Spring in the Irish countryside

Come and join me as spring starts to show its arrival on my small off-grid homestead in the Irish countryside.
It's a time for noticing the unfolding of nature, establishing new routines with the hens, a new DIY project and as usual, I squeeze in a bit of baking.
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[@ourhighlandhomestead]

OK having read through all these comments, I'm going to throw my "tuppence" in. I too am surprised you're keeping the chickens so far away from the house, as per the principles of permaculture, in zoning your land one would assume the chickens is somewhere you will visit several times a day and should therefore be zoned closer to the house. I appreciate you have created the chickshaw from Justin Rhodes's plans but we do need to bear in mind that your hens live on a windy Irish hilltop, not in the plains of North Carolina - I can only imagine the draught they get "up the kilt" through the mesh floor. We get down to about -15 C here regularly over winter in the Scottish Highlands and my chickens overwinter in a wooden coop inside a polytunnel to keep the draughts out. It's not the cold that will kill your chickens, it's the draught. And finally, as much as I remember the excitement of new hens and the feeling of really arriving as a homesteader - even chickens become a chore sometimes. In bad weather, during storms when you're worrying about their coop taking off (and you can't see it), when the ground is boggy and soggy, when (not if) you get a sick chicken or chickens die, they are not in your line of sight and it will become stressful. I'm enjoying your journey, and all the input here sounds like the majority are from seasoned chicken-keepers who are just wanting to help you make better choices as a beginner homesteader.x

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Really appreciate your insights, thank you so much for sharing. Sifting and sorting through the comments and taking on board the advice from the seasoned chicken-keepers like yourself (and trying to set aside the less helpful ones!).

[@ourhighlandhomestead]

@@CoriLivestheDreamLife I’m about 5 years into the homestead journey and there is a LOT of learning from others, for sure. Sometimes you will do what you think is best, against advice, and sometimes it will be a triumph - but in my experience, usually it isn’t 😘 I wish you well!

[@doniehurley7634]

Hi Cori you should take all the advice being given to you in the comments as your idylic morning walk could be shattered by some hungry predators one morning and none of us want to see upset

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thank you Donie, we are taking it on board, seeking further local advice and making some changes. We definitely want to do our best by our hens 🙏

[@AthDara62]

Hi Cori, I don't know anything about chickens but it's seem to make sense to have them somewhere closer to yourselves that you can intervene if they come under attack. Maybe have a dog that'd raise an alert?

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

I appreciate the opinion!

[@seanshannon9910]

Hi Cori good to see you enjoying your new homestead. Enjoy the chickens while they last, This week I lost one call duck to a mink very rare and an other call duck to an invasive species a bustard, call it bad luck or not in top of vermin kind regards Sean

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Oh no, so sorry to hear that Sean. Yeah I'm well aware now of the predator risk, it's challenging.

[@GemmaGregory-yn9ix]

Can't watch again..used to enjoy your channel. Your reasons for keeping the chickens so far away are all about you!! Absolutely bonkers... the Golden Eagles were out above our land today in Donegal, mink everywhere, foxes.. they wouldn't bat an eyelid at that electric fence if they were hungry.. and that coop looks painful!

[@EastSeaCoast]

Stunning Donegal, the best county in Ireland!

[@mjw12345]

@@EastSeaCoast Agree! Also Clare, Kerry...Galway (parts of..Connemara, Aran Islands...I'll add Antrim, don't know Cork so well, Wexford...) also BEST!

[@lindaroyal8161]

Spring projects are always a welcome start to the new year, getting past the colder, damp winter months. Warm weather is always motivation. I know you're all about walking to visit the chickens, it's "your thing". Personally, I think it's going to get old, especially in bad weather. Still concerned with predator animals in your area with them being so far from the house.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Yes you're so right about spring projects being a great way to get past the colder months and lean into that warmer weather motivation. You may well be right about it getting old, I guess we'll see. It did horizonal-hail on me on one walk up there this week lol. Yes we're considering the predator problem further

[@morrigans_cottage]

I’m hoping with spring arriving things will start getting a bit sunnier! I’m a new homestead myself and while I don’t have any hens yet at my little cottage I have been doing lots of research into them - this is just a small piece of advice from what I’ve been reading you should consider moving the hens much closer to your house and getting more protection from predators - foxes are lovely looking things but they’ll be in at your hens no bother with the current set up. I’m a complete novice but I think the hen hutch is also a bit small for your number of hens but I’m new to this too and sometimes it’s hard to tell in video the size of things so I could be wrong! Looking forward to your next update!

