Author Archives: Mara Bacsujlaky

About Mara Bacsujlaky

As a 4-H agent with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, I offer workshops and information about raising and keeping small backyard flocks in Alaska. These services are designed for the hobbyist that keeps primarily laying chickens for home use of eggs and, secondarily, meat.

An Early Christmas Present

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Mara Bacsujlaky

So, what’s the big deal about the eggs in the pic to the left? Why bother to post an image of a nearly-full egg carton of eggs on a blog about layers?  Well, because these are eggs from a 10-year … Continue reading →

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More than just eggs

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Mara Bacsujlaky

When someone new to chickens decides to get their own flock, it is usually images of fresh eggs and cozily clucking hens that dance before their eyes, not poop-splattered walls patterned after Jackson Pollock. The first hint that chickens produce … Continue reading →

Posted in Cleaning, Flock, Hens, Humor, Manure, Winter | Leave a comment

Ground truthed!

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Mara Bacsujlaky

Proof of the theorem of the Absolute of Chicken-themed Gift Receiving.    

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Tis the season for receiving…

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Mara Bacsujlaky

…chicken-themed presents.  How many amongst us hobbyist flock-keepers have received such gifts  for birthdays, holidays or just because? I think it is safe to say that nearly all of us have – from friends or family who just couldn’t resist that cute … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas wishes…

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Mara Bacsujlaky
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How long do chickens live?

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Mara Bacsujlaky

This is a question that I am frequently asked, and a flippant answer might well be: as long as the flock keeper decides they should live. Many people  think that chickens are short-lived,  and in our modern, factory-farming approach to … Continue reading →

Posted in Flock, General, Health, Hens, Roosters | Leave a comment

An Unusual Weather Event

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Mara Bacsujlaky

Warm enough in Fairbanks on January 11 that the chickens are out and dusting. Now that is warm!

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Brrrr….

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Mara Bacsujlaky

First week of the new year, and first day of -30 so far this winter.  Really, nothing to gripe about, but if it’s weather and Alaskans are talking about it – well, more times than not, there will be complaints, … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, General, good ideas, Winter | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Update on the P-hammock

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Mara Bacsujlaky

Hens: 1, Owner:  0 Today, the P-hammock (as I have come to refer to it) came down.  It’s a great idea that my chickens roundly gave the middle toe to. Every morning for the past week when I opened the … Continue reading →

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What we have here is a failure to innovate!

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Mara Bacsujlaky

The thaw has arrived.  Or perhaps it is a faux thaw, as often happens.  But real or just a tease, the past week’s temperatures have been warm, the snow is melting and the sun is back.   As every Alaskan knows, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Cleaning, Flock, good ideas, Hens, Humor, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments