<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Confluence Energy</title> <atom:link href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com</link> <description>Wood pellet products from Kremmling Colorado</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 15 Oct 2017 18:15:20 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Tips to Help Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Oct 2017 18:07:30 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chick en coop ventilation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ecopett coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[preparing chicken coop for winter]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1229</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>For most, fall is a time to prepare your chicken coop for winter. Maintenance you’ve been putting off should be completed. Things like making sure your water heater is working, predator protection is in place are high priorities.  Of course, fall is a great time to start fresh with your bedding – to clean out… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html">Tips to Help Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For most, fall is a time to <img class="alignright wp-image-1230 size-medium" title="prepare your chicken coop for winter" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chick-coop-winter-300x214.png" alt="prepare your chicken coop for winter" width="300" height="214" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chick-coop-winter-300x214.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chick-coop-winter.png 515w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />prepare your chicken coop for winter. Maintenance you’ve been putting off should be completed. Things like making sure your water heater is working, predator protection is in place are high priorities. Of course, fall is a great time to start fresh with your bedding – to clean out the coop and run. And, make sure you have plenty of EcoPett Coop Bedding on hand to see you through the season, too. EcoPett Coop Bedding breaks down into a warm insulation sawdust layer, with less dust than other bedding. And, unlike shavings, it is super absorbent; so it is less damp and wet creating a healthier environment to see your flock through the season.</p> <p>Also, here are some words of wisdom on ventilation to help prepare your chicken coop for winter from thebackyardchickenfarmer.com:</p> <p><em><strong>“Ventilation</strong></em><strong> </strong>– Good ventilation allows dissipation of <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1232" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chickens-winter-coop-300x197.png" alt="chicken coop winter bedding" width="300" height="197" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chickens-winter-coop-300x197.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chickens-winter-coop-333x220.png 333w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chickens-winter-coop-245x160.png 245w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/image-chickens-winter-coop.png 612w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />moisture from chicken’s breath during the winter and provides a fresh air source during the summer. Your first instinct is to plug every hole in the chicken coop, thinking it will keep your birds warm—don’t do it. With the cold weather, chickens spend more time roosting in the coop and good airflow removes moisture.</p> <p>Roosting chickens create moisture; allowing it to condensate inside the coop creates cold and damp conditions which are unhealthy for your chickens. The moisture settles on combs and wattles, causing frostbite. You need good ventilation but not drafty. Drafts in direct line with chicken roosts are dangerous. If your chicken house has windows or vents, keep them open just enough to give some airflow but not wide enough to cause drafts on roosting chickens. Cold drafts can kill a roosting chicken so make sure your ventilation only allows the air to circulate, keeping the moisture down.</p> <p><em><strong>Heat</strong></em><strong> </strong><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">– No…no…and no again. Okay, I know there is much debate about this one, especially those living in colder, northern climates. Our winters in Oklahoma rarely have long cold spells with subzero temperatures: our winters usually stay above the freezing mark. However, my grandparents kept chickens in harsh environments with no heat in the hen house, only good winterization. My dad’s parents lived in northern Ohio while my mother’s lived in northern Iowa; both kept flocks throughout the winter, with rarely a loss.</span></p> <p>The biggest problem with heating your coop and preserving a warmer temperature is chickens only feather out in light down and not their full winter down. If you lose power for any time, your heat source is gone and chickens aren’t acclimated to the colder temperatures. We have ice storms in the winter, so losing electricity is common. If we kept our chicken coop heated, we might lose some chickens.</p> <p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">All heating sources are dangerous. If you feel you must heat, follow manufacturer’s safety precautions for your heat source. Coop fires are common in winter making safety a must. Heat bulbs are a common heating source. Hang them with sturdy clips, out of the way where chickens can’t knock them into bedding and cause a fire. I recommend oil-filled radiant heaters instead of heat lamps. These heaters won’t subject the flock to long-term illumination, causing egg production system damage. Whatever heat source you use, keep it at a low temperature, no higher than 25° F to avoid molting those extra layers of feathers. I suggest letting them grow their downy “underwear” and not offer any artificial heat unless it gets cold for long periods: -20° F or below.”