The New Flock 2021: Back to Basics

[speckledhen]

I guess I got spoiled by the ones who just kept on going and passed the 10 year mark. You're 100% right about all of what you said. Occasionally, I would have success with leg injuries, but it takes a long time for those to heal. Some did fine and eventually healed without my help. Bodie was like that again later in the day, head curled under, but then he stood and was able to eat so he's fighting for himself and I guess he'll make the decision in the end to keep on or quit. It's hard on the heart, as you definitely know. I really need to get this resolved so I can concentrate on my new stock.
I am also more than ready for spring! The weather this week is atrocious, but that is one thing I certainly cannot control!

 

[1muttsfan]

I'm pretty much the same as Lisa, I provide comfortable housing, plenty of good food, fresh water, and whatever attention they like. In return they give me entertainment and eggs. But I've never had very much luck trying to save sick birds, and if I feel like they are living in discomfort I put them down. Makes me feel bad, and I only do it if I think it it's the right thing.

I know what it costs to cut big trees down. You must feel a lot safer now though.

 

[speckledhen]

We thought he might finally be recovering, but now, I don't think he will. He seems to be comfortable in the cage, able to see his peeps as they go in and out the door, still has some interest in what's out there at the moment. I dont have the strength in my hands to put him down anymore. Tom does, but if a bird has any life in them, he refuses. He's more soft-hearted than I am. I wanted Bodie put down two weeks ago, when he was in a downturn, but I guess Bodie will decide for him. Once they get something really odd ilke this, no, they rarely recover. Like Maretta with those bizarre tumors coming out of her side under her wing. Never saw that before or since, hope to never see it again. I always tell people that if you keep chickens long enough, you'll likely see things that no book or website ever covers. It's a journey, to be sure.

 

[1muttsfan]

I am a little too squeamish to do the deed with just my hands. I use a rake handle, lay it over their neck as I hold them upside down by the legs, stand on the rake handle and pull up. Very quick, and doesn't upset my delicate sensibilities quite so much.

 

[1muttsfan]

It's been a bit snowy here this afternoon, we've been sitting in the middle of a lake effect snow band for the last few hours

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's been a bit snowy here this afternoon, we've been sitting in the middle of a lake effect snow band for the last few hours

That's pretty at least. Are you getting buried yet?

 

[speckledhen]

Wow, that's when you just stay home in front of the fireplace...unless you have to go check on the livestock, that is.

I seem to recall the broomstick method was attempted many years ago here, but I seem to also recall that it was botched somehow. Seems the most foolproof, but you'd be surprised.

Bodie had a good afternoon, was scratching around in his cage, eating and drinking on his own, watching his peeps out in the sunshine (too cold/windy to put him outside, though). The mornings are sort of a slow start for him, but so far, he's still interested in life after he gets moving again.

 

[1muttsfan]

I would say it takes about an hour to really clean up with the tractor if you're going to do a good job. Only took me 45 minutes today so you can guess what kind of a job that was - utilitarian I would say.
Most people up here are in their happy place when there is snow, and get grumpy when we don't have enough. I don't mind a little work, and it is very beautiful.

 

[speckledhen]

Having lived in Utah, Colorado and Ohio, we are well versed in navigating our lives in snow if we have to, just would rather not have to deal with it most of the season. This year we got one 5" snowfall, nothing compared to our experiences out west and the midwest. Not too long after we moved here, we had a 10" snowfall but that's the most here in almost 23 years of living here. I don't mind a little snow. I like that we have four seasons, but a limited amount of the white stuff because we don't have the equipment for cleaning it all up. My least favorite thing is the heat of summer, esp if humidity is high. I do love being at a higher elevation here so that the summer nights are not suffocating like they are a couple of hours south of us. I always look forward to one thing that, to me, signals that Spring is on the way...the spring peepers. That sound makes me so happy!

 

[1muttsfan]

At one time I lived in a house near a small pond. The peepers were deafening in the spring. But you quickly get used to it, just like the tree frogs up here.