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Yes some more sun wouldn't be unwelcome, would it?! Hello fellow new-homesateader! A lot of people have mentioned having them closer to the house, we're considering if that will be possible (our land is awkward and most of our activity will be up where they are). My husband was following Justin Rhodes' chickshaw plan and guidelines for how much space they need but we are going to reconfirm and make sure they have ample space in there. They certainly won't be short of space grazing so that's sorted at least!

[@horseygirl966]

I’m assuming the tiny coop was just for transportation to their paddock and a temporary housing solution… I’m assuming that you will be making them a larger more robust hen house? Mossy Bottom (you tube channel) converted an old horse trailer which turned out very well and could be easily moved by towing it with a car. 🐓 🥚 🏡

[@frankiemarley2811]

Sorry but your assumption is wrong. Cori has chosen to ignore all the great advice given on her previous vlog regarding the chickens welfare, I mean lack of welfare.

[@Amy-rb2ro]

Wrong!! Cori knows best even if it means blindingly cruel conditions for the chickens.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

We are making it more robust absolutely and are taking on board the advice from the experienced hen-keepers here (and largely ignoring the unhelpful ones!). I'll check out Mossy Bottom's one, that does sound interesting and I know his channel but have missed that. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@TheAwakeningangel]

Considering you said you waited 10 years for chickens, you have them and then stick them wayyyyy out of sight. also with the rain we had all last week and still, some torrential. Those poor chickens having to be stuck out so far and the noise battering of the plastic sheeting How sad. Un subbed.

[@lavignemorte]

It's seems crazy to me. I loved having my chooks right by the house. They all have such unique and sweet personalities. They are curious and fun to watch.

[@janewolfe9137]

Hi Cory, you can observe and notice and smell all you want, but chickens require protection and observation In order for them to be healthy & not to be prey. I recommend moving them closer to your home, somewhere observable as you go about your day. Take a nice jaunt after you feed them in the morning.😘

[@frankiemarley2811]

She won’t be told. She was given great advice last week from many subscribers but chose to ignore it.

[@Amy-rb2ro]

We all advised that and much more but were ignored. No sense of responsibility towards the chickens at all, too busy playing Mary Berry in the kitchen.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Appreciate your recommendation @janewolfe9137!! 🙏

[@cianquinlan1177]

I asked ChatGPT what predators chickens faced in your area: Chickens may face predators such as foxes, badgers, stoats, weasels, rats, and birds of prey like hawks and owls. Foxes are particularly common and can be a significant threat to chickens in rural areas. It's important for chicken owners to take measures to protect their flock from these predators, such as securing coops and using fencing or netting to deter intruders.

[@frankiemarley2811]

You’re wasting your time giving advice here as it’s clearly ignored.

[@elaineoleary9130]

There are no weasels in Ireland but the chickens are at risk from all the others.

[@gerrytheranger232]

You needed Chat GPT to tell you that?

[@cianquinlan1177]

@@gerrytheranger232 yes. I live in the Sonoran desert. Long time removed from Ireland. Not too many chickens around😀

[@gerrytheranger232]

@@cianquinlan1177 lol yes sorry Cian...didn't mean it to sound patronising. Just been looking at pictures of Sonoran. Looks beautiful & very different to Ireland. Hope life is good there for you :-)

[@raeryan5959]

Why did you position the chickens so far away from the house & caravan

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Partly because they'll be rotationally grazing and to put them where our flat land is (it's all very steep just by the house) and they're actually where most of our homesteading activities will be centred there... but we hadn't considered the proximity to the house as being preventative for predators so we're thinking that through more. There was a fox right next to the house this weekend mind you...hmm.

[@tsharkey1615]

I'm honestly absolutely shocked and horrified that you have chosen to callously ignore all the advice given to you by experienced keepers of hens. It's one thing to be new to something and genuinely not know, it's quite another to totally ignore the advice and information given by 99% of the commentaters last week. If you're not willing to do what is necessary, required and expected for the welfare of animals you should not keep them. EVERYTHING about the living conditions of those hens is counter to both their well-being and their safety - everything.

