Tori and Coco
Sharen and Barbara
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
10/30/2012: Chickens as Hats
Tori and Coco
Sharen and Barbara
October 30, 2012: Mabel is Fine.
All that anxiety, for us and for her, and she is fine, no egg yet, but doing great, eating, running around etc. She however is very wary of me, the one who did the digital exam and soaked her hiney in water to try to relax her muscles and help her lay that first egg, which apparently does not yet exist.
She looks at me funny and runs away, who wouldn't after that ordeal. Hopefully she will forget those events, or at least know that mommy was trying to help. I got some good advice, as posted on FB, from my Cousin Judi, which was basically, "chill out", she'll lay when she's good and ready.
Perhaps I should not have read so much about chicken health threats. But I'm Italian, and in my famiglia we worry in advance, and always expect and prepare for the worst, so naturally seeing her in what looked like first egg pain made me run to the resources and instigate the treatment.
For fellow chicken lovers, not just chicken raisers, but those of us who love these sweet, funny, goofy feathered little things, we understand that these are God's creatures, our pets with benefits.
Other than scratch in the lawn and poop alot, they do no harm. Their sweet little voices greeting me in the morning as they run to me, knowing that Mommy is gonna feed them some scratch, it so delightful. Sitting with them, Cal and I each holding a little girl and having them fall asleep in our arms, is a peaceful experience. Even Annie is getting used to having them share her yard, and is intensely interested in their every move, but has not chased them in two days.
And then presto, every day or so we get a delicious little brown egg, the best I've ever tasted. Gave several to Karen and John and even John ( a tough crowd ) said how much better they were.
Everyone have a blessed day, and say a prayer for those in the path of Hurricane Sandy.
The Chicken Wrangler signing off.
She looks at me funny and runs away, who wouldn't after that ordeal. Hopefully she will forget those events, or at least know that mommy was trying to help. I got some good advice, as posted on FB, from my Cousin Judi, which was basically, "chill out", she'll lay when she's good and ready.
Perhaps I should not have read so much about chicken health threats. But I'm Italian, and in my famiglia we worry in advance, and always expect and prepare for the worst, so naturally seeing her in what looked like first egg pain made me run to the resources and instigate the treatment.
For fellow chicken lovers, not just chicken raisers, but those of us who love these sweet, funny, goofy feathered little things, we understand that these are God's creatures, our pets with benefits.
Other than scratch in the lawn and poop alot, they do no harm. Their sweet little voices greeting me in the morning as they run to me, knowing that Mommy is gonna feed them some scratch, it so delightful. Sitting with them, Cal and I each holding a little girl and having them fall asleep in our arms, is a peaceful experience. Even Annie is getting used to having them share her yard, and is intensely interested in their every move, but has not chased them in two days.
And then presto, every day or so we get a delicious little brown egg, the best I've ever tasted. Gave several to Karen and John and even John ( a tough crowd ) said how much better they were.
Everyone have a blessed day, and say a prayer for those in the path of Hurricane Sandy.
The Chicken Wrangler signing off.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
October 28, 2012: Mabel's Unwell Tonight..
Another beautiful day in Northern California and spent a lot of time outside with the girls. All was well with the girls until about 4:30pm when Mabel went back into the coop, squatted down and began to make a weird noise. She looked like she was trying to poop....or lay an egg, but was having trouble. This would be her first egg. Barbara was staying near her, laying down next to her maybe playing mid-wife or delivery coach.
Went to our chicken wrangling resource books regarding a hen who may be egg bound, or with an egg stuck sideways, so to speak. And yes folks, I had to glove up and explore her vent ( hiney region). As an RN, I lost the toss. Really did not know what ai was supposed to feel, but was afraid to pursue this too far, an perhaps beak the egg or hurt my girl, both unacceptable.
Decided on plan B and brought her in and submerged her back end in semi-hot water in the sink, as per instructed in our chicken health book, for 20 minutes. She actually fell asleep during the dunking, in her Daddy's arms, with her little eyes closed while Mommy gently bathed her nether regions with hotish water.
We then dried her off and placed her back in the nest area. We will check her in two hours, then repeat. If no luck she will have to to see The Country Vet in the morning. BUT we are hopeful she will lay her first little blue egg tonight, and be OK. She is such a precious little thing. She was perfectly fine all day, eating, scratching around and chortling. I'm worried.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
October 27, 2012: Another egg this morning. These girls Rock!
I let the girls out into the yard about 8am into a beautiful sunny day with just a light breeze, Threw out Scratch calling "chick chick," guess that's what your supposed to say, anyway they didn't need any coaxing. They hit the Scratch hard. Annie was allowed to join us, and did very well with "no chase/nice'.Cal and I sat outside with our coffee and watched them cruise around cooing and clucking and making a brrrrrrrr sound.