</span></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html">Tips to Help Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/tips-help-prepare-chicken-coop-winter.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>TrueChar Biochar Featured in Colorado Biz Magazine</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:51:36 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[absorbents]]></category> <category><![CDATA[biochar]]></category> <category><![CDATA[carbon sequestering]]></category> <category><![CDATA[climate change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coloradobiz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[truechar]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1204</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Confluence Energy’s Jonah Levine, also industry rep to the International Biochar Initiative, was featured in ColoradoBiz article (ColoradoBiz Biochar Article ) about biochar  and Confluence Energy’s TrueChar biochar product. Biochar is a fast-growing, carbon-rich product used as a soil amendment in agriculture, for waste clean-up, for absorbency in pet products and more.  Confluence Energy’s TrueChar™ biochar, for example,… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html">TrueChar Biochar Featured in Colorado Biz Magazine</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Confluence Energy’s Jonah Levine, <img class="alignright wp-image-1212 size-medium" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-COBIZ-art-300x252.png" alt="" width="300" height="252" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-COBIZ-art-300x252.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-COBIZ-art.png 584w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />also industry rep to the International Biochar Initiative, was featured in ColoradoBiz article (<a href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Press-COBIZ-article-july-aug-2017.pdf">ColoradoBiz Biochar Article</a> ) about biochar and Confluence Energy’s TrueChar biochar product. Biochar is a fast-growing, carbon-rich product used as a soil amendment in agriculture, for waste clean-up, for absorbency in pet products and more. </p> <p>Confluence Energy’s TrueChar™ biochar, for example, is used in its successful natural EcoPett Cat Litter for super absorbency and odor reduction. It’s also used in the company’s Walden Organics soil products to aide in retention of moisture and nutrients. It’s a great absorbent for many applications. According to the article, it’s an important product in the fight against climate change.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html">TrueChar Biochar Featured in Colorado Biz Magazine</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/truechar-biochar-featured-colorado-biz-magazine.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Safeway Stores Selling Tennessee Grilling Co. Wood Grilling Pellets!</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:42:38 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grilling barbecue wood pellets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[safeway stores]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tennessee grrilling co wood pellets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wood grilling pellets]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1190</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>All things BBQ has become a nation-wide craze. With the popularization of wood pellet grills, Tennessee Grilling Co.’s wood grilling pellets is well-timed. Safeway® agreed! Wood pellet grills have been a true game changer in barbecuing. The key is the use of a natural, hard wood that is extremely compressed to create a create a… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html">Safeway Stores Selling Tennessee Grilling Co. Wood Grilling Pellets!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright wp-image-1192" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree1-CPY-2-300x290.jpg" alt="" width="254" height="245" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree1-CPY-2-300x290.jpg 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree1-CPY-2.jpg 486w" sizes="(max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px" />All things BBQ has become a nation-wide craze. With the popularization of wood pellet grills, Tennessee Grilling Co.’s wood grilling pellets is well-timed. Safeway® agreed!</p> <p>Wood pellet grills have been a true game changer in barbecuing. The key is the use of a natural, hard wood that is extremely compressed to create a create a slow, even, and dependable burn. Unlike some brands, Tennessee Grilling Co. uses pure, actual pieces of wood, rather than saw dust without any artificial ingredients or additives. This results in a rich, crafted and delicious flavor for all meats, seafood, veggies and more!</p> <p>Tennessee Grilling Co. wood grilling pellets are perfect for use in any <img class="alignright wp-image-1198" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-grill-mesquite-mathis-CPY-2-1.