Category: Writing | Farm Posts

Chickens, Chores, and Blessings

Meet Dottie, she’s a Leghorn Hybrid at nearly 3 months and my little trooper in the desert heat. Smart and resourceful to say the least. Unlike the other members of the flock, she cools off in the little pool provided and takes full advantage of the mist system.

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Most of the flock is looking a little rough from temperatures ranging from 110 to 117. Not to mention I’m not feeling my best battling the heat while bringing them ice and fresh fruit during the day. But this is what chicken people do right? We love our birds no matter what. Ok, I’ll be honest, sometimes I do question myself on why I purposely add more chores to my life by keeping chickens!
But isn’t it funny how the drudgery of chores is forgotten when they’re all done? Maybe it’s the fresh smell of pine shavings in the hen house, or the basket full of pretty eggs.
But one thing is for sure when I’m heading back to the house, that last glance behind makes it all worthwhile. I feel blessed seeing my happy feathered family busy scratching in the dirt looking for nature’s little chicken treasures.

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Welcome Hatch-A-Longs

Yesterday was hatch day. My usual redundant morning chores were certainly more exciting, to say the least when I was greeted by newly hatched fuzzy butts. This was the first time hatching eggs for Peaches, a four-year-old Silkie hen.  She’s very proud and protective of her babies, nevertheless, I’m keeping a close watch on her inexperienced mothering. The brooder is set up and ready to go if needed.
This was a trial run for Peaches, the fertile eggs I placed under her were a barnyard mix. What I know for sure is the eggs are from a Leghorn and an Ameraucana. But the rooster? That will remain a mystery.
It will be a nice change to have birds other than Silkies and Cochins in my barn, these little hatch-a-longs will remain here as permanent members of the flock. Mamma and chicks will be moved to the barn with the others, confined to a corner in full view of the flock at 2-3 weeks old.

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Coyote Visits, Ends in Disaster at TBN Ranch

Dead, missing, and terrified chickens. A scenario more disturbing than any horror flick could ever portray. Some of my birds were just killed, others eaten with nothing left of their existence but a pile of feathers. Coyotes, no doubt. They don’t just take what they need to satisfy hunger, they kill just to kill, and often in large numbers.

So how did this happen? I’ve written time and time again about how to protect a flock from predators. Unfortunately, I failed the simplest and most important step of all… to close the coop door at night.  I was tired, fell asleep and just plain forgot.  My fault, and I’m fessing up because I want everybody to remember that it only takes one time of neglect for something like this to happen.
All my young Silkie pullets, one hen, and Wilson, my rooster are gone. So sad, this will never, never, never happen again.

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