Chickens, chickens, who's got the chickens

We are now gearing up to bring on the chickens. I am really excited as I love fresh eggs fried in bacon grease in the morning. Not politically correct, but it's my favorite way to eat eggs. So, we are venturing out in the chicken world and trying to learn as much as we can. There is a lot to learn. I remember Granny having chickens, but I didn't learn a thing at that time in my life other than you shouldn't poke a stick at the chickens (not one of my nicest moments in life ). If any of you know anything about chickens and care to throw some advice at us, please do so. Rebecca is taking the chickens on as her 4-h project, so she has been doing most of the research - or as she puts it, she's been "pecking" everybody's brains. We are looking forward to the eggs and possibly at some point, we'll even look at raising broilers just to butcher them. Joshua is begging for turkeys, but one fowl animal at a time, please.

By the way, I've had calves in the tub, and I just finished having two cats neutered on my dining room table. Yes, you heard me. We had the vet out fertility testing bulls, and as we mentioned we needed to bring the cats in to be neutered, she offered to take care of them right then and there. They are recovering in the bathroom right now, but I thought I would just add one more bizarre thing that has occurred in my home. If anyone had told me 20 years ago this would be my life, I would have laughed until I passed out. At least no one can tell me they told me so!!!

PS - we did put a trashbag and old blanket down for the procedure, and I have used a washcloth soaked in bleach to clean that table. I might be up for trying these strange things, but I am all for sterilizing after....... I wonder if any of you will still come join us for a meal????