Susan Skylark
Songster
Today was nice (45F, we’re talking January in the northern Midwest!) so i spent the morning catching up on bird chores, cleaning the brooder, culling a few extras, refreshing bedding, etc. I also went through and updated the list, only to discover I was missing a bird, count as I might I couldn’t find the extra. Time for a census, a quick run through the list and I identified the missing bird, but it is one of my son’s favorites and she’s always right there waiting for a treat, how could she be missing? But then again didn’t I cull that bird six months ago because she got mean? That’s the problem, there are still two identical zombie birds (they just sort of amble towards you and follow your hands the minute you open the pen and have to investigate whatever you are doing, whether filling water or a ring on your hand or getting eggs) he’s been calling by that name that are the spitting image of the missing hen and each other but neither has the right colored band, good thing I started banding them! I guess i forgot to update the list when I culled the bird and also didn’t update the kid or he forgot! Nothing is missing I just messed up the paperwork and we’ll leave him in ignorance as to the fate of his previous favorite since he hasn’t apparently noticed she’s missing! Or rather just rename the zombie clones! Apparently these particular quail have about as much to distinguish them from each other as your average goldfish (same color, same personality!). Now how to tell him it is time to cull his current favorite male? And no, I don’t have a clone handy for this one!
