Winky’s Farm Blog is created to promote Urban Farming in the Greater Toronto Area.
Our daughter, Winky, has been a nature lover. She spends most of her pass time enjoying outdoor activities. Her hobbies include rolling down the hills, gardening, growing herbs and vegetables and learning about natural habitats. The idea of raising chickens came two years ago, when we bought a dozen of fresh eggs from a farm. Winky said, “when I grow up I want a farm just like this.”
Well, maintaining a farm full of farm animals isn’t an easy task. We thought it would be a good idea for Winky to actually experience the responsibilities of running a farm before making life time career decisions. We told Winky that she would have some chicks to raise, but she will need to do all the research and care of keeping them.
What we thought as a casual conversation, Winky took it very seriously. She started to study about all species of chickens and how to care for them. It turned out that it’s much easier than we think. Winky selected the Plymouth Rock as they are mild tempered and homey, easy for children to handle. They are the recommended species for chicken farming beginners.
So, in April of 2013, we got 3 chicks.
The joy of harvesting fresh eggs has brought much excitement to our family. We love being able to reduce kitchen scraps by feeding them to the chickens, and in return receiving sweet, delicious organic eggs in the mornings. The chicken droppings became valuable fertilizer to our gardens. In spring and summer days, the chickens follow Winky around in the backyard, and search for protein supplements (worms, mice. yuck!)
We believe that under regulated government guidelines, Torontonians should have the opportunity to enjoy backyard chickens as residents of many other modern cities (ie. Vancouver, Seattle) in the world. Urban Farming helps the environment by reducing kitchen scrap; produce organic protein sources for people; and helps to fertilize our lawn. Really, it’s much easier than having pet dogs or cats.
We invite all of you to support us in making a change to the by-laws of Greater Toronto Area.
Winky’s Farm