I heard a hawk calling somewhere in the tree about 2 houses from us. Both girls alerted and headed for the coop. Very smart. They both went up into the nest/roost area and within 3 minutes Barbara had laid a nice little brown egg.
We have so many trees and shrubs in out yard that a hawk would have a difficult time diving down to get the girls, but just in case, we put their outdoor patio in place that gives them extra room to hang our while still being able to go right into the coop, and stay safe.
Latter today we went back out and each held a little girl petting and talking to them for several minutes. Annie tried to jump on our laps too, but we gently told her no, but leaned down to pet her. However, her knickers were still in a twist. She walked out into the yard, seemingly ignoring us. However we found her sneaking a peek at us from behind the potted geranium. It was so dang cute, those little brown eyes peeking through the leaves. That was our cue to let the girls down and pick up Annie who wanted some cuddles too, as if we don't cuddle her constantly. BUT- it was progress as she did not chase or bug the chickens at all.
This is part of my chicken wrangler dream, to be out in the yard with the girls and Annie, living in harmony.
I heard a hawk calling somewhere in the tree about 2 houses from us. Both girls alerted and headed for the coop. Very smart. They both went up into the nest/roost area and within 3 minutes Barbara had laid a nice little brown egg.
We have so many trees and shrubs in out yard that a hawk would have a difficult time diving down to get the girls, but just in case, we put their outdoor patio in place that gives them extra room to hang our while still being able to go right into the coop, and stay safe.
Latter today we went back out and each held a little girl petting and talking to them for several minutes. Annie tried to jump on our laps too, but we gently told her no, but leaned down to pet her. However, her knickers were still in a twist. She walked out into the yard, seemingly ignoring us. However we found her sneaking a peek at us from behind the potted geranium. It was so dang cute, those little brown eyes peeking through the leaves. That was our cue to let the girls down and pick up Annie who wanted some cuddles too, as if we don't cuddle her constantly. BUT- it was progress as she did not chase or bug the chickens at all.
This is part of my chicken wrangler dream, to be out in the yard with the girls and Annie, living in harmony.
Friday, October 26, 2012
October 26, 2012: The Girls And The Cat
We had an intruder in the yard yesterday. Fortunately the girls were in their enclosed coop patio area. How did we know about this, you ask, cause the girls set up such a ruckus you could hear them up and down the street.
I have been under the weather, but Cal ran outside and chased the damn cat away. Frankly I think Barbara could take any cat, but don't want to test that hypothesis.We never leave them out in the yard when we are gone.
Today they cruised all over the yard, clear over to the east side yard and found a hiding place in the bushes causing Cal to think he had somehow lost them. He scoured the yard to no avail until finally hearing adorable coos from behind the bushes. There they were hunkered down bathing in the dust, having a great time. Mable scurried out and made a break for the deck, hopping up on the hedge, running along is then jumping down and heading for the coop.
My Mom came by and went out with me to see them, she even threw some scratch for them, See she is afraid of chickens, but is warming up to them.
I spent the day in bed and the girls frequently sat on the door mat outside the bedroom slider resting, lucking, and just peering in at me. I did venture out to cuddle with Mabel, and Barbara laid another egg. She is a mechanic in the egg laying department.
It was a basically quiet day, well except for the cat that is. Damn cat!
Hoping to feel better tomorrow friends.
I have been under the weather, but Cal ran outside and chased the damn cat away. Frankly I think Barbara could take any cat, but don't want to test that hypothesis.We never leave them out in the yard when we are gone.
Today they cruised all over the yard, clear over to the east side yard and found a hiding place in the bushes causing Cal to think he had somehow lost them. He scoured the yard to no avail until finally hearing adorable coos from behind the bushes. There they were hunkered down bathing in the dust, having a great time. Mable scurried out and made a break for the deck, hopping up on the hedge, running along is then jumping down and heading for the coop.
My Mom came by and went out with me to see them, she even threw some scratch for them, See she is afraid of chickens, but is warming up to them.
I spent the day in bed and the girls frequently sat on the door mat outside the bedroom slider resting, lucking, and just peering in at me. I did venture out to cuddle with Mabel, and Barbara laid another egg. She is a mechanic in the egg laying department.
It was a basically quiet day, well except for the cat that is. Damn cat!
Hoping to feel better tomorrow friends.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 24, 2012: Annie Goes Nuts!
Enter Mabel and Barbara. Annie has been so interested in them, and probably a little jealous of the attention they receive. We have been slowly introducing them to each other.
