Kristen’s Chickens and Farming Ventures

[Kris5902]

Morning Kris

I think you know already but I'm going to be away for a week or so. Loved the videos. How's the shoulder?

Morning Bob! Hope you can get a chance to pop in now and again while you’re away... and thanks for letting us know. Shoulder is doing much better, still needs plenty of rest, but I’m off the pain killers, and have greatly reduced the naproxen for the inflammation. Safe travels and lots of love goes with you. Just think of how long you will spend catching up on all the chatter, especially over on @Ribh’s thread!

 

[Kris5902]

What's really funny there is it looks like they could easily hop over that 'gate'.

That is my lovely meat tractor... I’ve been using it for a grow out pen, and oh yes, they do hop out! It’s basically a 2’ high 6x8 box half covered with tarp and half with a hinged lid. As soon as I open the lid 4-5 will hop up, but they are now learning they can just wait for me to lift the front then rush the food. There were three perched on the edge when I lifted it.

It’s often easier when I’m by myself to let them run to the feed then drag the tractor over them and replace their water, rather than trying to keep them in, move the tractor without running anyone over, and keep them from jumping out at the same time. (I need to add a tow rope to the front) Sure, some days I spend a half hour or so rounding up the strays and popping them back in, but it beats squashing little feet and trying to drag it without letting them out (especially with the current bummed shoulder!)

Loved when you raised the gate in the first vid and they all ran out!
"And they're off" in a racing commentator's voice

Look at Sammy showing off for the camera. He knows he's beautiful

This time they even all ran in the right direction! Sometimes they scatter and get distracted... then the really fun chicken herding happens, and these guys aren’t trained to treats yet!

Sammy has been developing a bit of an attitude lately, especially in the mornings, and between that and his little wheeze when he exercises I worry about him. I just can’t deal with another jerk rooster what’s worse is he’s fast, and somewhat smart, so he’s gotten wise to the “I’m going to pick you up and carry you away from the bachelors” moves. And I swear, he knows I’m working with just my off arm right now!

I’m trying to get video of his ladies chasing grasshoppers, it’s been quite entertaining, but by the time I get the camera going they’ve usually captured and devoured their prey! And as you can see they are a little less accommodating for filming than my camera hog boys. Or Sammy running around leading them to “safety” or taking a run to the boys pen to show off. It’s adorable!

 

[CrazyChookChookLady]

That is my lovely meat tractor... I’ve been using it for a grow out pen, and oh yes, they do hop out! It’s basically a 2’ high 6x8 box half covered with tarp and half with a hinged lid. As soon as I open the lid 4-5 will hop up, but they are now learning they can just wait for me to lift the front then rush the food. There were three perched on the edge when I lifted it.

It’s often easier when I’m by myself to let them run to the feed then drag the tractor over them and replace their water, rather than trying to keep them in, move the tractor without running anyone over, and keep them from jumping out at the same time. (I need to add a tow rope to the front) Sure, some days I spend a half hour or so rounding up the strays and popping them back in, but it beats squashing little feet and trying to drag it without letting them out (especially with the current bummed shoulder!)



This time they even all ran in the right direction! Sometimes they scatter and get distracted... then the really fun chicken herding happens, and these guys aren’t trained to treats yet!

Sammy has been developing a bit of an attitude lately, especially in the mornings, and between that and his little wheeze when he exercises I worry about him. I just can’t deal with another jerk rooster what’s worse is he’s fast, and somewhat smart, so he’s gotten wise to the “I’m going to pick you up and carry you away from the bachelors” moves. And I swear, he knows I’m working with just my off arm right now!

I’m trying to get video of his ladies chasing grasshoppers, it’s been quite entertaining, but by the time I get the camera going they’ve usually captured and devoured their prey! And as you can see they are a little less accommodating for filming than my camera hog boys. Or Sammy running around leading them to “safety” or taking a run to the boys pen to show off. It’s adorable!

I really miss letting mu chooks out to run. I don't like them being penned in 24/7. On the plus side, it has made them more friendly. They all run to the fence when they see me now, of course I'm bringing treats usually.

 

[BlueBaby]

I really miss letting mu chooks out to run. I don't like them being penned in 24/7. On the plus side, it has made them more friendly. They all run to the fence when they see me now, of course I'm bringing treats usually.

Food or treat's are always a pretty good motivator!

 

[Kris5902]

Biggest issues with free ranging here... they keep trying to get into my trailer, will chase me around hoping whatever I’ve got is tasty, and having to clear everyone out of the truck, either from underneath it or sometimes from the cab if “someone” forgets to close the door (Andrew!), before we can go anywhere. The girls are actually pretty good about getting back into the barn before the “danger bears” come out in the evening most nights. I suppose I’m going to need to get some “beware of chicken” signage when I do start fully free ranging.

 

[Ribh]

I loved the vids! And are you saying I talk a lot? Sammy is a gorgeous boy. When one looks as good as that one is entitled to a little vanity. Food & chickens the world over; always so very entertaining.
I swear chickens like us to think they're dumb so they can outsmart us. My Campines know I'll struggle on the hill so that's always where they run if they get out. At least now they'll squat when cornered without the screaming panics & Kamikaze rushes @ the wire.

I'm glad the shoulder is doing better. It's hard when you can't really rest it because the chores still have to get done & chickens insist on being fed!

 

[Ribh]

Biggest issues with free ranging here... they keep trying to get into my trailer, will chase me around hoping whatever I’ve got is tasty, and having to clear everyone out of the truck, either from underneath it or sometimes from the cab if “someone” forgets to close the door (Andrew!), before we can go anywhere. The girls are actually pretty good about getting back into the barn before the “danger bears” come out in the evening most nights. I suppose I’m going to need to get some “beware of chicken” signage when I do start fully free ranging.

You need those geese!

 

[BlueBaby]

Biggest issues with free ranging here... they keep trying to get into my trailer, will chase me around hoping whatever I’ve got is tasty, and having to clear everyone out of the truck, either from underneath it or sometimes from the cab if “someone” forgets to close the door (Andrew!), before we can go anywhere. The girls are actually pretty good about getting back into the barn before the “danger bears” come out in the evening most nights. I suppose I’m going to need to get some “beware of chicken” signage when I do start fully free ranging.

Another sign that you could make is: "Chicken's on the loose, guard your food!" I bet some would even buy that sign from you!

 

[Kris5902]

“caution, guard rooster on duty” is way more scary than “working farm, bull at large” if you ask me! But then again I know better Gus is a sweetie...

@Ribh there’s almost 4000 posts over there! We all talk a lot and get sidetracked... and just think how many pic’s will be posted in a week or two! Bob’s gonna be in for some serious catch up reading when he gets back I’m guessing here but I’m going to say we’ll be at 4300 in two weeks, easy!

 

[Ribh]

lol I know! It's so sad when I get up & there's nothing to read!

and just think how many pic’s will be posted in a week or two!

Yes, & the blanket pics should be starting to come in before Bob's back too! He could be reading for a week!