first-hand.

Friday night some friends had us over for dinner and asked us to watch their place while they're away. They have a whole setup they've been building for a few years and we're going to maintain it while they're gone. It's only 4 days, but we're really getting a crash course.

There are chickens, ducks, and dogs. We're also making sure the garden beds are getting town up by the chickens so the beds will be ready for planting season. 

https://images.pexels.com/photos/6441/bird-village-animal-countryside.jpg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb
*What Are You Looking At?*
[source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/6441/bird-village-animal-countryside.jpg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb)

They also have a greenhouse, and many various growing areas. We're hoping to come back once spring arrives so we can learn more about their process for getting everything planted and maximizing growth.

https://images.pexels.com/photos/9197/woman-girl-dog-animals-9197.jpg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb
*This is How I Feel*
[source](https://images.pexels.com/photos/9197/woman-girl-dog-animals-9197.jpg?w=940&h=650&auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb)

I didn't get permission to post pictures of their setup yet, so I used stock images, but I'm really excited to be learning something new. 

Did you know that chickens can effectively prep a garden bed just by their normal eating process? The beds were turned up to loosen the soil, manure added and mixed in, and a cage put around the bed to keep the chickens there. After just 1-2 weeks, the chickens will have eaten any bugs in there, turned the soil and smoothed it out so you can easily plant. Added benefit: You get fresh eggs every day!

I was a bit embarrassed when I opened the hen house and "walked in" on a hen laying an egg. It seemed very intrusive of me and I apologized to her. She clucked and walked away, so I'm not sure if she's still mad or if she didn't care. I'll find out if she attacks my eyes. :)

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/38213983/do-the-chickens-have-large-talons.jpg
*Yes, This Is What I Pictured*
[source](https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/38213983/do-the-chickens-have-large-talons.jpg)

That's my life right now. 

### - Do You Have Chickens?

### - What Animal Do You Have?

#### Let me know in the comments below
@themanwithnoname