text; un: li_min

[kiss_it_better]

I've found myself with more free time than I know what to do with in the evenings.

[Which is to say, he's sleeping as little as humanly possible for the foreseeable future.]

I may as well do something productive with that time, right?

So I was thinking that I would be interested in learning a new language. Or maybe two, though I feel as if learning one at a time may be better. If anyone would be willing to teach me theirs I would appreciate it.

I am also interested in taking up new hobbies if anyone has any suggestion. I have a special interest in engineering and medicine, but in truth my interests are fairly eclectic.

Oh, and I was considering building a new chicken coop for our two hens. I don't suppose anyone has any advice on that? Or on raising chickens in general. I've done a bit of reading but I would enjoy hearing from people who might have more practical experiences.

[He just wants things to do to pass the time since he doesn't have enough to do here compared to back home where he had so many schemes going...and he needed the distraction.

Also, despite his attempts at depriving himself entirely of sleep, he's posting this at a very reasonable hour in the morning...or rather, he's purposefully posting at a reasonable hour so hopefully no one will suspect anything was wrong.]

Comments

[arrowroot]

For two? I would say about twenty square feet outside, at least six in the coop. And feed is usually the largest issue - you want to ensure they're getting a high fat, low salt diet. Other things can be anything that might cause a source of fear in them, like presence of known predators, sudden changes in environment, extreme temperatures, and insect infestations.

[kiss_it_better]

[...he's going to have to measure their courtyard, isn't he? He's good enough at estimating but they used completely different units of measurement in steampunk ancient China.]

What would you recommend for food?

I think most of that list should be easy enough to keep from them. I am less confident about preventing insect infestations, however.

[arrowroot]

[Likely.]

I think you're in luck in that regard. The people here seem to have a pretty good handle on it. I've yet to have any issues with my current plants.

As for food -Leafy greens, cooked beans, corn, grains, berries, apples and other fruits and vegetables, BUT avoid citrus fruits, rhubarb, avocado, uncooked beans, green potato skins and onions. They're either unhealthy or outright poisonous to them.

[kiss_it_better]

That is helpful, at least. Hopefully the Chroma we generated doesn't make that into a problem in the future.

[They are bringing back quite a few things.]

Noted.

Thank you for all your help. I really owe you for this.

[arrowroot]

Oh, it's fine! I love animals, and I grew up on a farm working with my hands as soon as I was able. I've even trained animals to accompany me in battle and recently gained the ability to do so with specific mounts. It's all second nature to me and I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to help someone with it!

Though I may ask to see your lovely hens whenever they're settled.

[kiss_it_better]

I'm lucky to receive advice from someone so knowledgeable, then.

I haven't spent much time on farm so I can certainly use all the help I could get.

And of course you can visit. Perhaps once I've built their new coop, you could come give your thoughts on it.

[arrowroot]

What prompted you to get hens now, if I may ask.

I would love to see them and the coop when you're ready, yes.

[kiss_it_better]

[Normally, he wouldn't be embarrassed to admit that it was because his lover suggested it. And he still isn't embarrassed about it except Gu Yun and gone and left...and that was still a small hurt that was still raw.]

We thought it would be good to have fresh eggs.

Hopefully it will meet your standards.

[arrowroot]

[That is a shame, though. He would have her sympathies. That's not something to mock or be ashamed of.]

I promise I'm not a harsh judge.

[kiss_it_better]

[He's like a cat. he feels a need to hide his every weakness.]

I wouldn't mind if you were. It would only be for the benefits of the hens, would it not?

[arrowroot]

[It's a good thing Ana is very skilled with animals then.]

Well, I can be a -fair- judge. I just don't want to be overly harsh because it already sounds like you're doing the best you can for them with limited previous exposure.

[kiss_it_better]

A fair judge, then.

I don't believe I've asked you for your name. Mine is Li Min.

[arrowroot]

Illyana Ackermann. Or just "Ana" if that's easier.

[kiss_it_better]

Ignoring what is easier, which is the way you'd prefer to be called?

[arrowroot]

[Aw, that's sweet of him.]

Ana.