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="290">brand wood pellet grill. They currently are available in three rich, delicious flavors: Hickory, Mesquite and Competition Blend, a delightful blend of peach and apple flavors. Look for them now in Safeway® Store locations around Colorado, including:</p> <ul> <li>Safeway at 28<sup>th</sup> & Arapahoe, Boulder, CO</li> <li>Safeway at 9229 E. Lincoln, Lone Tree, CO</li> <li>Safeway at 9255 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO</li> </ul> <p>Wood grilling pellets add natural flavor to your food and enrich your grilling experience. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tennesseegrillingco">https://www.facebook.com/tennesseegrillingco</a> or call 970/724-9839.</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="alignright wp-image-1196" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree_1B-CPY-2-300x243.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="227" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree_1B-CPY-2-300x243.jpg 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Grill-Sfway_LoneTree_1B-CPY-2.jpg 373w" sizes="(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html">Safeway Stores Selling Tennessee Grilling Co. Wood Grilling Pellets!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/safeway-stores-selling-tennessee-grilling-co-wood-grilling-pellets.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Walden Organics Partners on Wild Earth Day Event with Wild Animal Sanctuary</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2017 20:37:48 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[earth day]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walden organics donation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wild animal sanctuary]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wild earth day]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1177</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Kremmling, Colorado’s Walden Organics, maker of sustainably-produced soil products, teams with Keenesburg’s 720-acre Wild Animal Sanctuary to enhance its 2017 Wild Earth Day celebration. Walden Organics, div. of Confluence Energy, donated close to 1,000 dry quarts of its popular Outdoor Garden Mix as part of the Sanctuary’s Earth Day “Bring a Tree, Get in Free”… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html">Walden Organics Partners on Wild Earth Day Event with Wild Animal Sanctuary</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1181" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-wild-earth-day-CPY-300x183.png" alt="" width="300" height="183" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-wild-earth-day-CPY-300x183.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-wild-earth-day-CPY.png 437w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Kremmling, Colorado’s Walden Organics, maker of sustainably-produced soil products, teams with Keenesburg’s 720-acre Wild Animal Sanctuary to enhance its 2017 Wild Earth Day celebration. Walden Organics, div. of Confluence Energy, donated close to 1,000 dry quarts of its popular Outdoor Garden Mix as part of the Sanctuary’s Earth Day “Bring a Tree, Get in Free” effort. With a potted tree, shrub, or plant, visitors get in free to the event where visitors will enjoy the wares of arts, crafts and entertainments vendors, nibble and mingle with like-minded folks, all while enjoying the beautiful grounds and the Sanctuary’s magnificent residents.</p> <p>The “Bring a Tree” promotion not only provides free entrance to the Wild Earth Day event (as well as a qualified tax deduction for the cost of the plant), it supports the Wild Animal Sanctuary’s efforts to enhance animal habitats and beautify the sanctuary for visitors, too. Walden Organics’ Jonah Levine stated, “We’re thrilled to provide our sustainable soil products to support the Wild Animal Sanctuary as their philosophy of making the planet better perfectly aligns with our goal, too.” </p> <p><a href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/residential-products/soil-amendments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walden Organics</a> sustainably produces a potting soil, outdoor garden mix, garden mulch and wood chip mulch. The line of products is designed to enhance soil structure, improve moisture retention, supply nutrient and organic matter or simply provide an better aesthetic to landscapes. Currently, retail stores in Colorado carrying Walden Organics include select Jax and Lucky’s Market stores, Happy Life Garden Center in Evans, and Sturtz & Copeland in Boulder, among other retailers.</p> <p>According to the <a href="http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wild Animal Sanctuary website</a>, Wild Earth Day is designed as an event to help mother earth and the animals and humans who inhabit this wonderful planet. Visitors are invited to celebrate a Wild Earth Day with all the vendors and exhibitors plus “more than 450 of the wildest friends you could ever have.” Suggested plants to bring include a cottonwood tree, eastern red cedar tree or a lilac or sand cherry bush. The daytime only event takes place Saturday, April 22 beginning at 9am at the Wild Animal Sanctuary which is located at 2999 County Road 53, Keenseburg, CO. And, it’s rain or shine as the Sanctuary has a 48,000 square foot indoor complex to house all the entertainment and vendors if it’s needed.