Dead Birds

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Oh no! I was never a helicopter mom w/my kids,but w/o a doubt have become one w/the goons. I'm so sorry abt Scout Red, but relieved that you're seeing the behavior, too. I'm not sure my hens are in the spirit, they usually run over to me for cover, but the males are definitely in the game.
None have gone to the road since the semi show down (no one injured), and they've become more responsive to my "call", whether it be yelling or hand clapping. I'm working on ringing a bell to call them back to the run so I don't sound like the village idiot making weird noises or yelling. They're doing pretty well w/it. My girls are more stubborn; they see it as "oh, goody, she's locked the males up so we can graze peacefully."
But I still don't let them out on their own. I stay out and putter around or read.Usually, they're the ones who head back in on their own. Still too windy to stay out long in the cold.
But it makes me think I should start preparing. Numi just dug out a nest in the sand last year, so I'm not sure if I should leave it at that or tuck in some sort of bedding to make the hiding places in the run appealing. Seems like the sand would still be cold this early in year.
Leave it, give straw, bedding, strips of felt? (all were puppy pad and felt brooded except Brodie). Nothing's going to get wet for now because run is still covered, but concerned abt mold,etc. See, always something new, I'm a sworn in Probie. Lol
*Mochie has this routine she goes through every day where she starts in the sunroom, gets a running start and runs the length of run,then runs back but diverts her run through the "escape routes", back to the sun room, and repeat. She does this about 5x, and then she's done. Same route, every day.. I don't know the purpose, but it's hilarious to watch bc she leans from one side to the other as she runs like a biker.

Aw Mochie sounds so cute doing her run routine! Someone is getting in shape for summer romance!!!

Yeah, I could be a helicopter mom, but it’s a little impractical! I have to go to work and the guineas have an important job as tick removers… Very sad to lose another to the road though. I keep telling hubby that I’m ready to move to 100 acres in the boondocks!

 

[Sydney65]

Aw Mochie sounds so cute doing her run routine! Someone is getting in shape for summer romance!!!

Yeah, I could be a helicopter mom, but it’s a little impractical! I have to go to work and the guineas have an important job as tick removers… Very sad to lose another to the road though. I keep telling hubby that I’m ready to move to 100 acres in the boondocks!

Definitely I couldn't do this if I were still working, I spent a lot of time out of town. It would be even more impractical if I had a larger flock. It's probably impractical now, but -. I'm a natural blonde, no one ever claimed we were practical. (does it count as politically incorrect when you're referring to yourself?!)
I think this grandparenting gig requires far more continuing ed than nursing ever did, but the goons either get their freetime while this one is at preschool or after he goes home in the evening. He ages out of 1st steps on his bd and into the school corp's early childhood development program. It's an odd way to do things, in the middle of a school year, but it means the goons & I will have a few more free hours a day just intime to open the gardens up. As far as tick removal, they're hard at work already-not sure what they're munching on, but there seems to be plenty of it.