[@Amy-rb2ro]

I’m not shocked after all it’s “Cori lives the dream life” not the chickens.🐔 o

[@noreenboland1204]

Absolutely appalling.Not at all the cool channel your constant rambling gibberish is trying to portray.Just cruelty.

[@lavignemorte]

The Father Ted tv show comes to mind. Dougal and his dreams / reality clip.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

I'm amazed by the assumptions people make. We haven't callously ignored any of the genuinely well-meaning advice... simply were unaware of all of the comments until just a few days ago. Absolutely agree that animals should not be kept if you're not willing to do what is necessary and required for their welfare. Rest assured we have taken the sage advice on board.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Oh @amy-rb2ro I feel like YOU need your own channel 😂

[@janicegartner5711]

I look forward to seeing your videos each week. You are surrounded by the beauty of nature. I had to move my hens next to my home( literally there yard is attached) as predators are clever and persistent. Even now I have to spread coyote urine around the perimeter to keep out raccoons etc. Free ranging is impossible due to a hungry fox who had 3 kits last year. You are such a caring person I know you will sort your situation and we all learn by doing. I lost a favourite hen( Sophia Lohen) to a fox and cried for days. I was a little shocked with some of the brutal comments made here. We should be here to help each other out in a constructive manner. To be kinder in offering advice is more productive and basically part of being a good kind human being. I love how you cook as well…is it possible to tell what it was you were making on this video or share the recipe…it looked delicious, healthy and yummy! Thanks Cori and I wish you all the best….

[@frankiemarley2811]

Many subscribers gave her great advice to help her but she chooses to ignore it. With her attitude she will alienate herself from the locals, we Irish are a proud people that will not be patronised.

[@janicegartner5711]

@@frankiemarley2811 am I missing something? How does Cori having chickens and possibly making some errors along the way even though suggestions have been made have anything to do with patronizing Irish people or alienating locals ? I watch lots of homesteading KZbin videos in different countries with lovely beginners trying the same thing , learning by doing , people giving advice etc and no one has has ever claimed they were being patronized or that what they were doing would make the locals less than proud. On the contrary I see the locals helping out and if something nasty happens I’m pretty sure they have ascent turned their backs. I’m thinking most people have “ bigger fish to fry” and more important issues that would make them feel patronized or not proud!

[@frankiemarley2811]

Are you Irish?

[@Amy-rb2ro]

@@janicegartner5711 She’s been given great advice by many subscribers, many of them Irish and know the lay of the land here and are familiar with the predators here in Ireland. She’s ignored all advice given generously and continues to wilfully neglect those chicken. Sure Cori knows best, what do we Irish know??

[@Amy-rb2ro]

I don’t think they are due to the spelling of the word patronising with a z. But then what would I know I’m Irish!! 😂😂😂😂

[@mariecampos-ts2bm]

Hi Cori, chicken are some way from your House lots of foxes and other creatures around that Will enjoy your chickens.But they do seem Happy enough. Récipe looked yummy too. Carnt wait to see your advance on the deco .

[@Amy-rb2ro]

You’re right, foxes and other creatures Will enjoy the chickens. Such a shame and totally avoidable.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Yes a lot of people have said that (although locally people have had just as bad problems with their hens right next to the house so it's hard to know if proximity to us will make a big difference?). We do have electrical fencing around their pasture area but I know that's not a perfect solution. The granola bars were super yummy. They're from Shaye Elliott of The Elliott Homestead. I can't wait to see the advance on our reno LOL! 😂

[@mariecampos-ts2bm]

Thankyou Cori💕

[@yellowlabrador]

I see tears and regreets coming. get a better coop.

[@Amy-rb2ro]

She won’t because she knows better than us that have kept chickens for years.

[@tracybarnes3086]

Cori, that recipe for the choccy drizzled flapjack looked delicious, if you ever want to share. Glad the weather is warming up for you, we are the same in Ohio. I have never owned chickens but I too wondered why you put them away from the house, I thought they would be safer near to you, and don’t they need a bit of straw bedding to snuggle down in?