</p> <p>Walden Organics’ parent company Confluence Energy, is a manufacturing company based in Kremmling, CO. Confluence Energy (CE) uses locally sourced biomass to produce products for individual, commercial, agricultural and industrial use. Sustainably producing products has been a mission for CE from the beginning, and the addition of a biochar product to its mix was a huge step in the company’s mission to become a carbon-negative manufacturer. Since early in its operations, CE has maintained its commitment to provide at least half of its energy usage from its own production process through thermal energy utilization within the plants. That eliminates the requirement for additional fossil fuels to provide energy for the manufacturing process. In an era where every carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule counts, CE also is making an impact in reducing its carbon footprint. By producing Biochar and deriving approximately 50% of their energy from renewable, biomass sources, they’re making green products even greener. </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html">Walden Organics Partners on Wild Earth Day Event with Wild Animal Sanctuary</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-partners-wild-earth-day-event-wild-animal-sanctuary.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2016 21:02:31 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[absorbent coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[best coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken coop]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chickn coop and winter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coop bedding absorbency]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1143</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In the fall, no matter where you live, this is the time to prepare your chicken coop for the upcoming winter season. Two of many important considerations include coop bedding and insulation. Coop Construction It’s good to take a thorough look at your coop’s construction. Examine its wind, weather and water proofing. The coop should… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html">Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the fall, no matter where you live, this is the time to prepare your chicken coop for the upcoming winter season. Two of many important considerations include coop bedding and insulation.</p> <h3>Coop Construction<img class="alignright wp-image-1146 size-medium" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-coop-10-19-16-300x300.png" alt="prepare your chicken coop for winter with absorbent bedding" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-coop-10-19-16-300x300.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-coop-10-19-16-150x150.png 150w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-coop-10-19-16-70x70.png 70w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-coop-10-19-16.png 391w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h3> <p>It’s good to take a thorough look at your coop’s construction. Examine its wind, weather and water proofing. The coop should be warm (but not too warm) and dry, with gentle air movement. The coop should allow air flow and fresh air without being drafty or cold. Some people choose to use screened windows that can be closed or shuttered at night. Others have effectively used screens in small areas such as under roof overhangs, which allows moisture build up to escape without allowing direct wind flow. It’s important to insulate yet still create ventilation opportunities. Over-insulating without ventilation can trap the moisture from the chickens inside along with the ammonia from their droppings inside the coop. This can lead to disease, damaged lungs and even death.</p> <p>In the same way, ensuring that your coop is fully water-proofed so than rain, sleet or snow cannot fall within the house is essential. The screened openings which do exist should be created so that they don’t allow moisture, while still allowing moisture to escape.</p> <h3>Coop Bedding & Absorbency<img class="alignright wp-image-1147 size-medium" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-Coop-two-10-19-16-CPY-300x225.png" alt="prepare your chicken coop for winter with EcoPett Coop Bedding" width="300" height="225" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-Coop-two-10-19-16-CPY-300x225.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-Coop-two-10-19-16-CPY.png 378w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h3> <p>This is where especially absorbent bedding – like EcoPett Natural Pine Coop Bedding – is key to chicken health. EcoPett Coop Bedding is extra absorbent, quickly trapping moisture and ammonia to keep the coop clean, dry and safe for your chickens. With straw and shavings, whole areas of bedding become wet with moisture and can quickly lead to infection. Instead, EcoPett Coop Bedding traps moisture into small clumps. These clumps can easily be scooped and removed while leaving the remainder of the bedding dry. EcoPett also is proven to be a quick and better option for absorbing ammonia gas. (All this means less cleaning time and cost, too!)</p> <p>In winter, even more than summer, it’s critical to monitor the bedding and remove moisture areas and clumps frequently. You may wish to add a little more bedding to your coop in winter to create little deeper layer during this season.</p> <p>Being vigilant about bedding, air flow and insulation is a great way to help prepare your chicken coop for winter and to have healthy chickens in the spring.</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html">Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Winter</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/preparing-chicken-coop-winter.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>That’s a Lot of…..Horse Manure!