Using behavioral techniques and coaching, we have kept Annie on a leash and allowed her to get close to the girls. The girls seem mildly interested in her, and slowly move away pecking at new parts of the lawn. Then, we've let her out into the yard while the girls are in the coop and coached her not to jump on the coop. Ok so far so good.
Yesterday afternoon we let Annie out into the yard while the girls were roaming around on the lawn, coaching Annie to "be nice/no chase". This went well for about 5 minutes, and what happened next was really Barbara's fault.
Annie got a closer, but was just walking along, sniffing where the girls had been, Barbara suddenly flapped her wings and took off running. The chase was on.
Annie thought this was so much fun, and clearly saw it as a game, and perhaps someday it will be. She never tried to bite, or harm the chickens in anyway, but she did have a gleam in her eye. She loves to chase the ball, the "baby", and anything else we will toss, so a running chicken looked like a hell of a lot of fun.
When we said, well really shouted, Annie No Chase, she stopped and came right to me. Such a good girl. The chickens calmed right down and went back to cruising the yard. All was well in the Kingdom of the Chicken Wrangler, again,
By the way, chicken seem to ignore commands like "stay", "come" etc. And when they run they look just like their ancestors, T-Rex and Velocoraptor . Kinda scary. Maybe the chicken stare is some deep dinosaur engrams firing off in their little chicken brains, saying: Meal or Mama?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23. 2012: Cooped up all day and not liking it.
The girls weathered their first storm well with only a few grumbles about not being able to get out in the yard. Barbara even laid another egg yesterday afternoon. After the storm passed, we let them out for a bit, then held and talked to them for a few minutes. Mabel seems to love this and likes to be held in my arms. Barbara likes it too, but wants down sooner than Mabel.
No eggs from Mable yet and she is just about 6 months old, so hopefully she will start laying any day.
This morning I let them out, then went back to make the bed. I opened the drapes to find Mabel standing looking in at me, like, whatcha doin? She stood and watched me carefully, very interested in each simple action of bed making. It feels wonderful to have someone fascinated by your every move. Like I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread, or corn scratch in the girls case.
They spend lots of time looking in the sliding doors. While sitting on the couch last week, alone at home, I distinctly felt that I was not alone, and was being watched. Kinda creepy until I looked towards the door and found two chickens sitting on the door mat by the door both looking intently at me. What are they trying to tell me? More Scratch Mama...or perhaps another delicious tomato please....or no more bananas, yuck......? Are they trying to communicate by brain waves? Nothing can stare at you like a chicken, I'll tell ya.
BTW our first winter storm brought tornado's which touched down just south of us and tore up the little 9 hole golf course pretty good. Not typical for this area. Also have snow in the Sierra's. We're headed up that way soon to check on the cabin and no, the chickens aren't going.
No eggs from Mable yet and she is just about 6 months old, so hopefully she will start laying any day.
This morning I let them out, then went back to make the bed. I opened the drapes to find Mabel standing looking in at me, like, whatcha doin? She stood and watched me carefully, very interested in each simple action of bed making. It feels wonderful to have someone fascinated by your every move. Like I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread, or corn scratch in the girls case.
They spend lots of time looking in the sliding doors. While sitting on the couch last week, alone at home, I distinctly felt that I was not alone, and was being watched. Kinda creepy until I looked towards the door and found two chickens sitting on the door mat by the door both looking intently at me. What are they trying to tell me? More Scratch Mama...or perhaps another delicious tomato please....or no more bananas, yuck......? Are they trying to communicate by brain waves? Nothing can stare at you like a chicken, I'll tell ya.
BTW our first winter storm brought tornado's which touched down just south of us and tore up the little 9 hole golf course pretty good. Not typical for this area. Also have snow in the Sierra's. We're headed up that way soon to check on the cabin and no, the chickens aren't going.
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 22, 2012: The First Storm
I heard we had our first rain storm of the season coming in today. I was filled with elation for the land, but kinda scared about how the chickens would fare. Was the coop really water proof? Would the wind drive the rain up their ramp into the roosting area?
Don't laugh, I've read so much about how the worst thing for a chicken, besides hatching at Foster Farms, is get wet and cold.
Wind and rain started during the night. The coop was out on the lawn, up against a hedge and under our big tree. I woke up to the sound of the rain gutters doing a fine job, accompanied by a cacophony of drips. Then I heard the girls calling.
You see they were born on May 29th up in the foothills which is a dry area in Summer, and probably not experienced rain before. I hopped up out of bed, woke up Cal and we suited up for a coop move.
First we had to clear and stack the patio furniture, that part was easy. I checked the girls and they were downstairs inside the coop, sitting together. Clearly their main concern was breakfast.
