What did you do with your flock today?

[Smokerbill]

How do chickens know that a cat is a predator, but a deer isn't? While my birds were out foraging this evening a couple of deer came into the yard. Two of the pullets walked over to the deer to check it out. They were only a few feet apart.

The deer seemed a little curious, like the chickens. I went inside to grab my camera but when I got back outside the scene had evaporated. The deer had moved on, and the chickens went back to foraging. The cockerels didn't pay any attention to the deer.

 

[kurby22]

How do chickens know that a cat is a predator, but a deer isn't? While my birds were out foraging this evening a couple of deer came into the yard. Two of the pullets walked over to the deer to check it out. They were only a few feet apart.

The deer seemed a little curious, like the chickens. I went inside to grab my camera but when I got back outside the scene had evaporated. The deer had moved on, and the chickens went back to foraging. The cockerels didn't pay any attention to the deer.

That must’ve been so neat to see!

 

[Smokerbill]

That must’ve been so neat to see!

It was. I need to make sure I have my camera with me every time I babysit the chickens as they get their free ranging time in the evenings. I'm sure there will be another deer/chicken encounter. I'll be ready for it next time!

 

[kurby22]

Had a rather mellow day with the chickens! Went out to brunch with a friend during the cooler morning hours, so I wasn’t outside for too long, but we did have to fill waterers and a couple were in bad need of a good scrub! It was a bit overcast with a breeze though, so the 101 degree weather wasn’t so terrible. I included some scoops of Hydro Hen in their waterers now that the heat wave isn’t so intense for the next week. Hoping it helps them recover from all the panting and heat stress!

Then I spent time with some of the babies and the big girls

I also won a bet against my husband yesterday that has resulted in me getting to replace a cheap prefab with a real coop when I decide it’s time It’s a long story, but suffice it to say he was really certain he was right and I was wrong…but I know his family better than he does and I winned! He had to clean house, clean outside, and buy me a sushi dinner too! Was a big disagreement haha.

 

[kurby22]

It was. I need to make sure I have my camera with me every time I babysit the chickens as they get their free ranging time in the evenings. I'm sure there will be another deer/chicken encounter. I'll be ready for it next time!

Yea! I always have my phone camera just in case the chickens do something fun

 

[Nomadicus]

I'm curious since I hopped on this thread later than most, why would you possibly need to sell them?

I hatched them for meat from the roosters and to sell locally to others with small farms around me as started pullets that are past the high maintenance age. I have so many more that it is getting almost impossible to take care of well that are going to be sold as well. Unexpected health issues are changing the goals I have for retirement.

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

Isn’t that so annoying? You’d think they’d been horribly mistreated like they’re sure you have plans for the stew pot every day

The thing is, Jasper was among one of the friendliest and eager to learn new things when he was young! I guess cockerel hormones have taken a toll on him, which is technically not his fault.

I especially love the ones that continue to complain after you’ve got them and are loving on them. It makes me giggle more than anything

And the cockerel you are perfectly describing would be Slate. He is my Blue Cochin Bantam, and I hatched him from Cackle Hatchery's bantam egg surprise package. He is a mix of both totally hilarious and totally annoying at the same time! A lot different than his sweet, calm hatchmate April, who is a Blue Easter Egger Bantam. When he and his flockmates are let out to have fun outside for a bit, he never stops doing the feed call. He always wants to be the center of attention and he acts so tough, but when he sees so much as a shadow or a falling leaf he will scream. He screams a lot. Despite not even being able to run because of how feathered his feet are (he does hops instead), Slate is surprisingly fast and hard to catch, and when you do manage to grab him he growls and screams at you!

 

[Nomadicus]

Help is coming soon and today we will finish up another smaller size coop for just a few breeders that I hope to have laying soon. I will have some time later just to sit and watch them play in the grassy area and l take their dust bath.

 

[Nomadicus]

Looks like I get to chicken watch a lot today. My helper has an important thing for him to get done and we won't be tackling the coop building until in the morning now. I do love to sit and watch as they chase bugs and now they are stripping seed off the grass for snacks.

 

[ChicksnMore]

How do chickens know that a cat is a predator, but a deer isn't? While my birds were out foraging this evening a couple of deer came into the yard. Two of the pullets walked over to the deer to check it out. They were only a few feet apart.

The deer seemed a little curious, like the chickens. I went inside to grab my camera but when I got back outside the scene had evaporated. The deer had moved on, and the chickens went back to foraging. The cockerels didn't pay any attention to the deer.

Body language is my guess. What a beautiful moment