Moved all my chicken tractors this morning. The ground is still wet, but at least now the chickens are on fresh ground. I raked a big pile of leaves for each pen and threw them in. One pile had a field mouse in it, and I'd tossed him in with the leaves before I realized he was there. My biggest Light Brahma rooster caught him, but lost him, so I got to listen to him complain for nearly five minutes about the one that got away.
Maribeth: The new Speckled Sussex rooster is a big hit with the ladies, but he's an absolute patootie as far as his aggressive behavior towards me. I don't have to turn my back for him to come at me. He's a kicker, and he leads with his right, so I'm able to tell when he's about to kick me. He got me twice, but on his third attempt I grabbed that right foot before he could pull it back. I tucked him under my arm and finished cleaning and feeding for all the ladies in the pen, with him growling like a cougar the whole time. From now on, or at least until his attitude is adjusted, I'm going to chase him down and carry him while I'm in the pen. Maybe I can teach him to avoid me by letting him know that I'm not going to put up with his Karate Kid imitation. He is beautiful, but he needs a firm hand.
For those of you who went to Blanchard, tell stories and post pictures of the birds you bought. I feel left out.