After deliberation and discussion, translation let's do it this way, we managed to get them upstairs and to lift the coop onto the patio under the roof. I checked the nesting and roost area which was warm and dry. The girls felt dry and warm, and hit the Scratch with gusto when I fed them.
Now they are tucked in safe and sound, and I'm going back to bed on this rainy blustery morning. Winter is approaching, and I'm thinking of a way of bringing the girls inside when it gets cold and wet and windy. P.S. Barbara laid another egg. That makes 6.
Don't laugh, I've read so much about how the worst thing for a chicken, besides hatching at Foster Farms, is get wet and cold.
Wind and rain started during the night. The coop was out on the lawn, up against a hedge and under our big tree. I woke up to the sound of the rain gutters doing a fine job, accompanied by a cacophony of drips. Then I heard the girls calling.
You see they were born on May 29th up in the foothills which is a dry area in Summer, and probably not experienced rain before. I hopped up out of bed, woke up Cal and we suited up for a coop move.
First we had to clear and stack the patio furniture, that part was easy. I checked the girls and they were downstairs inside the coop, sitting together. Clearly their main concern was breakfast.
After deliberation and discussion, translation let's do it this way, we managed to get them upstairs and to lift the coop onto the patio under the roof. I checked the nesting and roost area which was warm and dry. The girls felt dry and warm, and hit the Scratch with gusto when I fed them.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
October 21, 2012: All Quiet On The Chicken Front
It's just after 7:00am California time and the girls are still asleep. I'm going to let them, as they are really talkative in the morning and just in case, I don't want to disturb our neighbors on a Sunday morning. Now their dog, Doug, barks and whines the entire time they are gone from the house, but 2 wrongs don't make a right if you get my drift.
Taking Annie to church today for the blessing of the animals, and am taking pictures of Barbara and Annie too so they can get a blessing. They are our pets with benefits and I love them.
Yesterday I picked up Mabel and checked her out. She has yet to lay an egg and I was worried she could have one "stuck sideways". I have read about this in my chicken books and it apparently is quite painful. She did not appreciate my looking closely at her egg ejection area, and complained verbally. Could see no sign of an egg, and decided not to glove up ( all you fellow chicken wranglers know what I mean).
Barbara continues to be a bully so I am instituting the old squirt bottle method of getting her to stop bugging Mabel. Thankfully Barbara is not pecking at Mabel, just flapping her wings and body slamming her.
7:35 am and the soft cooing of the girls comes drifting through the dining room door. Be right back.
7:41 am and the girls are up, out, with fresh water and some scratch which they love. Checked the
nests, no eggs, freshened the roost area and helped them welcome the day.
Those little girls sure brighten a morning.
Have a blessed day today dear readers.
Taking Annie to church today for the blessing of the animals, and am taking pictures of Barbara and Annie too so they can get a blessing. They are our pets with benefits and I love them.
Yesterday I picked up Mabel and checked her out. She has yet to lay an egg and I was worried she could have one "stuck sideways". I have read about this in my chicken books and it apparently is quite painful. She did not appreciate my looking closely at her egg ejection area, and complained verbally. Could see no sign of an egg, and decided not to glove up ( all you fellow chicken wranglers know what I mean).
Barbara continues to be a bully so I am instituting the old squirt bottle method of getting her to stop bugging Mabel. Thankfully Barbara is not pecking at Mabel, just flapping her wings and body slamming her.
7:35 am and the soft cooing of the girls comes drifting through the dining room door. Be right back.
7:41 am and the girls are up, out, with fresh water and some scratch which they love. Checked the
nests, no eggs, freshened the roost area and helped them welcome the day.
Those little girls sure brighten a morning.
Have a blessed day today dear readers.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
October 20, 2012: Chicken in the Kitchen!
Work up before 7am today to get ready for a church function. Suddenly could hear the chickens screeching. Scared me to death as I raced out the see if something had gotten into the coop, or one of them was hung up on something. Threw open the coop door and out ran Barbara like her tail was on fire running straight for the house.
At that same moment Cal opened the slider and Annie ran out. Cal yells at me, What the hell are ya doing"? Next scene, Annie has chased Barbara into the kitchen where she proceeded to take a huge, and I mean huge poop. Like a larger than life golf ball. See, Cal had not heard the screeching or me shouting that something was wrong, and just thought I had lost my mind. Little does he know it's been lost for some time now.
While my blood pressure hit an all time high, I ascertained that nothing was amiss in the coop. Mabel was hanging out, no dreaded predators ( in this neighborhood it could only be a cat, or maybe a possum), only a nice little warm brown egg in Barbara's nest. If she is going to announce each egg like this, I'm going to have to get on Xanax. We do appreciate her prolific laying, but screeching like a banshee does not work for me.
