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We live within a stone's throw of Portland - yet are in unincorporated Washington County, on half an acre, with a lovely organic garden, and a flock of cage-free backyard chickens.

As a kid I heard stories from my grandparents and father about having chickens and gathering eggs.  It sounded amazing and - well, a little romantic, the farm life.  My entire adult life (I'm smack dab in the middle of middle aged now) I've thought how wonderful it would be to have a few chickens - for the fresh eggs, if nothing else!  I have a culinary degree and appreciate fresh, local, organic food.

A couple of years ago we read up on the regulations, contacted the proper authorities, and made a start to our backyard flock.  It's been a delight to have included these wonderful birds into our lives!   It's been a great experience for our kids - many of their friends (with curious parents in tow) have come to learn about chicken keeping, and find out what a truly fresh scrambled egg tastes like!

I will say this - there is something therapeutic - and absolutely comical and hilarious about a bunch of chickens.  I can have the most stressful day - but a few minutes in my garden with my chickens finds me laughing and smiling and thankful.

www.knownbyname.wordpress.com

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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