</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2016 19:26:02 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[absorbent horse bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ecopett bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[horse manure management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pine pellet bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wood horse bedding]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1137</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Anyone who’s cared for horses knows how nice (and financially wise) it would be to reduce the amount of time spent mucking waste material from stalls and to have less of it to dispose of afterward. That’s a time consuming chore, and EcoPett Premium Pine Bedding is an all-natural product that can help. EcoPett Bedding… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html">That’s a Lot of…..Horse Manure!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anyone who’s cared for horses knows how nice (and financially wise) it would be to reduce the amount of time spent mucking waste material from stalls and to have less of it to dispose of afterward. That’s a time consuming chore, and EcoPett Premium Pine Bedding is an all-natural product that can help. EcoPett Bedding greatly reduces both the time needed to muck stalls and the amount of material that needs to be removed.</p> <p>According to Michael Westerndorf, Extension Specialist with Rutgers University’s Animal Sciences, an average <img class="size-medium wp-image-1138 alignright" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-mucking-stall-gal-300x218.png" alt="EcoPett Bedding Stall Mucking" width="300" height="218" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-mucking-stall-gal-300x218.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Image-mucking-stall-gal.png 482w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />1000-pound horse produces between 31 pounds of manure and 2.4 gallons of urine every day. The urine is acidic in nature, containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. With this amount and composition of waste, stalls can quickly become wet and smelly. Anyone who has or manages horses know this requires a lot of mucking of this waste material and soiled bedding from stalls.</p> <h3>Improve Horse Bedding Absorption and Efficiency</h3> <p>While straw, paper and other materials can quickly become soggy and smelly, EcoPett Pine Bedding is super absorbent. The pellets very quickly absorb moisture, expanding up to 5+X their size. With this extreme absorbency, you simply scoop the small, soiled areas similar to cleaning a cat litter box, leaving the remainder of the material. Unlike straw, shavings and paper, you don’t have to replenish nearly as much or as often. And, there is so much less waste material to scoop and remove.</p> <p>EcoPett Premium Pine Bedding is an all-natural product that works to reduce both your time spent mucking, the amount of waste material and your labor costs. It’s a win-win!</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html">That’s a Lot of…..Horse Manure!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/horse-manure-management.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>EcoPett Coop Bedding Healthy for Chicken Dust Baths</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2016 17:34:08 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chichen health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken dust bath]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken dust bath ingredients]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken dusting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[poultry dust bath]]></category> <category><![CDATA[poultry health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1111</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Want a healthy chicken dust bath? EcoPett’s Coop Bedding, with its added TrueChar™ biochar pieces, is a healthy additive to chicken dust bath areas. Chickens use dust baths to stay clean, healthy and insect or parasite free. And maybe, they even do it just for fun, too. Loose dirt or sand is the most common… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html">EcoPett Coop Bedding Healthy for Chicken Dust Baths</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Want a healthy chicken dust bath? EcoPett’s Coop Bedding, with its added TrueChar™ biochar pieces, is a healthy additive to chicken dust bath areas. Chickens use dust baths to stay clean, healthy and insect or parasite free. And maybe, they even do it just for fun, too.</p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-1112 alignleft" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/fb-barnyard-chickens-300x292.png" alt="barnyard chickens" width="300" height="292" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/fb-barnyard-chickens-300x292.png 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/fb-barnyard-chickens.png 315w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p>Loose dirt or sand is the most common base material. And EcoPett Coop Bedding, after it breaks down to tinier particulate, is a fresh, natural material that can be mixed in with dry dirt. Some people create creating an distinctive area ringed by wood, logs or other containment material. Some simply leave it in a open area in the yard or pen.</p> <p>Now, there are other natural additives which can provide benefits. Charcoal or biochar are definitely healthful options. Biochar is a proven digestive aid, promoting health and absorbing toxins. Chickens will nibble on the tiny bits of biochar added to EcoPett Coop Bedding for this kind of benefit. You’ll note this whether in your coop or your dust bath. It’s a fantastic extra benefit from EcoPett.