I think I lurk and read to much. I should pipe up more often. That is my new resolution!
I've tilled me a garden for this year. I have some peas, tomatoes and broccoli growing so far. Had to net out the chickens.
It's safe for them to be out free ranging again since the neighbors made a pen for their dog. It wasn't coyotes that got some of my poor birds, it was their dog. I've had my GSD out there keeping watch over them, too. She's finally matured enough to keep her attention on stuff and doesn't like anything near her chickens. I still have four in an isolation pen until their feathers are all back, and the worst girl still has a big wound, but it's less than a third the size of what it was. I don't know how she lived, much less dragged herself home. The survivors were smart birds and all ran out into the marsh to hide. The silkies didn't stand a chance. The rooster and his two sons were the type to run in to defend their girls, and may be why some of those injured lived. There were so many feathers.
So I'm out my broodies and down 5 layers until the four survivors are well. My husband wants to get more brahmas for our chicks for this year. The ones I've had just haven't cared at all about the rain and have foraged so well in snow and downpour. I want a few more EEs or Ameracaunas. My EEs have been such laid back friendly birds. One likes to sit on my shoulder and snuggle in for petting.