And I think I pulled a muscle in my right arm trying to get the door open. This Chicken Wrangling ain't for sissy's I'll tell ya.
At that same moment Cal opened the slider and Annie ran out. Cal yells at me, What the hell are ya doing"? Next scene, Annie has chased Barbara into the kitchen where she proceeded to take a huge, and I mean huge poop. Like a larger than life golf ball. See, Cal had not heard the screeching or me shouting that something was wrong, and just thought I had lost my mind. Little does he know it's been lost for some time now.
While my blood pressure hit an all time high, I ascertained that nothing was amiss in the coop. Mabel was hanging out, no dreaded predators ( in this neighborhood it could only be a cat, or maybe a possum), only a nice little warm brown egg in Barbara's nest. If she is going to announce each egg like this, I'm going to have to get on Xanax. We do appreciate her prolific laying, but screeching like a banshee does not work for me.
And I think I pulled a muscle in my right arm trying to get the door open. This Chicken Wrangling ain't for sissy's I'll tell ya.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
October, 18, 2012: Another Egg Arrives and Mabel Gets Cuddly
Barbara laid another egg today. That makes in 5 days. What a gal! Meanwhile Mabel did the most amazing thing this evening.
While I was on the chaise working on my laptop. She began chatting to me then hopped up on arm. She peered at the computer screen, all the while talking away like she had a lot to say. I talked back to her trying to coo with her. She stared into my eyes and chatted back.
Then she jumped down and wandered onto the lawn, but quickly came back and jumped up on the table next to me, sat down and let me pet her for several minutes.Cal was outside with us and we were just astounded at her friendly, puppy-like behavior. She clearly wanted attention and pets.
Not to be out done, Barbara sauntered over to Cal and jumped up on his knee. She shied away from being petted though.
Earlier this morning, the girls had visitors, our friends Jack, Marian and Nancy came by to meet them. Marian even brought us a chicken- warming gift, darling chicken place mats.
After the girls got escorted back into the coop we let Annie out in the yard. We are slowly introducing the chickens into her life. She wags her tail and whimpers wanting to get close to them. Tonight she jumped up on the chaise, laid down and just looked at the coop, no barking, whimpering or jumping. Tomorrow I'll increase her leash time and length and let her get closer to the girls.
My behavioral training program seems to be working...or their behavioral training is working with us. Either way it is a blast. Thanks again Zahra, my chicken raising massage therapist.
While I was on the chaise working on my laptop. She began chatting to me then hopped up on arm. She peered at the computer screen, all the while talking away like she had a lot to say. I talked back to her trying to coo with her. She stared into my eyes and chatted back.
Then she jumped down and wandered onto the lawn, but quickly came back and jumped up on the table next to me, sat down and let me pet her for several minutes.Cal was outside with us and we were just astounded at her friendly, puppy-like behavior. She clearly wanted attention and pets.
Not to be out done, Barbara sauntered over to Cal and jumped up on his knee. She shied away from being petted though.
Earlier this morning, the girls had visitors, our friends Jack, Marian and Nancy came by to meet them. Marian even brought us a chicken- warming gift, darling chicken place mats.
After the girls got escorted back into the coop we let Annie out in the yard. We are slowly introducing the chickens into her life. She wags her tail and whimpers wanting to get close to them. Tonight she jumped up on the chaise, laid down and just looked at the coop, no barking, whimpering or jumping. Tomorrow I'll increase her leash time and length and let her get closer to the girls.
My behavioral training program seems to be working...or their behavioral training is working with us. Either way it is a blast. Thanks again Zahra, my chicken raising massage therapist.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012: Second Egg Arrives and Mabel Becomes a Lap Chicken
Barbara has taken to jumping up on me while I am sitting on the chaise and pecking at my shoes. Neither have tried to fly away again so I hope our Chicken Wrangling wing clipping worked. Both have cleared little spots to take their dust baths and seem to love that.
They are out in the yard most of the day and tend to hang around the sliding doors when we are not out with them. They even migrated to the bedroom slider yesterday while I was in bed recovering from a minor medical procedure, kinda of like, "where's Momma?" " Oh there she is". I was out of it, but Cal says they were looking in the window at me for a time, probably wanting me to come out and play. They love to play, those little girls.
They also went right into the coop and up the ramp into the roost/nest area about 4:30pm. No chasing or broom action required. Cal is working on the addition to the coop, expanding the run room so when we are gone for several days, they will have more outside room to explore. We'll ask our neighbors or my Sister to check on them in exchange for fresh eggs, whenever we are gone.
