Our chickens are now old enough for us to determine roosters from hens, and pecking orders are becoming clear. So far our biggest rooster is quite friendly (it helps that Hannah cuddles each chicken daily). But one afternoon Hannah came running into the house sobbing because one of our frizzles became quite nasty to one of the other hens. It was so aggressive that we had to separate it from the flock- our research told us that if it was kept separate for over a week and then reintroduced, it would be at the bottom of the pecking order and peace would be restored. Hannah made a temporary pen but we couldn't figure out a safe way to keep it warm overnight. Finally I got out the cat carrier and our kids got their wish- a chicken was sleeping inside our house.
Despite the cramped quarters our chicken was pretty content with the arrangement. It did well alone outside during the day, too. All was calm until the morning of the third day- I about jumped out of my skin when the chicken crowed! Repeatedly. After two mornings of crowing in my kitchen at 6 am the novelty wore off and I made Rusty take our extra rooster back to the farm. Fortunately for Hannah they are very "chickens-are-pets" minded, and were happy to take him back. They are raising a huge flock of mixed birds and none of their chickens are traditional breeds, so visiting them is like going to a petting zoo. It's an unusually happy ending for all concerned, especially for the chicken. Happy early Easter.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Friday, March 9, 2018
Birthday Request
I asked Naomi what she would like for her birthday.
She said, "Puppies!"
"Puppies?" I asked warily.
"Only two puppies" she reassured me.
Nate came home from his latest hospital stay (16 days, mostly in the PICU) last Friday. We lost our night nurse (I don't blame her, she needs to work) so I am staying up at night with Nate and cat-napping whenever I can during the day. So if you don't hear much from me, that's why. (That, and my phone is being glitchy- I've apparently not been receiving several texts and even phone calls.)
She said, "Puppies!"
"Puppies?" I asked warily.
"Only two puppies" she reassured me.
Nate came home from his latest hospital stay (16 days, mostly in the PICU) last Friday. We lost our night nurse (I don't blame her, she needs to work) so I am staying up at night with Nate and cat-napping whenever I can during the day. So if you don't hear much from me, that's why. (That, and my phone is being glitchy- I've apparently not been receiving several texts and even phone calls.)
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