</p> <p>Other natural choices include dried herbs. For more information on dust baths and additives, check out this article from <a href="http://bit.ly/28nUUkm" target="_blank">Fresh Eggs Daily.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html">EcoPett Coop Bedding Healthy for Chicken Dust Baths</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-coop-bedding-healthy-chicken-dust-baths.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>EcoPett Perfect for Chick Pens & Coop Bedding</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2016 20:13:07 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chick pen bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coop bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[natural chick bedding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[natural pet product]]></category> <category><![CDATA[organic pet product]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pet bedding]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1088</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>CASTLE ROCK, CO – The EcoPett Natural Coop Bedding already has happy customers! And, it’s enjoying expanded use as a coop bedding for those raising poultry and other birds. For product tester Pam Scott of Rampart Feed & Pet in Castle Rock, CO, EcoPett Coop Bedding performed so well that they not only will sell… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html">EcoPett Perfect for Chick Pens & Coop Bedding</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>CASTLE ROCK, CO – The EcoPett Natural Coop Bedding already has happy customers! And, it’s enjoying expanded use as a coop bedding for those raising poultry and other birds.</p> <p>For product tester Pam Scott of Rampart Feed & Pet in Castle Rock, CO, EcoPett Coop Bedding performed so well that they not only will sell the product but also have switched to it for their own in-store chick pens. Pam really works hard to provide a clean and healthy environment for her chicks. According to Pam, “We switched to EcoPett in-store for our chick pen bedding. We used to see 16 times the loss in chicks than what we are getting now that we switched. When we used straw or shavings, the resulting infections from the chick waste was much higher, and we were cleaning the pens at least 3 times a week. With EcoPett as our coop bedding, we only lose 1% and only have to clean once a week.”</p> <div id="attachment_1090" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="wp-image-1090 size-medium" title="EcoPett Crumble natural bedding" src="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Rampart-Feed-Chick-Pen-One-3-31-16-CPY-300x180.jpg" alt="Young cicks enjoying EcoPett Bedding Crumble" width="300" height="180" srcset="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Rampart-Feed-Chick-Pen-One-3-31-16-CPY-300x180.jpg 300w, http://www.confluenceenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Rampart-Feed-Chick-Pen-One-3-31-16-CPY.jpg 459w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Young chicks enjoying EcoPett Bedding Crumble</p></div> <p>Many customers have commented on the extreme absorbency of the product, noting how it captures the ammonia and moisture. Pam’s experience was that the product absorbed so well that it doubled its size.</p> <p>As an added benefit, EcoPett Coop Bedding is a natural and 100% organic product. It contains no harmful additives, silica dust or added fragrances. It’s also sustainably produced by Confluence Energy who is a Colorado company on a path to carbon negativity.</p> <h3>Confluence Energy Sustainability Mission</h3> <p>At Confluence Energy, we are committed to protecting our planet Earth. We begin by utilizing local beetle-killed pine and other waste streams to produce our products, and we have created a sustainable, state-of-the-art manufacturing process. We are reducing our carbon footprint by 25% through the production of biochar, which sequesters carbon, and by deriving 50% our energy from renewable, biomass sources. Confluence Energy—making a green product even greener.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html">EcoPett Perfect for Chick Pens & Coop Bedding</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/ecopett-crumbles-perfect-for-coop-bedding.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Walden Organics Awarded Best New Product at ProGreen EXPO</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 20:20:20 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[best new green product award]]></category> <category><![CDATA[progreen expo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walden organics]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=1076</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>DENVER, CO – Walden Organics’ new product line was awarded top honors – the Best New “Must Have” Product — at the February 2016 ProGreen EXPO from a field of more than 400 exhibitors. The ProGreen EXPO is the Rocky Mountain Region’s only green industry conference and annual gathering of more than 4,500 industry professionals.… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html">Walden Organics Awarded Best New Product at ProGreen EXPO</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>DENVER, CO – Walden Organics’ new product line was awarded top honors – the Best New “Must Have” Product — at the February 2016 ProGreen EXPO from a field of more than 400 exhibitors. The ProGreen EXPO is the Rocky Mountain Region’s only green industry conference and annual gathering of more than 4,500 industry professionals. The show’s focus allows attendees to preview the latest green technology and products from exhibitors.