MJ's little flock

[Ribh]

Sometimes I have awkwardly timed meetings or dinner plans. A couple of times last week I put them away 15 minutes early so I could meet friends at restaurants and I noticed lots of monkey business. Other times I'm worried about foxes - there are so many where I live. Last night I had dinner early (at an early evening meeting) and the sun was still up when I got home, so it occured to me to let the chooks out again, then I just watched them go in by themselves and noticed very little monkey business. I'm embarrassed it took me so long to consider the connection between bedtime procedures and bullying. Unfortunately this evening I've got a dinner with my cousins at 7, so it'll be early to bed for the hens, disrupting the experiment and perhaps their happiness.

Because of the foxes, the chooks have a spacious open air coop that they spend a lot of time in. The coop is 4m2 + 2m2 of perches which they climb up to all day long. When I'm not home, they're in the coop for safety from foxes (and hawks). It's fine but not ideal, which is why I'm planning another coop + much larger, safe run.

When I've got time, I'll make a proper post about the hen house. I'm in a very busy fortnight just now.

That's the thing I find, MJ ~ when I have to disrupt the routine. They are worse than cats for being creatures of habit. We had a very wild night one night & I wanted everyone roosting early so I didn't have to paddle around in the dark & while I could still see to see if I needed to make any adjustments to the coop. No~one was happy we all ended up wet & cross but it was necessary a jolly good thing too!

 

[Grammy60]

Good evening friends
How was your Monday?

Hi, MJ
It was a good day so far Any plans for you?

 

[MaryJanet]

My Tuesday begins with Blossom's check up at the local vet (not a bird specialist so the hens go elsewhere). Then my team is meeting at 11 so I can brief them on this week and next week's work, which will be very different from what we usually do. The change has been signposted for weeks, so they'll be ok with it. Then I've got a coffee meeting with a colleague, before a two hour seminar this afternoon. Between the commitments, I'll be emailing and writing. Then it's dinner with the cousins this evening. A very full day for me means only five hours of yard time for the chooks, four now and one later.

 

[Ribh]

My Tuesday begins with Blossom's check up at the local vet (not a bird specialist so the hens go elsewhere). Then my team is meeting at 11 so I can brief them on this week and next week's work, which will be very different from what we usually do. The change has been signposted for weeks, so they'll be ok with it. Then I've got a coffee meeting with a colleague, before a two hour seminar this afternoon. Between the commitments, I'll be emailing and writing. Then it's dinner with the cousins this evening. A very full day for me means only five hours of yard time for the chooks, four now and one later.

That's still pretty good yard time, MJ, heaps better than nothing @ all.

 

[MaryJanet]

I prioritise the hens above "filler" work like emailing and writing, but below commitments like meetings and professional obligations. So, whenever I'm not obliged to be at the office, I'm at home to give the chooks some yard time. I have a desk set up by the back window, so I can work while keeping an eye on the yard.

 

[MaryJanet]

I'm lucky that my work productivity is unrelated to my physical location and is measured annually (not by the hour).

 

[Ribh]

Yep. I can keep an eye on my flock from the living room windows too. Sandflies get pretty bad @ this time of the year so I don't always want to be outside.

 

[Grammy60]

My Tuesday begins with Blossom's check up at the local vet (not a bird specialist so the hens go elsewhere). Then my team is meeting at 11 so I can brief them on this week and next week's work, which will be very different from what we usually do. The change has been signposted for weeks, so they'll be ok with it. Then I've got a coffee meeting with a colleague, before a two hour seminar this afternoon. Between the commitments, I'll be emailing and writing. Then it's dinner with the cousins this evening. A very full day for me means only five hours of yard time for the chooks, four now and one later.

Your day does sound busy, but I much prefer busy than just sitting and waiting for something to do. Your birds are lucky to get outside time-ours have to stay locked up right now due to predators. Did Bob tell you guys about all the hawks we have the last few days We counted at least 15/20 flying above us yesterday. They were on the opposite side from the birds-but still not good.
Enjoy your dinner with family

 

[MaryJanet]

I like a busy day, although sometimes I fall behind and feel guilty I'm behind on my committee work at present.

 

[Ribh]

I don't do bored well either, Sue. It's why I crochet, read, have chickens, a garden & listen to you tube lectures while doing 1/2 of it!