The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[getaclue]

I agree that funding should go to protecting, and saving some of the existing species, except mosquitoes. In fact, I would start an outright protest, if I found out that scientists were trying to prevent mosquitoes from going extinct. I would not be concerned if they announced rats/mice going extinct either, but instead we hear about elephants, and tigers being in danger.

 

[1muttsfan]

The rat, mouse, and mosquito populations have all been enhanced by human activity, not harmed.
Whoeee minus 4 this am! Winter is finally here.

 

[speckledhen]

We have a smattering of snow on the ground for really, the very first time this cold season. And tonight, we go close to single digits, coldest night so far this year.

My Delaware, Georgie, who would be 10 next month, is really under the weather this morning. When I go into the pen with the poop rake every a.m., she is always under my feet, begging for scratch and watching everything I do. Today, she was sitting on the floor and did not get up when I scooped around her. She looks so tired. I took some oatmeal with probiotics into the pen that was left over from what I gave to Thea and sat it in front of her. She didn't just dive in or immediately stand. When she finally did stand, she is squatty and her tail is down. She is not bloated, though she has been on and off for the past year or so, and her color is not bad, either, though she will turn dark if you pick her up and carry her and begin to open-mouth breathe. She never fully stood up the entire time we were in there. She just seems so, so tired and not at all herself. Could be she is just on her way out. I've had Delawares for 11 years and she is my last one. It will truly be the end of an era. Atlas and his daughters are related, of course, through Isaac, but it won't be the same without Georgie with the huge Dellie personality.

Also, Panda, my BRx Ameraucana, who is Gypsy's half sister and almost 11 herself, was very lethargic today. Even Tiny seemed concerned and Gypsy was laying beside her on the floor, as was Emily. I just have so many old, old hens that it would not surprise me if more than one passed on the same day.

 

[1muttsfan]

This kind of bitter cold is just really hard on animals who's health is marginal.
-12 here this am.

 

[speckledhen]

This kind of bitter cold is just really hard on animals who's health is marginal.
-12 here this am.

I guess she's not truly unhealthy, just really old. I have not heard of many truly old Delawares. Isaac was over 6 1/2 years old when he died suddenly and I'd never heard anyone talk about a Delaware rooster that age. Georgie being 10 years old is pretty darn old, I guess. She's a huge personality, as Delawares tend to be. I'll sure miss her pretty face. She loved to sit on Tom's shoulder like a parrot or on his chest when he was on the hammock. I have several turning 11 and a group turning 9 in a month or so, including the Tiny Terrorist, who we cannot believe made it this long, always being in danger of having her scrawny neck wrung.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

This kind of bitter cold is just really hard on animals who's health is marginal.
-12 here this am.

Cold here too, with the wind chills my face freezes almost instantly. I had forgotten that this is normal January weather. I was getting spoiled with those 20-30 degrees and no snow.

 

[speckledhen]

Georgie is still sitting and looks very sleepy. She has a heat lamp pointed at the floor for a warm spot so she is fine with her peeps. They won't bother her. She is 2nd in command in that group, with June being head hen, June who is older than Georgie by a year. I don't think Georgie will make it to her 10th hatchday next month. It's expected, I guess, but doesn't mean I won't miss these old gals.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Georgie is still sitting and looks very sleepy. She has a heat lamp pointed at the floor for a warm spot so she is fine with her peeps. They won't bother her. She is 2nd in command in that group, with June being head hen, June who is older than Georgie by a year. I don't think Georgie will make it to her 10th hatchday next month. It's expected, I guess, but doesn't mean I won't miss these old gals.

I got a couple of old timers struggling too. It's so sad to see it. You really get attached when they live longer.

 

[speckledhen]

I got a couple of old timers struggling too. It's so sad to see it. You really get attached when they live longer.

That is very true. When people want to say it's just a chicken, well, not when they live as long as any dog you've ever had! I mean, c'mon, Amanda will be 12 in March if she makes it and Gypsy is 11 with a bunch of old gals right on their heels.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is very true. When people want to say it's just a chicken, well, not when they live as long as any dog you've ever had! I mean, c'mon, Amanda will be 12 in March if she makes it and Gypsy is 11 with a bunch of old gals right on their heels.

I have some 16 year old goldfish. I get attached to them too. They are still companionship in my life. My chickens more so because they are so interactive, and they all the different personalities. My oldest chickens have only made it to 10. Yours are some old timers indeed.