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

They were delicious indeed! The recipe is one of Shaye Elliott's from The Elliott Homestead. Yes a lot of people have commented on the nearness to the house. We have reasons for placing them where they are but are reconsidering that choice. They do in fact have some straw bedding now too for snuggling down in 😍

[@shellypontz4155]

I noticed the top of your chicken yard is not covered.....you are asking for trouble. A hawk, buzzard, etc. Could swoop down, pick up chicken after chicken. and by afternoon, they are all gone and dead. They are also TOO FAR from your home. They should really be close enough to see their dwelling space and yard. Also take into consideration, fox, weasles. I've been raising chickens for over 45 years and have some experience😊

[@frankiemarley2811]

She’s been told but chooses to ignore. So neglectful of the poor chickens. Theres also no straw or shelter from the torrential rain and howling winds that we have regularly here in Ireland. Soooooo very wrong!!

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thanks for the feedback Shelly! Responding to all the chicken advice we've received in our video later today 🙏

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

It's amazing the assumptions people make @frankiemarley2811

[@janebaker966]

Cori,im enjoying both the lovely scenes youre showing us and your innocent enthusiasm. Im also really looking forward to the Slasher video to come. When the fox or something else gets to the hens. But i think its going to have to happen for you to learn from it. Adjust to your life in the country. I think,as youre very bright you will adjust,learn and not lose your lovely enthusiasm but learn to temper it with knowledge.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Doing our best to adjust and learn everyday Jane 🙏

[@jpeel2066]

I think a few people have got a problem with the chicken coop. I wouldn't want to tell you what to do but I would look into making a more secure coop. Glad to see you're enjoying yourself. Look forward to more videos. All the best 🇬🇧.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

I'd say a few people do! Probably some good advice and some unhelpful. We're taking on the well intentioned advice and making some adjustments. And continuing to enjoy ourselves! Glad to have you here :)

[@terrytipperarythwaite112]

If ye think spring is here in Ireland right now then ye must be drunk, we didn't get any serious dry spell since last june and its still spillin rain day in day out in the back of March. I'd say you're in some sort of honeymoon period here as noone in their right mind would be trampin all that way te be lettin out and feedin chickens.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Quite possibly correct on both fronts (well, apart from the being drunk part!). I'll enjoy the honeymoon period while I can 😍

[@CarolineMcGroarty]

Going to unsubscribe yyyyy are you cruel 😢😢😢

[@Kevin-kn2ke]

Hi Cori have to say the chickens are looking well good and healthy. And the main thing they look happy. I used to keep the chickens beside the house and the fox cleaned them out many times. Best thing to do is make sure your hen coop is as secure as you can possibly make it from predators. I had a mink kill them as well. The plus side from keeping far away is you will have less rats around your house. I think that's a fantastic place your keeping them. Happy hens will lay lots of eggs. Give them a few weeks to settle in and the eggs will come. 👍

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thank you Kevin, they certainly do seem happy and filling out nicely bless them. That's interesting that you kept them beside the house and still had the fox clean them out. Yes we've already made some amendments to make the coop more secure and they are inside of electrical netting fence too. The rats was one such consideration we made when we were thinking about where to place them. Plus they're up where we will be planting our veg patch and much more besides. Looking forward to that first egg... what a treat it will be!

[@Amy-rb2ro]

For real?? You haven’t improved the chickens living conditions at all. Do you think us Irish with chickens don’t know what we’re on about? I’m totally disgusted, shame on you!!

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Ooh I'll look that channel up, thank you!

[@christianholder5792]

Hey there it’s Christian how are you doing today how life treating you

[@anntennyson2493]

Hi Cori would love the recipe for your bars,they looked delighted 😍

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

They were from Shaye Elliott's cooking community she's over at The Elliott Homestead. Love her recipes!!

[@abbielynnjuett4031]

With this your latest video, I have now binge watched your entire story. Thank you. I have in some ways started my dream life. Living off grid and finishing up my tiny house. My hope is to be in it this year. I am doing this on my own. I am 62. Never been married, not by my choice, but . . . . I will begin a garden this year and sour dough. I am excited. Thank you again for your story.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Ah yay so pleased to have you here Abbie! So excited for you that you've started living your dream life too. And you're doing it on you own?! All power to you and high five!! Cheering you on!

[@Videos-mm2eo]

I don't want to see you arrive at the chicken yard one morning to find them all slaughtered by predators. I really would have liked to watch the journey of your cottage but I have just unsubscribed....

[@barbaramcdonald9670]

Kind words much more constructive than people who take the moral high ground. Cori is on a new adventure, and will find her way.

[@frankiemarley2811]

@@barbaramcdonald9670 Where’s the moral high ground in being concerned for animal welfare?? Her ‘New Adventure’ should not include animal neglect.

