Lifestyles

How the Hen House Turns

Perhaps you’ve seen the PBS special that reported the study of tameness done in Russia.

For several decades, foxes held in captivity were bred selectively. Those friendly to humans were mated and produced pups so consistently friendly they are now let out for adoption. The “friendly” gene package included variation in physical appearance and fur color. Like dogs, those foxes may eventually develop hugely different “breeds.”

If snarling, aggressive foxes are bred together, the result is predictably Read More

Skin Care Column

By JUNE ENGLISH, LE

Today many people are aware that probiotics can be found in sources like Greek yogurt and supplements. However the benefits of probiotics can be found beyond the dairy case and vitamin shelves.

Topical probiotics have been shown to enhance the skin’s natural defense barriers, as well as increase immune responses. Immunity is important not just for fighting infection but for overall skin function, including the production of collagen.

Certain strains of lactic acid bacteria have been shown to modulate growth factor production. Read More

How the Hen House Turns

I have worried about leaving Gwendolyn, the chicken I raised in the house during a spring too cold for hen-less chicks. (No one in the Hen House gang had set. Domestic birds don’t take chicks if they haven’t set eggs the required three or four full weeks.)

Gwen, I thought, was a normal adult, independent hen until she lost her “littermate” Americia. Then she began to come to me when I sat on the bench by the stock tank. She would tuck her head under my arm and stay there. She stayed quiet, snuggled against me, for a half Read More