The Old Folks Home

[superchemicalgirl]

Yeah, I had to search for the mouse trap this morning. The rat had moved it to the opening of one of her homes. I almost didn't find it, and because it was still set I am very lucky I found it... I have chickens and ducks that free range all day. The chickens love it when they get into the garage because the hay and feed are in there, plus the peanut butter laced mouse traps. My turken is a master at getting the trap to go off, then she can get the peanut butter off of it. I'm horrified when I catch her in the garage doing that. And once the chickens ran off with a trap that had caught a mouse

My best trap story is I had something eating my carrots in the garden (I now realize it was probably Ms Ratty). I put a mouse trap out. I am a bit type a (no, really,

) so I go out and check them from time to time during the night. One summer night I opened the front door, didn't turn on the light, and bent down on the ground to see the trap. I couldn't figure out what I was looking at. I was face to face with a skunk who was licking the trap. I high tailed it inside faster than I knew I could move. ALWAYS check your traps with the aid of a light.

 

[Stumpy]

I was face to face with a skunk who was licking the trap. I high tailed it inside faster than I knew I could move.

Whew! That was close.

I have enjoyed feeding birds for many years, but promised DH I'd give it up this year after battling rat problems. Now I am hearing the sweet song of the goldfinches arriving, looking for the feeders that were here last year

.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

That is sad. I gave up feeding the wild birds when I got chickens because I was worried about the transfer of lice/mites and worms. I think I'm going to put a feeder up in the front yard, though, this winter, because I enjoy looking at all types of birds, not just the domesticated ones. I'd have to find a place though where I could put it out and get to it after the snow starts falling, where the chickens won't get to it, and where I can shoot squirrels safely. Not sure I can find all that. But I'm going to try.

 

[7 Biddies]

Whew! That was close.

I have enjoyed feeding birds for many years, but promised DH I'd give it up this year after battling rat problems. Now I am hearing the sweet song of the goldfinches arriving, looking for the feeders that were here last year

.

I stopped feeding mine when the bear tore all the feeders down late last spring. Do you think they're hibernating now, so I can start feeding the hungry little guys again?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I stopped feeding mine when the bear tore all the feeders down late last spring. Do you think they're hibernating now, so I can start feeding the hungry little guys again?

Dear Lord,
Thank you for bringing me, surprised, face to face with a skunk. I am very glad it wasn't a bear.
Amen.
-SCG

 

[Stumpy]

My hope is that "my" sweet goldfinches will find other feeders somewhere. One thing we don't have here is bears.

 

[ronott1]

We also have cats at my place. They are a bit lazy today.

I don't know why, but this picture makes me sleepy. Trouble is, there is no room for me now!

 

[Countrypunk92]

I guess the lil birds here are finches to.. They are everywhere. I love them. I go out on the porch and watch them flutter around.

 

[Countrypunk92]

I feel like those cats right now....

We also have cats at my place. They are a bit lazy today.

I don't know why, but this picture makes me sleepy. Trouble is, there is no room for me now!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I know we share recipes a lot on here so I have one to share, even if it's not mine. I was finally able to start cooking/baking/whatever this weekend (3.5 weeks!!). I first made some pumpkin bread. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the raisins and nuts in it. But it is really good. Recipe here:
http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/pumpkin-bread-2/
I suggest you try it out. I had some frozen pumpkin puree from last fall in my freezer that I had to use up. I'm sure it would be just as good with canned pumpkin, too.

I also made the (previously usual) weekly loaf of bread and some buns/rolls.

Lastly I made a few more jars of cranberry apple jam (also goes well with Thanksgiving turkey).


That's what I consider a near-perfect day. I love to bake and can.

Oh and Augustina (goat) started eating animal crackers today (they both were such picky eaters when I got them, Amos still won't touch anything that's not leaves, grain or hay, but at least one of them is able to be swayed by the lure of food, now). It is hilarious to watch and I think I created a monster. A cookie monster.