I am reading this wonderful little book called " Barnheart": The Uncurable Longing For A Farm Of One's Own. A Memoir, by Jenna Woginrich. I reminds me of my own longing to live rurally, have chickens, a goat, a garden and more peace, lots more work, but less distractions from what is truly important.
After all I am just an old Hippie who loved her time on the farm in Hood River, Oregon, sharing a wall in my converted barn stall room with the chicken coop, looking out my antique window at Mt. Hood in the moon light.
I am up early today and the girls and Cal are still asleep. Annie got up with me but has gone back to bed with her "cookie".
Life is good, I am blessed beyond belief.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October 14th, 2012: The $600.00 Egg Arrives!
Behold the $600.00 egg! Cal said it was the best egg he ever ate.
Now the girls are having a dust bath and relaxing in the yard. No escape tries today so far.
Both have been staying very close to the coop and us. Mabel loves sitting on Cal's lap being petting, and Barbara jumped up on my legs while I was reading the paper outside. They are so funny to watch, and definitely have their own personalities.
Barbara appears to be the alpha chicken, though Mabel is no push over.
Meanwhile Annie wants to get out and play with them sooooo bad.
Life is good for the Chicken Wrangler.
P.S. The next egg is mine!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
October 13, 2012: Barbara Escapes!
Came home from my book club to find only one chicken in the back yard. Mabel was cruising around pecking the lawn, but Barbara was no where to be found. PANIC!! Cal had been working on their larger chicken run in the garage when Babs took off.
Sounds of brrrring and cooing came from over the fence and there she was in the side yard of the house next door. Broom in hand, Cal and I did our chicken capture routine and brought her home.
Time to do the Chicken Wrangler thing and clip their wings. Got out the magazine with the instructions and just did it. Apparently we did not clip them short enough, and Barbara hopped up on the fence and went over again. Capture, was followed by further clipping of both girls wings. Cal held the girls while I clipped, then he tried his hand at clipping. Turns out this was simple, painless procedure for the chickens, however Cal and I are sweating by this time.
Moved the coop away from the fence. Now couldn't find Mabel. Scoured the yard, looked over the neighbors fences...no Mabel! Holy crap where did she go? At that point Cal glanced at the coop and there she was blightly sitting in the nesting area, oblivious to our panic, and apparently undisturbed by being moved inside the coop when we relocated it.
Cal picked her up and cuddled her and she sat on his lap for several minutes without being held onto.
Seeing him holding and talking to her, petting her and having her just rest her head on his arm was a sweet sight. Barbara continued to explore the yard.
I added the apple cider vinegar to their water, we added the grit and oyster shells to their feed, and put both girls back in the coop as it is now early evening. Time for beddy bye, and a big martini for Mommy and Daddy.
Maybe Daddy will finish the extended exercise area tomorrow and we can continue our adventure in Chicken Wrangling.
Adios Amigos.
Sounds of brrrring and cooing came from over the fence and there she was in the side yard of the house next door. Broom in hand, Cal and I did our chicken capture routine and brought her home.
Time to do the Chicken Wrangler thing and clip their wings. Got out the magazine with the instructions and just did it. Apparently we did not clip them short enough, and Barbara hopped up on the fence and went over again. Capture, was followed by further clipping of both girls wings. Cal held the girls while I clipped, then he tried his hand at clipping. Turns out this was simple, painless procedure for the chickens, however Cal and I are sweating by this time.
Moved the coop away from the fence. Now couldn't find Mabel. Scoured the yard, looked over the neighbors fences...no Mabel! Holy crap where did she go? At that point Cal glanced at the coop and there she was blightly sitting in the nesting area, oblivious to our panic, and apparently undisturbed by being moved inside the coop when we relocated it.
Cal picked her up and cuddled her and she sat on his lap for several minutes without being held onto.
Seeing him holding and talking to her, petting her and having her just rest her head on his arm was a sweet sight. Barbara continued to explore the yard.
I added the apple cider vinegar to their water, we added the grit and oyster shells to their feed, and put both girls back in the coop as it is now early evening. Time for beddy bye, and a big martini for Mommy and Daddy.
Maybe Daddy will finish the extended exercise area tomorrow and we can continue our adventure in Chicken Wrangling.
Adios Amigos.
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 12, 2012: Barbara and Mabel Settling In
Day two and the girls act like they have lived here for ever. They love it when I sit with them outside and stay right next to me except for when they venture out onto the lawn to peck around.
Barbara has the sweetest chortle and Mable has this little "brrrrrrr"sound she makes, though she just clucked for the first time a few seconds ago.