[@Pj.explores]

The chickens look like they're settling in well. I'd love it if you could share your granola bar recipe... it looks delicious!

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

They seem very happy! The granola bar recipe unfortunately isn't mine to share but it was delicious! It's from Shaye Elliott of The Elliott Homestead 😊

[@DickyGreenleaf1978]

This lady is on a learning curve. She will make mistakes. Please cool the vitriol and let her find a foothold in her adventure.

[@frankiemarley2811]

Not vitriol but exasperation!! She won’t learn by shunning ALL of the advice given. Cop yourself on, is it too much to give the chickens a bit of straw ?????

[@Amy-rb2ro]

How long is acceptable for the chickens to be neglected? 🙄

[@DickyGreenleaf1978]

Feel free to express your outrage on a mobile phone made by a ten year old in China.

[@frankiemarley2811]

St Patrick!! 😇

[@Amy-rb2ro]

@@DickyGreenleaf1978 😂😂😂

[@noreenboland1204]

How to lose subscibers and uninfluence people the Cori way.

[@lavignemorte]

Un subbed a while ago but come back occasionally for the expected car wreck.

[@marshagaravaglia8149]

Very enjoyable ❤

[@stephenboocock472]

Thought you were mixing a special hen food 😊

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Hahaha don't put it past me! We do ferment their food mind you... 😍

[@frankiemarley2811]

I’m unsubscribing, Cori’s ego is what this channel is all about. Cori will become a true Homesteader only when St Patrick makes the snakes return here to Ireland!! 😂😂😂

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

I think you take me far seriously than I do lol. Thank you for the encouragement Frankie.

[@bigmama2135]

Cori, its lovely to see someone enjoy, appreciate and care for nature and oh my, what beautiful land you have on your doorstep (envious Dublin dweller here😃). There will be good days, bad days and days where you want to give it all up. Days where you feel battered and worn down by well intentioned advice, information, knowledge and sometimes criticism for all your well intentioned and heart motivated efforts but remember, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts" Winston Churchill. Don't let go of your goals and dreams, hold on tight to them and you will get there in the end. I wish you and your little family, kind thoughts, much happiness and contentment going forward.

[@Amy-rb2ro]

How can someone care for nature yet neglect animals/creatures in their care??? Would you like to sleep on a bed of bare springs? I think not so why are the chickens resting/standing on bare cage wire, no straw for comfort acceptable? Would you like to sleep at night or day with all your windows and doors open for all to see including possible predators? Again, I think not so why must the chickens?? Save your Churchill quotes. There’s no excuse for animal cruelty.

[@frankiemarley2811]

I think you’re Cori!!

[@Amy-rb2ro]

@@frankiemarley2811 I think you could be right. 😂😂😂

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thank you @bigmama2135 that is the sweetest comment and one I especially appreciate this week 😉😍 Love that Churchill quote too!!

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

😂 @frankiemarley2811 you crack me up. If only I had the time or the evil genius to devise such plans lol

[@mjw12345]

Go easy on poor Cori! I prefer to believe she's maybe not had the time to read the comments and all this stuff is totally news for her. I'm sure she'll correct the chicken coop 'fowl-up' urgently. Appreciate comments indicating concern for welfare of the chickens!

[@frankiemarley2811]

You’re right!! Finding time to make cereal bars and filming it is much more important than the welfare of the chickens. 🐔

[@mjw12345]

@@frankiemarley2811 Are you familiar with learning curve - you've probably had, me also. Give her a break for now.

[@frankiemarley2811]

@@mjw12345I took advice that was generously given and am thankful that I did. There’s no excuse for, now knowingly, neglecting the welfare of those chickens.

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thank you @mjw12345 for being a voice of reason! As you correctly assumed we had not had time to read the comments and since discovering so many, have spent several days sifting and sorting through them and doing our own further research to make any corrections that are necessary for the hens' welfare.

[@trudiswanson9855]

Looks gorgeous, yes, lots of hard work and dedication and compromise, but, wonderful things a- happening there .. keep it up. 👍. T. 🇦🇺🐞

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

Thank you Trudi! Worth all the work for sure 😍

[@johncampbell3182]

Great chanell keep up the good wok,, 👍 that bakeing is makeing me seriously hungry

[@CoriLivestheDreamLife]

hehe thank you!!