Musings from and about living in Mexico
Rain in Biblical Proportions
We suppose that would be forty days and nights. That has nothing on Xico, Veracruz. It has rained at least some each and every 24 hour period since we arrived here last April 25th –save one day. That is 109 days of rain out of 110 folks. We are closing in on 3 times Biblical Proportions.
The good news is that it rains enough even in a normal year (about 55 inches per year) that drainage has established itself to a point where flooding is not an issue – at least in our micro environment.
All three of our locations here in Mexico (two in Xico and one in Puerto Escondido) have that going for them – no flooding. But, enough already with the rain. We write this knowing well there are drought conditions in more than half of the United States currently. How we wish we could just up and send some of this moisture up there.
Chicken Powered Composting
We have had a compost pile the entire seven plus years we have been on the scene here in Xico. Compost is a good thing and highly recommended. That written our pile never seems to grow as the neighborhood chickens appear to thrive on the stuff. Chickens eat and play well on a vegetarian based diet compost pile.
We have no flocksters of our own; however being one of few folks in the Hood that have a yard of any size to speak of, coupled with the fact we have open access for them, they come – everyday rain or shine. Apparently they consume compost. They meander into our three sided enclosed compost bin arena (replete with cement floor). The compost disappears as fast as it is made. They eat what they want then shred and distribute the rest.
We do not have to stir or otherwise think about the compost pile – it is self-maintaining and includes human manure by the way. 
Metabolites of the microbes driving decomposition in the heap include Vitamins K and B12. Fungal filaments growing in the heap – avidly eaten by the chickens – may provide potent immune-enhancing and antibacterial compounds. And don’t forget the “mental health” factor: Unquestionably, the flocksters are more happy and content, because of the sheer entertainment value of their foraging field over in our yard, in contrast to the stress and boredom of close confinement. As Martha would say, “It’s a Good Thing!”
Metabolites of the microbes driving decomposition in the heap include Vitamins K and B12. Fungal filaments growing in the heap – avidly eaten by the chickens – may provide potent immune-enhancing and antibacterial compounds. And don’t forget the “mental health” factor: Unquestionably, the flocksters are more happy and content, because of the sheer entertainment value of their foraging field over in our yard, in contrast to the stress and boredom of close confinement. As Martha would say, “It’s a Good Thing!”
The other day friends asked us if we have any mice problems. We answered, “No!” We realized those varmints are a chicken delicacy – to be devoured! They keep the bug population at bay as well. They can even be entertaining – At least while we are waiting for the coffee to steep in the French press – flockster watching whiles away that time. 
Coffee!
Stay Tuned!
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ivan