They both live to look in the sliding glass doors at Cal and I or Annie. Annie is very interested in them, and wags her tail like she want to play with them.
I have discovered that a broom works better for herding them, than chasing them while hunkering down and waving my arms like a goof.
We did decide to build them a covered run that we will attach to the coop when we are away for a few days, so they have plenty of room to exercise and peck around. They were raised to freely roam except at night.
They wander around during the day, but head back into the coop later in the afternoon. They both were in the roost when I woke up this morning. It is so cute to see the, looking out the window.
My Mom came to see them today and I happened to be holding Barbara. Mom sat down next to me and petted Barbara. Then she told me she had been afraid of chickens since she was a little girl. Guess she's going to get over that after 85 years.
I cannot tell you the peaceful feeling I get sitting here in the yard with the girls. It is so lovely.
Here is Barbara just hanging out on the patio. Mabel is on the left behind the corner of the coop.
Barbara has the sweetest chortle and Mable has this little "brrrrrrr"sound she makes, though she just clucked for the first time a few seconds ago.
They both live to look in the sliding glass doors at Cal and I or Annie. Annie is very interested in them, and wags her tail like she want to play with them.
I have discovered that a broom works better for herding them, than chasing them while hunkering down and waving my arms like a goof.
We did decide to build them a covered run that we will attach to the coop when we are away for a few days, so they have plenty of room to exercise and peck around. They were raised to freely roam except at night.
They wander around during the day, but head back into the coop later in the afternoon. They both were in the roost when I woke up this morning. It is so cute to see the, looking out the window.
My Mom came to see them today and I happened to be holding Barbara. Mom sat down next to me and petted Barbara. Then she told me she had been afraid of chickens since she was a little girl. Guess she's going to get over that after 85 years.
I cannot tell you the peaceful feeling I get sitting here in the yard with the girls. It is so lovely.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
October 11, 2012: The Race Is On: Hen Versus Chicken Wrangler.
Day one of Chicken Wrangling has gone very very well. The girls have already associated their coop with a safe haven. After some worrying by their new mommy they have both learned how to use the ramp up to the roost. At first they just walked around and then sat down on the grass floor of the coop. I was concerned they would get cold. When I looked out the bedroom window this morning, Barbara was looking out the roost window at me.
They are very curious and chatty, chortling and cooing. At about 11:00am we corralled Annie in the house and let the girls out of the coop. They slowly explored the west side of the yard, pecking and chortling. I sat down on the chaise lounge and Barbara jumped up on the adjacent chaise took a long look at me then hopped down and continued to graze and gaze. I have been able to pick them both up, one at a time, and while they are not crazy about it yet, they do not try to peck or claw me.
Seeing the girls playing in the yard was like a dream come true. I have visualized so many times seeing chickens out in the yard, watching them walking around, exploring, and chatting with them. I got to do this today. They both were very interested in me, and kept coming back to where I was sitting to visit.
Did some work with Annie getting her used to Barbara and Mabel. She is already able to sit inside the dining room, with the door open and the screen shut without going nuts trying to get out and see her new sisters. We have taken her on the leash out twice to let her them in the coop. And, she only has access to the east side yard, which is what we do in winter anyway to try to control for muddy paws. We did not want to further stress the girls, so kept the visits very brief. Lots of TLC for Annie and bravos for being a good girl. It's neat getting to use my behavioral psychology education again and seeing that, yep, it still works.
They have had visitors already as my sister Karen, her husband and thier neighbor Barbara came down to meet them. I noticed that when people see the little girls they automatically smile.
When Cal got back from Kiwanis, he sat with the girls outside and let them get used to him. They continued to walk around the yard happy as two little clams.
At about 2:30pm the weather turned kind of iffy with wind and showers predicted for tonight, so we moved the coop under the patio roof . Then the fun really began.
Cal and I had our first Hens versus Senior Citizens backyard races. Those little girls are fast and wily. But age and expreience triumphed over short and fast, and we got the girls back in the coop where they are now happily resting, looking out at their new yard. The Chicken Wrangler strikes again.
They are very curious and chatty, chortling and cooing. At about 11:00am we corralled Annie in the house and let the girls out of the coop. They slowly explored the west side of the yard, pecking and chortling. I sat down on the chaise lounge and Barbara jumped up on the adjacent chaise took a long look at me then hopped down and continued to graze and gaze. I have been able to pick them both up, one at a time, and while they are not crazy about it yet, they do not try to peck or claw me.
Seeing the girls playing in the yard was like a dream come true. I have visualized so many times seeing chickens out in the yard, watching them walking around, exploring, and chatting with them. I got to do this today. They both were very interested in me, and kept coming back to where I was sitting to visit.
