January 2010 The Coop Newsletter
This January in Texas have seen historic lows and so have the girls morale. That translates into No Eggs. The only fun the girls have had is to be let out to play some days when the temperature climbed above freezing. Frozen water containers were brought in when the girls went home for the night and put back out (thawed) in the afternoon for playtime so theyd have water to drink while enjoying the sunny day. Several handfuls of oats on the patio helped the girls produce more body heat.
Several days did not climb past the 30s and the girls had to party in the coop. Sometimes they insisted on going outside. I waited for them at the coop door. Sure enough, theyd come tromping back in, giving me glaring looks. Im sure its my fault it was so cold outside! This was a good time for the girls to check out the other apartments to see if anybody had nicer digs. Gerty and Hilda sometimes swapped houses, both being easy to get into and close to the heater. Tazzle and Twinkle took a few days to room together, then were ready for their own houses again. Millie has not wanted a roomie despite Margots and Camilles efforts to join her. Theyve received growls and pecks for their attempts and have given up. They dont seem to mind rooming with each other as long as they both get separate feeders.
We are capturing several rodent critters a week with the big rat trap. We only set it at night when we are sure our girls cant be hurt accidentally. The critters are even so bold as to sneak a peek at us when we move storage boxes around. We hope to be rid of critters soon. At least they cant get to the hens food as they are in gnaw-proof containers. Not sure if they help themselves to the food still in their houses or not. I hate to empty them as the girls like to hop in for a snack in the afternoon. May put out a feeder for them outside to discourage hungry critters in the coop. Im sure they are mostly there for the warmth since the coop stays at least 40 degrees and is dry. Coop improvement and critter-proofing is on the list for spring.
Many warnings on the DFW Poultry site about hawk activity in our area kept the girls inside or, if temps permitted, in their enclosed pen when we knew we would be gone. This has added to their foul mood and egg strike. We try to get back home by afternoon so they can play in the backyard as scheduled and we are available for hawk intervention if needed. Several DFW area chicken owners have reported losses from hawks. Not my girls, I say! Like I mentioned in a previous post, I have had a hawk sit or fly as close as 6 feet from me without fear. Just wish theyd snatch the many backyard Chihuahuas instead of our hens! On days that have climbed to 50 degrees, the girls play while they get their houses spiffed up. On these occasions, I have not seen hawks flying or around the area. We are all hoping they have moved on to a better buffet.
Ah, back to normal! Toward mid-month, the weather finally went back to normal and the girls were happy getting back to their old routine with morning goodies in the enclosed pen then afternoon backyard play. Life is good! In fact life is so good, Twinkle and Hilda have left a morning egg in their house for us these days. A couple eggs a day add up so we get a nice breakfast on the weekends. Margot and Camille give an egg every once in awhile in their house during the afternoon. I still give the backyard a good search for any egg-stashing places they might be using, but so far have found noneor they are outwitting me again.
The girls have not been impressed with 2010s beginning, especially now that the temps are back in the 30s with rain and wind. This bad weather will soon be gone and we will have gorgeous Texas winter temps of 30s to 50s and sunny days to look forward to. We are all ready for that. The girls are tired of living in the Coop. We hope your New Years celebration was fun and you all have hopes for a better year. Thats all from The Coop for January. Stay warm with a buddy and keep a thankful heart.
This January in Texas have seen historic lows and so have the girls morale. That translates into No Eggs. The only fun the girls have had is to be let out to play some days when the temperature climbed above freezing. Frozen water containers were brought in when the girls went home for the night and put back out (thawed) in the afternoon for playtime so theyd have water to drink while enjoying the sunny day. Several handfuls of oats on the patio helped the girls produce more body heat.
Several days did not climb past the 30s and the girls had to party in the coop. Sometimes they insisted on going outside. I waited for them at the coop door. Sure enough, theyd come tromping back in, giving me glaring looks. Im sure its my fault it was so cold outside! This was a good time for the girls to check out the other apartments to see if anybody had nicer digs. Gerty and Hilda sometimes swapped houses, both being easy to get into and close to the heater. Tazzle and Twinkle took a few days to room together, then were ready for their own houses again. Millie has not wanted a roomie despite Margots and Camilles efforts to join her. Theyve received growls and pecks for their attempts and have given up. They dont seem to mind rooming with each other as long as they both get separate feeders.
We are capturing several rodent critters a week with the big rat trap. We only set it at night when we are sure our girls cant be hurt accidentally. The critters are even so bold as to sneak a peek at us when we move storage boxes around. We hope to be rid of critters soon. At least they cant get to the hens food as they are in gnaw-proof containers. Not sure if they help themselves to the food still in their houses or not. I hate to empty them as the girls like to hop in for a snack in the afternoon. May put out a feeder for them outside to discourage hungry critters in the coop. Im sure they are mostly there for the warmth since the coop stays at least 40 degrees and is dry. Coop improvement and critter-proofing is on the list for spring.
Many warnings on the DFW Poultry site about hawk activity in our area kept the girls inside or, if temps permitted, in their enclosed pen when we knew we would be gone. This has added to their foul mood and egg strike. We try to get back home by afternoon so they can play in the backyard as scheduled and we are available for hawk intervention if needed. Several DFW area chicken owners have reported losses from hawks. Not my girls, I say! Like I mentioned in a previous post, I have had a hawk sit or fly as close as 6 feet from me without fear. Just wish theyd snatch the many backyard Chihuahuas instead of our hens! On days that have climbed to 50 degrees, the girls play while they get their houses spiffed up. On these occasions, I have not seen hawks flying or around the area. We are all hoping they have moved on to a better buffet.
Ah, back to normal! Toward mid-month, the weather finally went back to normal and the girls were happy getting back to their old routine with morning goodies in the enclosed pen then afternoon backyard play. Life is good! In fact life is so good, Twinkle and Hilda have left a morning egg in their house for us these days. A couple eggs a day add up so we get a nice breakfast on the weekends. Margot and Camille give an egg every once in awhile in their house during the afternoon. I still give the backyard a good search for any egg-stashing places they might be using, but so far have found noneor they are outwitting me again.
The girls have not been impressed with 2010s beginning, especially now that the temps are back in the 30s with rain and wind. This bad weather will soon be gone and we will have gorgeous Texas winter temps of 30s to 50s and sunny days to look forward to. We are all ready for that. The girls are tired of living in the Coop. We hope your New Years celebration was fun and you all have hopes for a better year. Thats all from The Coop for January. Stay warm with a buddy and keep a thankful heart.
