fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

I was off from work today, so I was able to visit with the flock for several short periods.

I went out about 9:30am, decided to check for eggs. I reached in the popular box and felt something soft, and heard a soft query noise...Martha was in there, yeah Martha!

Experiment, would they eat an overripe banana?

They made a few tentative pecks as I observed.

When I got back from taking my dog to the vet their dish was empty!

And I believe one of these was Martha's:

 

[fuzzi]

Yes, it howled loudly just like a hurricane!
It cold air had been in place, it would have been a blizzard.

The shop is insured thankfully. They still don't know how much is damaged inside. He has a lot of tools. He is 85 yrs old and so upset. MIL is 80 and just came home from the hospital.
Just not a good situation. Of course we will do what we can to help them.

How are your in-laws doing?

 

[NanaK]

MIL, had just got out of the hospital before this happened. Yesterday she sounded a lot stronger health-wise and in spirit.

Their insurance company asked them to take photos and bring them to the local office. Agreed the building is a total loss. The adjuster is going to come Monday to account for contents coverage.

My BIL owns heavy duty landscaping equipment. He has tractors, dump trucks, back hoes, etc. He is going to help with what ever they need.

They have 7 adult children with spouses and most will help with clean up.

So a plan is in place and will proceed after the adjuster does what he needs to do. It's a mess on less than an acre lot. It's going to take time but it will get done! Just very thankful no one was injured!
Thank you for asking.

Lookie at them pretty eggs! Go Martha!

 

[fuzzi]

MIL, had just got out of the hospital before this happened. Yesterday she sounded a lot stronger health-wise and in spirit.

Their insurance company asked them to take photos and bring them to the local office. Agreed the building is a total loss. The adjuster is going to come Monday to account for contents coverage.

My BIL owns heavy duty landscaping equipment. He has tractors, dump trucks, back hoes, etc. He is going to help with what ever they need.

They have 7 adult children with spouses and most will help with clean up.

So a plan is in place and will proceed after the adjuster does what he needs to do. It's a mess on less than an acre lot. It's going to take time but it will get done! Just very thankful no one was injured!
Thank you for asking.

Lookie at them pretty eggs! Go Martha!

So glad they're doing well and have family available to help.


We had heavy rain last night, and the yard is soppy, puddly. The run litter is wet but a breeze is picking up, so I expect it will dry out some. The important thing is that it DRAINS well!


Samuel crowed this morning, kind of a rusty, strangled noise... he's not Boss Roo so doesn't get much practice.

 

[NanaK]

We got the heavy rain and wind last night too. I don't think it was bad as a few nights ago. Wild birds and squirrels have been in my bird bath this morning.

Samuel is showing off a bit for the ladies!

 

[fuzzi]

We got the heavy rain and wind last night too. I don't think it was bad as a few nights ago. Wild birds and squirrels have been in my bird bath this morning.

Samuel is showing off a bit for the ladies!

Oh yeah. I've noticed him getting a little "sugar" on the side.

My impression, whatever it's worth, is that as long as Samuel doesn't go after Joel's favorites his attentions to some of the girls is tolerated.

When I bring them grapes Joel stands aloof, watches the others eat, but Samuel joins the girls in gobbling my offering.

 

[fuzzi]

Morning Report

I decided to add straw this morning. I went into the back of the coop and as soon as I started pulling the plastic off the clean straw bales the chickens started milling around my feet, making excited noises.

Oops...

Wonder if that is from a new layer?

Alice is back, but she bolted when I said good morning to her.

 

[fuzzi]

I got a THIRD EGG!!!

I'd noticed Martha in a nesting box mid-afternoon, no egg.

I guess she finally got the job done.


The last time I had more than two eggs in one day was November 3rd.

 

[fuzzi]

It appears there has been a change in leadership...

Joel is hiding in the back of the coop.

I cornered him, checked out his feet, felt under his wings, vent, hackles. No sign of injury, doesn't appear to be ill, no pests. I held both his legs while I checked him, and he relaxed. He closed his eyes while I stroked him.

I believe he's been deposed, Samuel is strutting around with the hens.

If Samuel is now Boss Roo, I hope he shows as much tolerance as Joel showed him.

Poor Joel.

 

[fuzzi]

Checked the roost after dark. Joel is roosting with the others, and his favorite, Hannah, is between him and the wall. I think Hannah still favors him as well.

Go figure the minds of chickens...