Did some work with Annie getting her used to Barbara and Mabel. She is already able to sit inside the dining room, with the door open and the screen shut without going nuts trying to get out and see her new sisters. We have taken her on the leash out twice to let her them in the coop. And, she only has access to the east side yard, which is what we do in winter anyway to try to control for muddy paws. We did not want to further stress the girls, so kept the visits very brief. Lots of TLC for Annie and bravos for being a good girl. It's neat getting to use my behavioral psychology education again and seeing that, yep, it still works.
They have had visitors already as my sister Karen, her husband and thier neighbor Barbara came down to meet them. I noticed that when people see the little girls they automatically smile.
When Cal got back from Kiwanis, he sat with the girls outside and let them get used to him. They continued to walk around the yard happy as two little clams.
At about 2:30pm the weather turned kind of iffy with wind and showers predicted for tonight, so we moved the coop under the patio roof . Then the fun really began.
Cal and I had our first Hens versus Senior Citizens backyard races. Those little girls are fast and wily. But age and expreience triumphed over short and fast, and we got the girls back in the coop where they are now happily resting, looking out at their new yard. The Chicken Wrangler strikes again.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012: The first pictures of the girls.
Barbara our Barred Rock: She ran right up to me and chose me. So much for a buff Orpington.
Mabel our Ameraucana. She has the sweetest voice.
Mabel our Ameraucana. She has the sweetest voice.
Both little girls let me hold them and talk to them, and were quiet and calm during the ride home.
They are exploring their coop, eating and drinking.
Next challenge, getting Annie used to them. She is very interested. And getting them used to her.
Both girls were born on May29th and are 19 weeks old. We are letting them get used to the coop, and keeping Annie away from them for today. Will keep her on a leash and slowly introduce her to them and visa versa after the girls get acclimated. I love them already.
October 10, 2012: PICKING UP THE GIRLS TODAY!!
Headed out to Shingle Springs to pick up our girls, Finally!! Pictures to follow.
Today would have been my Grandpas 108 birthday! He grew up on a farm in Iowa. Maybe that's why I have always wanted to live on a farm. His memories were of a hard life and the cold. I am so blessed to be able to have a tiny farm experience with the girls without those hard times. God bless you Grandpa.
We're Off! TTYL.
Today would have been my Grandpas 108 birthday! He grew up on a farm in Iowa. Maybe that's why I have always wanted to live on a farm. His memories were of a hard life and the cold. I am so blessed to be able to have a tiny farm experience with the girls without those hard times. God bless you Grandpa.
We're Off! TTYL.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
October 2, 2012: The Chickens Are Coming!!
Finally after 4 weeks of looking for a place to get our girls, we are picking them up next Wednesday!! I was getting so disappointed thinking we'd never get our girls. We had hoped to find them locally, but after multiple phone messages, and e-mails produced limited to zero results. We had to venture further afield.
Two months ago we visited the Poultry Palace Ranch in Shingle Springs, CA. ( poultrypalace.mybigcommerce.com ) while on our way up to the cabin. The folks there were so nice, and helpful, even though we barged in without an appt. That was where I got to hold my first chicken. The man there taught me how, and the little girl just settled into my arms. Their website is wonderful.
Talked to Susan up there today and we have our appt. to pick out our Ameraucana and either an Orpington or an Australorp. They have such a great variety of hand raised chickens and the Ranch is only about 90 minutes from here. Who knows, we may end up with a few more eventually.
Our coop is set up, we have the feed, equipment, treats, and plenty of TLC ready for the girls.
This adventure which started with my friend Zahra and her chickens, has been a true learning experience. I think I may write a post about the 7 ( 10-20?)easy steps to getting backyard chickens.
Will keep you posted.
Two months ago we visited the Poultry Palace Ranch in Shingle Springs, CA. ( poultrypalace.mybigcommerce.com ) while on our way up to the cabin. The folks there were so nice, and helpful, even though we barged in without an appt. That was where I got to hold my first chicken. The man there taught me how, and the little girl just settled into my arms. Their website is wonderful.
Talked to Susan up there today and we have our appt. to pick out our Ameraucana and either an Orpington or an Australorp. They have such a great variety of hand raised chickens and the Ranch is only about 90 minutes from here. Who knows, we may end up with a few more eventually.
Our coop is set up, we have the feed, equipment, treats, and plenty of TLC ready for the girls.
This adventure which started with my friend Zahra and her chickens, has been a true learning experience. I think I may write a post about the 7 ( 10-20?)easy steps to getting backyard chickens.
Will keep you posted.
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