The Quack Shack

[Miss Lydia]

Yes! It was dogwoods. Thanks for refreshing my memory. I'll see whether I get time for photos today.

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[rjohns39]

Good morning folks

 

[Kiwibird]

Good night, Bob! Bedtime here.

 

[rjohns39]

Sleep well

 

[Miss Lydia]

Night nite Kiwi!

Good Morning Bob! How was ya'lls weekend?

 

[rjohns39]

It was a good weekend, how about yours?

 

[Trimurtisan]

Good morning everyone! Sorry for the radio silence recently, been pretty sick with what the kids had. I have a whole rainbow of colors coming out of my face. I feel hell runneth over. Then like hell forgot something, backedeth up and runneth me over again.

Thank you everyone for keeping the thread going. I quite enjoyed the conversation, I just haven't felt up to talking.

I do have good news though. Fortunately no more birds have died. I did find out that I have mites. Not sure if that's what the problem has been. I feel like it's just coincidental timing. None of the dead birds had mites on them, and as I said, I've been expecting them daily.

I've been enjoying what time I can outside. It's still pretty hot here, so it doesn't last long, but It's helping keep my spirits high. The "new" trio has especially been entertaining, might I even say, heart warming. Those 3 just have something special about them. They stay together no matter what, and all of them also seem to be interested in me.

Mrs Blue has such a sweet personality. She's the first one to come running up when I go outside. She lets me pet her, doesn't mind being picked up, and inspections are a breeze.

Blossom, the 55 Flowery hen too is a sweetheart. She's more cautious than Mrs Blue, but comes running to me just the same. She is so beautiful, especially in the sun. I could get lost in her plumage, enjoying it like a good kaleidoscope.

Sully, the big boy of the yard, is everything I hoped for so far. He's big, beautiful, and he's not aggressive. He too come running to see what I'm doing, but keeps a good 3-5 foot distance most times. He will eat from my hands, but that's about the only reason he gets in arms reach. I've been giving him my back to see how he reacts, and so far he either just turns away, or just kind of stands there. The only time he really seems interested in me is when I have food, or approach his girls "to fast." That being said, he is gentle, and seems to respect me. I'm not his alpha, nor am I trying to be, and I believe that is where the respect comes from. I want him to know he's trusted to do his job. I want his respect enough to not attack me.

I've been studying rooster husbandry, and trying to improve how I handle my cockerels. I now understand my roosters are not my friends, or even really pets. They are my coworkers that require respect. Just like most coworkers, there will be times of joy and times of stress, but given proper respect, harmony can exist. Sully has helped me with that. Everything I've read is telling me he is the rooster for us. I could be wrong, maybe not even close, but I feel like there is a mutual respect between the two of us.

I'm not going to lie, I would love to just pick him up and give him the biggest snuggle in the world. I'm absolutely enamored by him. Beautiful colors, robust build, and those huge feet. There have been a couple times that I've inspected him, and he is gentle, but cautious. I try to make those times as fast as I can, but do make sure to enjoy them while I can also.

I've been going through a pretty bad depression, and if anything, simply watching those 3 has helped me keep things together. They get along with the ducks too, so it's not just those 3, it's the whole flock who is helping. I don't think there is a better drug for times like this than having animals that need and love you. Humans will tell you what you want to hear, animals will tell you the truth.

 

[rjohns39]

They're gorgeous as always Chris I really hope you feel much better soon

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hey Chris I was hoping you'd be feeling better by now. Seems the kids bring it home it runs through them pretty quick and they bounce back us adults get double whammy. Hope your taking vitamin C helps with the immune system.

Your birds are beautiful. I love Roosters and respect the job they have too. Rarely do I pick mine up unless it's needed. And I have only ever had one abuse the situation and we gave him every chance to get it together. But he didn't so he became chicken an dumplings. well not the dumplings. lol
I do have a almost 6 month old cochin bantam roo right now who doesn't mind me picking him up actually seems to enjoy it comes right up to me. Cochin bantams are my favorite breed of chicken. So precious and sweet. Now his brother is like I am the axe murderer and high tails it when I come around. He may go to auction when our friend goes back. But he is having hip replacement so it will be a while gives me more time to watch personalities.

Have you decided on your ducks yet what your keeping? Right now all my Runners are running together and my drakes are doing okay together. So I am just enjoying everyone. The young ones even decided on their own to move into the big coop with everyone so now only my geese are sleeping separate. We'll see how everything goes come spring. But for now everyone is just a big happy family. Including my Muscovy.

I can vouch for how much therapy the birds are. They just make the day so much better even with the work involved. I love them.

I hope you start feeling good again real soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Bob quiet weekend just like I like. glad you had a good un!