Poultry Lifestyle Feather & Flannel

From Roz’ s Cucina Falling for Apple Pie built-up moisture can lead to serious issues such as frostbite on combs and wattles or respiratory problems. So, keeping your coop dry is vital.

• Maintain air quality: An enclosed and well-insulated coop will keep the cold out but can also trap hazardous ammonia fumes from accumulated droppings that can cause severe respiratory infections. Maintaining excellent ventilation, even as you insulate, is crucial to allow stale, moist air to escape while keeping fresh air circulating.

• Prevent frozen water: Dehydration is a significant risk when water sources freeze over. Chickens need constant access to fresh water, even in freezing temperatures, to help digestion and maintain their overall health. You will need a reliable strategy to keep their water in a liquid state. Consider adding a heated waterer or a heated base for your existing waterer. It’ s a small investment with a big payoff, as it ensures your flock has constant access to liquid water, preventing dehydration.

• Choose Safe Heating Options: While the instinct might be to blast your coop with heat, traditional heat lamps are generally discouraged because they are typically significant fire hazards. Instead, chicken owners tend to opt for safer, more efficient heating solutions, such as radiant panel heaters that are designed specifically for coops and emit gentle, consistent heat without the intense light or fire risk.

Inspect and seal your coop for drafts, maintain ventilation

Fall Season Décor: Beyond Practicality

This is where the " flannel " part of your fall coop makeover comes in! Infusing your coop and run with seasonal charm not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but can also contribute to a sense of well-being for both you and your flock.

• Nature ' s Bounty: Embrace the harvest season by placing pumpkins and gourds strategically around their run. These festive additions not only add a pop of autumn color but also double as healthy, entertaining snacks for your flock. Break them open or let your chickens peck at them for enrichment.

• Earthy Accents: A bundle of corn stalks tied together and leaning against a coop corner or fence can add a rustic, charming touch. Just ensure they are secure and won ' t fall over. You could also hang a non-toxic fall wreath made of natural materials on the coop door.

• Warm Lighting: If you have an electrical outlet close by, a string of outdoor-rated LED lights can add a magical, warm glow to the coop area. These colorful additions not only look great up close or from afar but also add ambient light, which can deter

curious nocturnal predators. Choose warm white or autumnal-colored lights for a truly cozy feel.

• Hay Bales for Lounging: Small hay bales placed in a covered, dry area of the run can provide an extra cozy spot for chickens to perch or dust bathe, especially on cooler days. They add to the rustic fall aesthetic.

• Sensory Scents( Carefully): While not décor, consider natural scents that evoke fall. A handful of dried lavender or mint from your garden sprinkled in nesting boxes can provide a calming, fresh aroma that chickens often enjoy and may even deter pests. Always ensure anything you add is natural and non-toxic.

A Fall-Ready Flock

As natural food sources become scarce in winter, predators become bolder and more desperate, and your flock can become a much more tempting target. Consider adding an extra layer of security during the fall and winter months to keep your flock safe.

A comprehensive fall coop makeover is a vital annual tradition for any responsible chicken owner. By proactively addressing potential issues such as drafts, moisture, ventilation, water access and predator protection, you ensure that your flock remains healthy, comfortable and secure throughout the colder months.

Adding those special touches of fall décor not only brightens the space but also enhances the overall ambiance, making your coop a truly cozy and inviting haven. With a little planning and effort now, you can relax knowing your feathered friends are well-prepared to thrive through autumn and into winter.

Warm Spices, Crisp Apples Baked to Perfection

By Roz Corieri Paige

Ingredients

• 8 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced no thinner than 1 / 3 inch( about 10 cups; use 4 Granny Smith and 4 Honeycrisp)

• 1 / 4 cup melted and cooled butter

• 1 / 4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

• 1 / 3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 / 4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, preferably fresh squeezed

• 1 1 / 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 / 4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 / 4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Egg wash( 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon whole milk), for brushing pastry

• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling on crust

• One 9-inch double-crust pie dough, preferably homemade and refrigerated for at least 2 hours

Optional: Caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought, for drizzling Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit( 204 degrees Celsius).

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

3. Add the flour and stir to form a paste. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Stir to mix thoroughly.

5. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Pour the warm mixture into a large skillet. Add the apple slices and gently stir to coat evenly. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the apples begin to soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

7. Press one layer of pastry dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Roll out the second layer of pastry so that it overhangs the dish about 1 / 2 inch. For a lattice crust, cut the top layer into eight 1-inch strips.

8. Spoon the apple filling into the bottom crust, forming a tall mound.

9. Lay either the full top crust or the lattice strips over the filling.

10. Brush the top pastry with egg wash and generously sprinkle with coarse sugar.

11. Bake the pie for 25 minutes on the middle oven rack. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any bubbling juices.

12. After 25 minutes, keep the pie in the oven and add a pie crust shield or aluminum foil around the edges to prevent overbrowning.

13. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit( 190

degrees Celsius) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The pie is done when an instant-read thermometer reads 200 degrees Fahrenheit( 93 degrees Celsius) in the center.

14. Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let cool for 3 hours before slicing, or the filling may be too runny.

15. Serve with ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce if desired.

About the Author:

Roz Corieri Paige is the author of La Bella Vita Cucina, a food and lifestyle blog where she inspires others to live life more deliciously and beautifully, whether in the kitchen or the garden. Find out more about Roz at www. italianbellavita. com.

14 AcreageLife September 2025 AcreageLife. com

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