It's going to reach a high of 19C today. That's 66F. The warmest day since Mary's surgery. I'd love to let them both out all day but I can't be home with them. They'd be vulnerable to hawks but safe from passing dogs now the gates are in place. I guess the hawks would have lots of baby mice and lizards to pick up at this time of year. I'm going to let them out. I'll be worried all day, but it'll be good for them both to be outside.
ETA well, that was eventful. No sooner was Ivy outside, she made a beeline for the funrun, wanting to be let in to use the nest. Fair enough. The inside nest isn't something any of the hens are used to. So I opened the pop door of the run. Janet dashed over and out before I could see where Ivy was. With a little encouragement, Ivy went in and hopped on the nest. After the important business of checking the pergola for snacks was concluded, Janet approached Mary who (dis)respectfully begged that Janet remove herself from Mary's personal space immediately. Janet did so, making a mental note to pass that message on to Peggy at the first opportunity. No doubt Peggy will in turn deliver it back to Mary. At this time, Mary is laying an egg under the thick bushes by the laundry. Jan is standing guard. Ivy and Peggy are in the run, having laid their eggs for the day. Peggy is wondering why she's not allowed out of the run.
So, when I get home from work, I'll entice Mary and Janet into the sleepout before letting Ivy and Peggy out for some foraging before dinner.
