Chickens and the eclipse

[centrarchid]

My birds won't roost if im outside they think I've got food which im going to be outside and yes I'm going to have food. My presence disrupts their routine, so the experience here may differ quite a bit. They are hardwired to roost but it can be overridden.

Hide.

 

[cluckcluckhens]

I heard some people want to come where I'm at since it's starts in my State. Someone told me when it happens the chickens will think it's dark and go in to roost. This will be very interesting to see what my girls do next month.

Anyone that is taking videos next month thank you. Not suppose to look at it directly it could blind us.

I don't remember this growing up but apparently it happened.

 

[Chickassan]

Hide.

I think I've got a solution! If i feed them at least half an hour before the event starts they will assume I'm out of food, might even have to show them my empty hands a few times. It worked when they were small it should still work. I will give it a test run at roost time tonight see me I've still got the "im out girls go to bed magic."

 

[centrarchid]

That is similar to me. I will follow typical feeding protocol in morning about dawn then operate around birds during the day like I do on weekends. They do not follow me looking for food.

 

[aart]

I think I've got a solution! If i feed them at least half an hour before the event starts they will assume I'm out of food, might even have to show them my empty hands a few times. It worked when they were small it should still work. I will give it a test run at roost time tonight see me I've still got the "im out girls go to bed magic."

This would null any behavior observation/experimentation with chickens regarding the eclipse.......and a bad habit to have birds think you have food every time they see you.
Where are you located anyway(put it in your profile?)?

I am pretty far(~400mi) from the path of totality, will see about 80% coverage
Here's a cool interactive map of it:
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_GoogleMapFull.html

.....and the instructions for using it:http://www.eclipse2017.org/xavier_redirect.htm

We are having a library program next week by the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society with glasses for sale, really looking forward to program and event.

 

[centrarchid]

I am about 8 mi south of the blue line.

 

[Chickassan]

I'm doing this for my own enjoyment so it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect, but I will do what i can. Im around 15 miles n of the blue line and will achieve maximum coverage. The birds go to a senior center on the weekend, two of them do anyway so they see everyone as food not just me.That was my main reason for choosing docile pleasant to touch birds this season, unfortunately it has resulted in some needy chickens but also some happy seniors.

 

[SueT]

We were in Booneville MO yesterday, talking to a woman who works at the Katy Trail visitor center. They are very close to the blue line, and she's been told by state park officials to expect the 'equivalent of a natural disaster' crowd wise. They speculate that I 70 could be 'like a parking lot....'

 

[karenerwin]

I live in Jefferson county, MO and we have been told traffic will be a nightmare!!
We are just off of the blue line and not that far from "longest view time" and "most eclipsed" time. I'm a teacher and will be at school teaching. Our district has activities planned. The kids are suppose to be outside with eclipse glasses. Am still concerned about those students "That don't follow directions". I teach 6th graders, so hopefully it won't be a problem. I feel bad for those who teach young elementary school aged kids.

 

[SueT]

I feel bad for those who teach young elementary school aged kids.

I remember an eclipse in 1960, when I was 9 yrs old. We kids took the warnings and instructions very seriously.