Hi everybody, No, she is not old/or sick, we got her this February, my daughter is 4 and she picked her out and named her Mamie Cook! Even if she was old stew pot would not be an option! LOL! I was concerned because she is the only Polish we have and was afraid that we had done her a grave injustice by not getting her a friend or two of her own to hang out with, she mostly stays by herself. All the rest hang out together or in pairs. The other day was the first time I saw her act aggressive towards another hen by running across the yard w/head down and wings out hitting the other hen broadside then running away! I was very surprised! What do you suppose that was all about? Oh and by the way I bought rolled oats and mixed it in there food and you would have thought they had died and went to heaven-they loved it! One more question, I have one hen who is the last to start molting will the oats help her put on fat to keep warm this winter-should I be concerned for her?

Sheila, reading your headline felt like being hit. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so so sorry. We all love our companion animals, but I recognize that Scoop is a true "heart dog" and you will feel her loss especially strongly. I see the rainbow bridge as you do, and understand what you are saying. May you find comfort in the memories of a lifetime under the spell of your strong-willed girl. And may the time she spent with you continue to be a source of love, comfort and discovery, long after she's gone. Scoop thanks you for the bravery of your love for her in helping her make a peaceful exit and limiting her suffering.

I have been patiently planning for the construction of our 10x12 HFGH and in doing so have read and researched many of your concerns. The utility question is a tough one. A committment to underground water is long term. The heating cost is a big question in my mind. I am planning to bury our lines at about 30", my thought is if I'm renting the ditch witch I might as well put the line in at the safest depth.(we live in south central PA, zone 5). I am designing the water system so that is can be drained at seasons end. This might change but at least for now if there is no heat I have options. Here is a link to a very well designed water supply system to use as a starting point. http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00045.asp Here is another link to a more easily installed system that may be useful as well. http://www.homeenvy.com/db/8/648.html There is a few nice water supply pieces at http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&cat=2,2280&p=33160 I do have concerns about the natural gas line and hookups but that is further down the road, I'll lay the line and figure that one out when the time comes. I'd like to see pics of your GH construction as I am starting ours this coming weekend. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

This solution might not be for everyone but this is what my granny and uncle did. He had been living with my grand parents/ his parents for about 5 years before his dad my grandpa passed away. He stayed at their home helping his mom out where needed then over the years as granny's health started going they decided to have my uncle buy the home from her and my dad. The deed was made up and he purchased the home for 20 dollars, ten for granny and 10 for my dad. Granny bless her heart started slowly showing signs of dementia. First time I noticed it was when she'd ask who my kids her great grand kids were. By the end she didn't know who her kids were unless they'd point at a picture of them when they were young. She lived in the past, she could tell you just about anything you wanted to know about the past. I realize this isn't for everyone but for our family it worked out great at the time but now it will not work for my dad and me. My uncle passed away nearly two years ago, he had never remarried. I can't afford to take care of three homes, so we cannot do this - this time around. I wish I could cause there is a lot at stake if dad goes into a nursing home and being that I cannot take care of dad due to my own health, we stand to lose both homes. My dad has lived at the same location for 75 years. My grand parents owned the lot next to their home and when dad got married they gave him the lot and dad had a home built. It will be heart breaking if we lose the homes. There are many great memories there.