</p> <h3>The ProGreen EXPO Best New Product Award</h3> <p>The award is a “Retailers Choice” distinction. The winner is voted on by thousands of attendees, primarily from retail garden centers around the region. “We’re delighted to receive such a prestigious Green Industry award and to be recognized as the best from among the hundreds of new and wonderful green products at the show,” said Mark Mathis, CEO of Confluence Energy.™</p> <h3>The Products</h3> <p>Walden Organics’ new products include sustainably produced soil amendments made mainly from trees ravaged by the pine beetle epidemic in the Rocky Mountains. “It’s a great example of making something useful from the dead trees which otherwise pose a fire hazard, and it’s also an incredibly rich, aged organic material that is a fantastic base for these products,” noted Jonah Levine, Product Line Manager for Walden Organics.</p> <p>The new products include Potting Soil, Outdoor Garden Mix and Garden Mulch. Both the Potting Soil and the Outdoor Garden Mix also contain parent company Confluence Energy’s TrueChar™ Biochar. TruChar™ is a wood-based product which promotes moisture and nutrient retention. It is also a sustainable ingredient as it is a fixed carbon product, meaning it produces no additional release of carbon and therefore has no impact on global warming. Biochar, in general, is also being looked at for possible uses related to carbon sequestration.</p> <p>The Walden Organics line of products also bears the <a href="https://www.colorado.gov/agmarkets/colorado-proud" target="_blank">Colorado Proud</a>™ seal, meaning it is produced in Colorado and formulated using mostly organic, Colorado-sourced ingredients. Walden Organics products are available in retail and bulk bag options.</p> <h3>More About Walden Organics™ & Confluence Energy™</h3> <p>Walden Organics is part of Confluence Energy™, the largest wood pellet manufacturer in the region and headquartered in Kremmling, Colorado. Confluence Energy began operations in 2008. They initially produced wood pellets for residential and commercial heating purposes and have since expanded, producing other biomass materials for various industries including garden and agriculture, golf course, animal bedding and cat litter, oil field waste treatment, water recycling and automotive maintenance among others.</p> <p>During the last year, through the development of TrueChar™, Confluence Energy reduced its carbon footprint by an additional 25 percent. By utilizing the thermal energy created in its pellet production process, the company is able to get 50 percent of its power needs covered by renewable biomass. While TrueChar™ and the work done at Confluence Energy will not solve global warming on its own, Confluence Energy is committed to an innovative and environmentally conscious business model and to making green products even greener.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html">Walden Organics Awarded Best New Product at ProGreen EXPO</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/walden-organics-awarded-best-new-must-have-product-at-progreen-expo.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>EcoPett Cat Litter is Ready to Go!</title> <link>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html</link> <comments>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html#respond</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:02:29 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karen Mathis]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.confluenceenergy.com/?p=965</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>No more yuck! Cat owners, you can be done with the dust and tracking, the soggy wheat and nut messes, the powdery, sawdust-style formulas that just don’t clump and the cloying, artificial fragrances. EcoPett™ Cat Litter is a newly-launched, 100% organic, pine-based cat litter that really works! Its formula of organic ingredients is specially formulated… <a class="more-link" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html"> Read More»</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html">EcoPett Cat Litter is Ready to Go!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No more yuck! Cat owners, you can be done with the dust and tracking, the soggy wheat and nut messes, the powdery, sawdust-style formulas that just don’t clump and the cloying, artificial fragrances. EcoPett™ Cat Litter is a newly-launched, 100% organic, pine-based cat litter that really works!</p> <p>Its formula of organic ingredients is specially formulated to be easy on the paws and on your home. Its perfect blend of small (but not too small) pieces is designed to trap odors and liquid instantly. It’s fast and long-lasting. EcoPett Cat Litter™ also includes TrueChar™, a Biochar product and nature’s filtering medium. This special ingredient has enormous surface area that won’t let smells or liquid escape. You won’t have a mess at the bottom of the box.</p> <p>In initial product testing, EcoPett™ out-performed market leaders of pine-based cat litters. Additionally, it out-performed clay-, wheat- and nut-based litters for absorbency, odor control and dust/mess factor.</p> <p>To learn more, contact EcoPett parent company Confluence Energy at 970.724-9839.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html">EcoPett Cat Litter is Ready to Go!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.confluenceenergy.com">Confluence Energy</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.confluenceenergy.com/natural-cat-litter-is-ready-to-go.html/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>