MJ's little flock

[BY Bob]

Ah! I remembered a chicken development to share.

I think everyone knows that when the pullets arrived, Ivy took to roosting on the uncomfortable rafter, so I put a branch up there for her. Then Peggy needed to get away from from the aunties at roosting time, so I provided two intermediate roosts for hopping and hopping, up to the top with Ivy.

It wasn't long before everyone was going all the way up and the squabbling really took off, but by then then new girls were more sure of themselves so I waited for them to settle their own disputes and establish a suitable arrangement.

After a few months I realised they're probably never going to reach an amicable roosting arrangement without more space, so I put a second big branch up there.

That was a month ago and for the last week, Janet (the main trouble maker - maybe she was anxious about her eye - but then she's always been a nightmare about roosting) has decided the new branch is her branch and she puts herself as far away from the others as she can, which suits them fine!

So now, each night there's the habitual complaining from Janet at the far end of one branch (from which spot she's too far away to peck anyone) and the other three happily snuggling up on the other branch.

I love how little changes in the chickens' living spaces can make such a big difference to their contentment.

I have dealt with this so many times. It does look like everything is settled for now at my place. You are certainly right about one thing though, more choices seems to lead to less squabbling. Good of you to realize and help them out.

 

[Shadrach]

Mostly builders, like my Pop taught me at present Yorkshire Proper Strong for the daily drip feed (good terminology!) and something called Lipton Quality Tips for the weekend breakfast ritual.

I've had very good PG Tips in the UK but in Australia the flavour is much flatter.

And I'm yet to decline a green tea after asian food.

I'm not into the herbals or florals.

My kind of tea drinker then. I don't get the herbal teas.
I used to drink Yorkshire tea when I was in the UK. Proper mud.

 

[Shadrach]

Good but quite tired.

How's that Sue doing? Has she bitten any of the nurses or doctors yet?

 

[Shadrach]

I'm way out of practice with long drives. Driving an hour and a half each day to the hospital and then home again is wearing on me more than I'd like to admit.

It's surprising. I used to enjoy driving. I did a lot of it for a number of years. I'm generally a relaxed driver but even so, an hour behind the wheel and I'm ready for a nap.

 

[MaryJanet]

My kind of tea drinker then. I don't get the herbal teas.
I used to drink Yorkshire tea when I was in the UK. Proper mud.

Delicious mud! So good with a flavoursome but dry biscuit for dunking.

 

[Ribh]

Delicious mud! So good with a flavoursome but dry biscuit for dunking.

Seriously, guys? Mind you I think all black tea tastes like dishwater. I can occasionally manage a green tea if there are no other options.

MJ, the cups & tea sets are absolutely lovely & feed my soul but I cannot handle the liquid you put in them.

 

[MaryJanet]

Seriously, guys? Mind you I think all black tea tastes like dishwater. I can occasionally manage a green tea if there are no other options.

MJ, the cups & tea sets are absolutely lovely & feed my soul but I cannot handle the liquid you put in them.

Hmmm i daresay you've tried good tea too, as in made with fresh water and allowed to steep for as long as it takes but no longer.

I feel that way about coffee and many times coffee drinkers have tried to persuade me to love coffee. I've tried coffee three times (a horrid instant, a cappuccino, and a latte) but all three were unpleasant.

I take my tea so seriously that I was delighted when I ordered tea at a cafe on Monday and it came with an egg timer - made my day!

 

[Ribh]

Hmmm i daresay you've tried good tea too, as in made with fresh water and allowed to steep for as long as it takes but no longer.

I feel that way about coffee and many times coffee drinkers have tried to persuade me to love coffee. I've tried coffee three times (a horrid instant, a cappuccino, and a latte) but all three were unpleasant.

I take my tea so seriously that I was delighted when I ordered tea at a cafe on Monday and it came with an egg timer - made my day!

My OD is the same. She can't stand coffee but drinks weird teas. The way our taste buds are made I reckon.

 

[LozzyR]

Seriously, guys? Mind you I think all black tea tastes like dishwater. I can occasionally manage a green tea if there are no other options.

MJ, the cups & tea sets are absolutely lovely & feed my soul but I cannot handle the liquid you put in them.

I drink both tea and coffee so I get invited everywhere!

 

[LozzyR]

Delicious mud! So good with a flavoursome but dry biscuit for dunking.

The worst cup of tea I ever had was made with a Tesco teabag and UHT soy milk.