Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

Inspired by several of you I have decided to give my chickens a pumpkin. I have never done this before - they have only ever had ones that got mushy from the frost when a neighbor contributed them.
I have also never carved a pumpkin myself.
So all in all a bit of an experiment.
Today, Thursday, my first attempt at carving a pumpkin.

3:40pm and nobody is at all impressed.
View attachment 3971922
View attachment 3971923

Awesome!

Yes I am reading backwards…..

 

[Sylvester017]

Inspired by several of you I have decided to give my chickens a pumpkin. I have never done this before - they have only ever had ones that got mushy from the frost when a neighbor contributed them.
I have also never carved a pumpkin myself.
So all in all a bit of an experiment.
Today, Thursday, my first attempt at carving a pumpkin.

3:40pm and nobody is at all impressed.
View attachment 3971922
View attachment 3971923

Ten minutes later at 3:50pm there is some interest.
View attachment 3971928
I am worried I didn’t cut big enough holes for them.

Another ten minutes at 4:10pm I realize I did not need to be concerned.
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And now at 4:40. Exactly an hour after meeting poor Mr. Pumpkin Head, they have wiped the smile off his face!
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I don’t know what I was expecting really, but I was surprised how much they love the pumpkin flesh. I thought it would be all about the guts. They also eat the skin.
I also thought the pumpkin might last several days, but at this rate I doubt he will make it through tomorrow!
The way they hammer through that hard flesh is quite intimidating I must confess!

That is so cute! So glad to see SOMEBODY'S chickens eat pumpkin. My girls avoid any kind of pumpkin cut or whole ~ tried everything ~ they walk past pumpkin as if it's just a lawn ornament or invisible! Just as well anyway, pumpkins aren't cheap before Halloween .

 

[featherhead007]

Soil?! No soil just poop and straw

Wait!

 

[featherhead007]

Thirsty Thursday pic:

 

[SimpleJenn]

Thirsty Thursday

Pompom boys and Ash
Ric Flair and his adoring fans

 

[Ponypoor]

Wait!

Too late…

Chooks are in bed

 

[featherhead007]

Too late…

Chooks are in bed

the mountain will turn into dirt, if composed correctly.

 

[notabitail]

Soil?! No soil just poop and straw

Why did I read that as relax poop and straw?

 

[bgmathteach]

I needed something to comfort me, so I invited CeeCee in for a snack. View attachment 3971332

Hmmm, I see it isn't just the 'red head' that is a messy eater! Or is she the 'clean-up crew' after the red-head???

 

[bgmathteach]

Clever idea.
I sometimes dip twists of paper in candle wax to use as fire starters, but mostly I just use kindling.

I use old egg cartons (ones that got soiled or something and I no longer use for eggs), and sawdust (very dry!), and drip melted wax from spent candles to keep them dry and intact. Very handy. and completely free, just as both of your suggestions are! @rural mouse : you must be able to collect some sawdust when you are cutting all that wood - just bring a small bag with you next time you go. (RC: maybe you can't use spent candle wax due to allergies and need bees wax? Probably environmentally better, but I love scented candles - and thye are also handy when the power goes out for light!)