fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

Just wait a week and then let her start. You'll know for sure then that she's really setting.

High of 46 here today. Still holding off on much gardening. We've seen one day where the temperature got above 70 so far this spring

She was off the nest later, but I think she was practicing. Then I went to the second coop, and smelled strong poo. Tamar was puffed up on the perch, her butt up against the hardware cloth. She might be starting, too.


It's been cooler than usual here, but I'm enjoying it, and the ability to work outside in less than 90° heat!

Pond area, before trimming:

After:

 

[fuzzi]

Esther

She's from my hatch last year.

Tamar pushing her butt against the coop.

 

[NanaK]

In three weeks I have a trip to Kentucky planned, annual visit with the granddaughters.

Today Priscilla appears to be going broody...

Tamar was puffed up on the perch, her butt up against the hardware cloth. She might be starting, too.

We make plans.
Chickens throw a loop in those plans.
Story of my life!

 

[fuzzi]

My DS (Dear Son) helped move some rocks from the area by the coops/big shed to a pallet behind the old decrepit shed. As we pushed/pulled the cart past the second coop one of the hens screeched. DS said it sounded like a goat screaming.

I bet it's one of the hens (Tamar?) feeling broody.

After mowing!

Gut-busters.

I crossed "move rocks" off my list.

Squash!

The round green ones are an Argentine variety, Zapallitto del Tronco. I bought the seeds on impulse, and just discovered that they are a maxima type of squash, which don't attract squash borers and bugs. And they have a taste very similar to zucchini, just firmer and not quite as moist.

 

[1muttsfan]

Beautiful garden!

 

[fuzzi]

Beautiful garden!

Thank you!

My gardens give me joy.

 

[fuzzi]

Now Naomi (Dominique) is sitting on a plastic egg

Something's wrong with Abigail's TAMAR'S right wing, she's letting it hang low, but not dragging. I picked her up, gently opened and closed the wing, no reaction, but when I touched her shoulder joint she squawked.

I assume there's not much that can be done, just watch her and let it heal on its own.

Silas

He might not be "standard" but he's still handsome. And he's being good with his gals.

The Speckled Sussex hens skipped laying for a couple days, so I did a search including some digging around the coop, in case a snake had found its way in. Nope. The gals loved my digging, followed me and did some of their own.

Three eggs from them today.

 

[fuzzi]

It's Tamar with the low wing.

I saw her making neck movements, and opening and shutting her beak this morning, so in case there's a crop issue starting I prepared some slippery elm bark (thanks @lightm !) I went back out to the coop. I managed to corner Tamar, and wrap her in a bath towel so I could syringe the SEB into her mouth. Silas took exception to this, and made noises of displeasure. I checked her crop, which did not feel full or squishy. I took my time, putting the solution in her beak in little dabs so as not to choke her.

Just as I was about to release her she squawked, and Silas launched at me and flogged my legs. No harm done. I looked at him and said quietly "What do you think you are doing?" and he backed away, looking confused. I released Tamar, who ran to the back of the coop.

I then retrieved a large cracker, sat back down in the chair, and crumbled it. Silas, Abigail, and Esther ran over and greedily started eating the cracker crumbs from my hands. Tamar remained behind the wheelbarrow, occasionally making soft bok bok noises.

Naomi is still in the nesting box

 

[fuzzi]

I made deviled eggs, and took the excess whites out to the coops, where they were greatly appreciated. Tamar joined the others in the feast. I hope that means she's feeling better.

Naomi is still in the box...