MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

It's pretty bad. I think we're lucky that we live near a lake rather than a river.

This Christmas everyone is getting donations to flood victims made in their names. Except the kids. It'd be mean to deprive them of gifts to play with.

 

[ManueB]

I do feel a little sad for Mary as she was very dedicated but I agree that it was a lot to handle at the same time. I'm happy you are not feeling too disappointed. I think like Lexicon that dealing with the pullets and the river chickens is quite enough fun and potential drama .

There was a terrible flood in my area in October 2020. There are three mountain valleys joining together above Nice ; ours was safe but the other two flooded. Whole villages were destroyed. More than two years after there are still temporary roads and houses rebuilding has not even begun. It was a lasting trauma for all.

 

[MaryJanet]

I do feel a little sad for Mary as she was very dedicated but I agree that it was a lot to handle at the same time. I'm happy you are not feeling too disappointed. I think like Lexicon that dealing with the pullets and the river chickens is quite enough fun and potential drama .

There was a terrible flood in my area in October 2020. There are three mountain valleys joining together above Nice ; ours was safe but the other two flooded. Whole villages were destroyed. More than two years after there are still temporary roads and houses rebuilding has not even begun. It was a lasting trauma for all.

That's awful those poor people. It really puts life into perspective.

I wasn't expecting much from the eggs anyway. Last time there were four eggs and only one hatched, and that one was squashed by Peggy when it was only half hatched.

This time I've been pondering the suitability of the little coop. I think a nest on the ground would provide better incubation conditions. But that's not achievable until after the paving is put in. The paving is waiting for some other jobs to be done first. So next season looks likely.

 

[ManueB]

That's awful those poor people. It really puts life into perspective.

I wasn't expecting much from the eggs anyway. Last time there were four eggs and only one hatched, and that one was squashed by Peggy when it was only half hatched.

This time I've been pondering the suitability of the little coop. I think a nest on the ground would provide better incubation conditions. But that's not achievable until after the paving is put in. The paving is waiting for some other jobs to be done first. So next season looks likely.

Why do you think that a nest on the ground would be better that your small coop ?

I was really worried when Chipie sat half buried in a dark corner of the coop, for lack of light and parasites. It was an awful place for a nest.

 

[MaryJanet]

The river chickens are in good shape except that Christa had a little abdominal softening but not enough to warrant concern. They demonstrated excellent behaviour all the way through.

Mark didn't even charge me for the appointment! And he loved this photo

then told me the story about his own hens and their fascination for the tumble drier!

Anyway, here's Joyce in the car.

On the way home, she had a little snooze.

 

[MaryJanet]

Why do you think that a nest on the ground would be better that your small coop ?

I was really worried when Chipie sat half buried in a dark corner of the coop, for lack of light and parasites. It was an awful place for a nest.

Because I think there's too much air flow beneath the eggs, reducing humidity and warmth.

And I think the little coop is having some sort of tiny bug problem. My arms were itchy after removing some of the straw.

 

[MaryJanet]

Why do you think that a nest on the ground would be better that your small coop ?

I was really worried when Chipie sat half buried in a dark corner of the coop, for lack of light and parasites. It was an awful place for a nest.

It would've felt safe from her point of view. And her best option for incubating her eggs.

 

[MaryJanet]

I've just had another pigeon rescue. It had wandered into the pullet's sleepout and couldn't get out again. This photo is from the security camera video.

 

[MaryJanet]

Mine love the car. I truly believe that like dogs they love to see the world from a car.

Remember Lilly's first car ride?

I think Glynda needs to have her photo taken with Santa

 

[MaryJanet]

Today the pullets were outside all day and they contended with the hens from lunchtime.

They're extremely good at running away. Which is very nice for Ivy because she's no longer bottom of the pecking order. If she flaps her wings at the pullets from a few metres away, they scamper! She's pleased as punch.