The Secret Life of My Flock

[MegsEggsx]

Today and yesterday the flock all had to stay inside the coop. Yesterday because I could not get back in time before dark to lock them in and today because I kind of forgot . But once I came home I let them out for a scratch.

 

[Callender Girl]

I'm sure the flock has already forgiven you

I opened the coops yesterday. Even though I had cleared last week's snow from the runs, the four girls in the A-frame coop refused to step outdoors; the ones in the red coop ventured out a bit and the rest of the chickens acted like it was no big deal. The ducks and geese, of course, will go out no matter what, often sitting outdoors as snow falls on top of them.

Today, it will finally get above freezing, so the chickens better enjoy their runs while they can.

We are under blizzard warning starting late tonight with high winds and another 2 or 3 inches of snow on the way. Temps will get below zero and wind chill is expected to be at 20 below zero or worse.

Spring cannot get here soon enough!

 

[MegsEggsx]

There has been a change in leadership within the flock. Today I witnessed something I never expected to see, Hay-Hay was being picked on by LJ! While Hay-Hay is tiny and is by far the smallest of the adults, I was very surprised when I saw LJ (who I did already know was moving up the ranks) pecking and running after Hay-Hay who was originally 2nd in command. But Meg, my ring leader, is still holding onto her title and when she saw Hay-Hay getting picked on she ran up and fought off the bully. Which was very sweet. LJ does not dare even look at Hay-Hay now while Meg is around!
Here is my reassessment of the order now:
1. Meg
2. LJ
3. Cauliflower
4. Hay-Hay
5. AJ
6. Comical
7. Roxy
8-10. Cupcake, Cookie and Muffin

Chickens be crazy.

 

[Callender Girl]

Way to demonstrate leadership skills, Meg!

 

[MegsEggsx]

And yet another warm, humid rainy day today. They had to stay inside the coop again! Thank god for my feeders ! The past few days have been a little boring nothing too exciting to post about! I guess that’s probably a good thing, don’t want too much drama!

 

[Callender Girl]

How I miss warm, humid days! It is -17 degrees outside today. By noon, it COULD get all the way up to 1 degree. More extreme cold is expected for at least a week.

None of the chickens ventured out of their coops in recent days --except, surprisingly, my tiny Cochin Bantams. Even the ducks and geese, who normally seem to enjoy lying on beds of snow, have decided enough is enough and return to their shelters as soon as they finish eating.

 

[MegsEggsx]

My chickens would hate it being that cold. Even in winter here you can go outside comfortably just wearing a thin jumper, my chickens didn't even slow let alone stop laying in winter! Hope it begins to warm up soon!

We had a thunderstorm this afternoon, big lightning bolts and very loud thunder. I wasn't at home so I am not sure how they handle the noise, but I can imagine they were pretty frightened. I think that is the 3rd or 4th storm that the older hens have been through, but only the 1st (maybe 2nd) that the little silkies have been through. It was definitely the scariest and loudest yet though, and it rained for a long time too.

 

[Callender Girl]

Hope everybody is feeling secure now!

 

[MegsEggsx]

Yes. This morning I let them out and they were very excited to get out. I opened the door and all 10 of them ran past my feet! I think there may be a little rain this afternoon too, but the skies are very blue with only a few thin clouds, so maybe not!

 

[Callender Girl]

Yay for your girls!

According to TV news, it hit minus 22 degrees today, but by afternoon it was 4 degrees above and sunny. My Sapphire Gems both came out of the coop, and the fluffy girls (especially the Salmon Faverolles) stood in the doorway of theirs. None of the Iowa Blues nor the girls from my avatar coop ventured out. Still, three hens laid eggs today.

The tiny Cochin Bantams continue to scoff at the cold, and the runner ducks decided to lay in the sun all afternoon. The geese were willing to leave their shelter but refused to come out of their run.

Tomorrow it's supposed to hit 10 degrees, so I'm hoping everybody enjoys the "warm."