MJ's little flock

[BY Bob]

Notch.
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So handsome.

 

[MaryJanet]

Good morning Bob, have a great day. She's doing very well. I took her out for a chicken tour yesterday but wouldn't let her get out of the gator. The terrain is just not suitable for a walker and it was also very muddy. But she really enjoyed the fresh air.

If ever I find myself recuperating from a health emergency, I hope someone thinks to put me in the chicken yard on a sunny but not hot day, with a slice of toast for the hens.

 

[MaryJanet]

Shad does indeed appreciate the cup. I'll try to remember to take some cup pictures.

I'd like to see them!

 

[MaryJanet]

I love that girl. She is spectacular in every way!

Of course, now I'm worried she's laying too much and I want her to pace herself. But it is her first season, maybe she'll slow down in future. Peggy is providing eggs three days in a row, Janet usually one at a time, sometimes two in a row. Mary has not yet deemed it necessary.

 

[MaryJanet]

I like that feeder too. Let me know what you learn. I might make one too if it is a hit.

So far, the neighbour's hens aren't using it. So he made a cunning plan to replace the wooden toggle with a corn cob. That should encourage some grains to release and maybe then the hens will learn the connection.

I'll report back later with another update.

 

[MaryJanet]

So far, the neighbour's hens aren't using it. So he made a cunning plan to replace the wooden toggle with a corn cob. That should encourage some grains to release and maybe then the hens will learn the connection.

I'll report back later with another update.

Speaking of the neighbour's hens. I have some sad news to relate.

At six years of age, Luna was put to sleep on Friday afternoon. She suddenly started expressing paralysis in her legs. The neighbour took her to Dr Hill who diagnosed Marek's disease and euthanised her.

She's now buried six chicken-sized steps from where she hatched, where her friends will often chatter above her.

Goodbye Luna. You will always be remembered for your amazing spurs and cute baby photo.

I've learned a lot about Marek's since then and I hope to avoid infecting the little flock.

 

[BY Bob]

Of course, now I'm worried she's laying too much and I want her to pace herself. But it is her first season, maybe she'll slow down in future. Peggy is providing eggs three days in a row, Janet usually one at a time, sometimes two in a row. Mary has not yet deemed it necessary.

She is excited. They lay a lot the first summer then they fall back a little. She will find her stride. I wouldn't worry too much now.

 

[BY Bob]

Speaking of the neighbour's hens. I have some sad news to relate.

At six years of age, Luna was put to sleep on Friday afternoon. She suddenly started expressing paralysis in her legs. The neighbour took her to Dr Hill who diagnosed Marek's disease and euthanised her.

She's now buried six chicken-sized steps from where she hatched, where her friends will often chatter above her.

Goodbye Luna. You will always be remembered for your amazing spurs and cute baby photo.

View attachment 2239183

View attachment 2239190

I've learned a lot about Marek's since then and I hope to avoid infecting the little flock.

Poor girl.

 

[RoyalChick]

So far, the neighbour's hens aren't using it. So he made a cunning plan to replace the wooden toggle with a corn cob. That should encourage some grains to release and maybe then the hens will learn the connection.

I'll report back later with another update.

Genius! It will be a never-ending corn cob.

 

[RoyalChick]

Speaking of the neighbour's hens. I have some sad news to relate.

At six years of age, Luna was put to sleep on Friday afternoon. She suddenly started expressing paralysis in her legs. The neighbour took her to Dr Hill who diagnosed Marek's disease and euthanised her.

She's now buried six chicken-sized steps from where she hatched, where her friends will often chatter above her.

Goodbye Luna. You will always be remembered for your amazing spurs and cute baby photo.

View attachment 2239183

View attachment 2239190

I've learned a lot about Marek's since then and I hope to avoid infecting the little flock.

That is very sad. I didn’t think Marek’s was that common in backyard flocks. Did I get that wrong?