What did you do with your flock today?

[kurby22]

Yeah. The hawks/falcons here can be pretty bold, but they haven’t been that bold in a while. I’m just glad we were out there, otherwise it definitely would’ve gotten her. :/

Holy cow! This is my worst nightmare! I am waiting for some 6 ft poles to add more bird netting to the extension I made to the run and every time I let the silkies out in the new run area I feel like a helicopter mom Hawks can be super bold and this is proof! I’m so glad he didn’t get away with your baby! Naughty hawk!

I sat with the chickens this morning and tried to enjoy them while I have them. I am learning each day is precious with chickens because they can be gone so quickly :-(

Betty is indeed broody, but I’m not sure she has figured out what it takes to be a dedicated broody. She left the eggs I tried to give her and is sitting on new ones…I’m also not certain that Puff has figured out how to properly do the deed as a few we cracked open were not fertile. I also wonder if Puff might be fertile at all. He’s small and might be infertile. Fluff is finally coming into his own as well, so maybe some day but not with Aria Jr eggs :-(

Puff and Fluff are such good boys though, I love them

 

[pennyJo1960]

Morning Think I am starting to get my second cup ..
At least get to stay home.. May try to single out one extra pullet to move two the main coop tonight.

 

[629864]

That is crazy that all of that was beads of ice!! That must've been a sight to see! I hope that most of it has melted so you can leave the house.

Nope...it snowed u ntil 4 hours ago. Its nice and sunny now, but still just barely 32F. So it wont be melting until likely Sunday when it gets into the 40s.

Thanks for the info on goats!! I will most definitely take your comments into consideration, as I am very prone to getting what I think is cute over what is practical.

Me too. Boer are adorable and sweet. Not practical. We have a dwarf Nigerian boy. Sweet little guy. Great for a pet. And so far very hardy.

I know nothing about Spanish goats so I will need to look into them! I have mainly been eyeing pygmy goats because no matter where we live (will stay on West Coast), it won't be enough property for larger goats...unless I get reallllly lucky! I love hearing about goats and livestock and LGDs, so share as much as you want and I will soak it all in! How are the reds doing today?

Thanks so much for asking about them. Everyone but the gunieas was eager to get out of the coop this morning. And they all have continued to behave and not squabble. As far as I can tell, there's only the one red with a pretty badly frostbitten comb and one of my BL roosters has a few black tips on his. Otherwise, I cant see any wattles or combs or feet with issues. I'm pretty flabberghasted. But tonight due to it being clear skies going forward (and no cloud cover to hold in heat), it'll get down to 9F between tonight and tomorrow. So fingers crossed that extreme cold doesnt do more harm. But I'll keep them housed together until Sunday. All next week will be in the 50s, so they'll be able to enjoy going out and exploring.

 

[kurby22]

Nope...it snowed u ntil 4 hours ago. Its nice and sunny now, but still just barely 32F. So it wont be melting until likely Sunday when it gets into the 40s.

Me too. Boer are adorable and sweet. Not practical. We have a dwarf Nigerian boy. Sweet little guy. Great for a pet. And so far very hardy.


Thanks so much for asking about them. Everyone but the gunieas was eager to get out of the coop this morning. And they all have continued to behave and not squabble. As far as I can tell, there's only the one red with a pretty badly frostbitten comb and one of my BL roosters has a few black tips on his. Otherwise, I cant see any wattles or combs or feet with issues. I'm pretty flabberghasted. But tonight due to it being clear skies going forward (and no cloud cover to hold in heat), it'll get down to 9F between tonight and tomorrow. So fingers crossed that extreme cold doesnt do more harm. But I'll keep them housed together until Sunday. All next week will be in the 50s, so they'll be able to enjoy going out and exploring.

View attachment 2983588View attachment 2983587

Brrrr! It looks so cold! Poor little chickens! I’m so glad they’re doing well, despite the snow and cold temperatures. It’s wild how chickens can be both hardy and so fragile all at the same time!

I’m glad the dwarf guy is doing well too! I just can’t get over how cute they are I haven’t done the research since it’s a ways out, but I really want a Bernese Mountain dog or Newfoundland as a LGD for my goats and chickens. I hope that’s possible with those breeds!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Bernese Mountain dog or Newfoundland or Pyrenees still have to train even them. Takes allot of patience and love but Alpha should be the human.. Just my humble opinion.

 

[kurby22]

Bernese Mountain dog or Newfoundland or Pyrenees still have to train even them. Takes allot of patience and love but Alpha should be the human.. Just my humble opinion.

That was my thinking too! But I have read that Newfies love their people and it may be sadder for them to be out with the livestock than one of the other breeds. Which I suppose is probably true. They don’t come with that innate independence like an Akbash or Anatolian…maybe I’ll just need both!

 

[pennyJo1960]

They are a more alpha breed not for a light heart or new to dogs.. Stick with Newf if you can find a breeder go to the akc site or search for the rescue

 

[629864]

Brrrr! It looks so cold! Poor little chickens! I’m so glad they’re doing well, despite the snow and cold temperatures. It’s wild how chickens can be both hardy and so fragile all at the same time!

Indeed! The guineas have only left the coop long enough to eat and drink.

I’m glad the dwarf guy is doing well too! I just can’t get over how cute they are I haven’t done the research since it’s a ways out, but I really want a Bernese Mountain dog or Newfoundland as a LGD for my goats and chickens. I hope that’s possible with those breeds!

Bernese and Newfies wouldn't do well in warm climates as they've been bred for snowy places. But if you live somewhere cooler, they're both awesome dogs.

Here's our sweet Spanish (probably mixed) Storm:

And our little Nigerian guy Karl:

 

[pennyJo1960]

The two breeds are double coated it protects in all weather Trust me I know the breeds in and out.. Shaving them destroys the protection God gave them.

 

[kurby22]

Indeed! The guineas have only left the coop long enough to eat and drink.



Bernese and Newfies wouldn't do well in warm climates as they've been bred for snowy places. But if you live somewhere cooler, they're both awesome dogs.

Here's our sweet Spanish (probably mixed) Storm:
View attachment 2983928

And our little Nigerian guy Karl:
View attachment 2983929

they’re SO cute!! Hehehe I love them