Happenings this week --
Without revealing an indiscreet amount of detail (much as I'd enjoy doing) I can say I had a quite unpleasant one-sided interaction with The Neighbor. If you've been with me for a while, you know who I mean. We disagree on adequate animal care in so many ways.
On this particular afternoon I was throwing a handful of sliced carrots to two of her cows and a couple of goats. In the midst of this quiet activity, a screaming voice is heard telling me to quit feeding the animals!! The reason given (still screaming) isn't relevant to this story, but goes along with our divergent ideas on animal care. I admit I haven't been spoken to like this in... maybe never.
So the next day I had to say no to these adorable faces. And told them the *itch wouldn't le me give them treats. I can't tell you how hard it is for me to not run counter to good judgement and throw carrots.
Weather-wise, it was a beeuutiful day today. So whether the girls have completed the fall molt or not, it was a good day to clean out the coop. Feathers of assorted color have littered the floor for a couple of weeks now. To counter the stress of the molt I've been upping their protein snacks (mealworms Grubblies, sunflower seeds, etc.) and have , for the first time, introduced chick feed into the mix for the duration of the winter. I now mix regular organic feed, organic starter feed and a third feed that has more whole grains.
The girls always enter a freshly cleaned coop slowly and carefully, taking in the new blanket of shavings on the floor.
On the subject of coop floor materials, I've read shavings are not always advisable because of the dust factor. I don't care for straw and some of the other options are beyond my budget. For you chicken keepers out there, what do you use?
It's also that time of year that earns me a bad rap with the donks.
The pasture is now closed for the season until the end of next May. Today while I was cleaning the coop, I opened the gate and they were allowed the run of "the compound" - the fenced area surrounding the house. Little buggers were back in an hour asking for lunch. In years past they would wander at ease for at least a couple of hours. Don't know what was up today.
Oh dear Janet your neighbour sounds very nasty. What on earth is the harm in giving them a few treats??!! Obviously said neighbour uses any excuse to have a go at you, which must be really unpleasant. I have always used sawdust on the floor of the coop and straw in the nest boxes. Never had any problems using sawdust, it's relatively cheap and easy to use. Loved your video of the donks having their lunch and gorgeous Violet is certainly not camera shy and was determined to get in on the action.
ReplyDeleteLouise, I'm not sure I had considered sawdust. It's not dusty? The Fresh Eggs Daily person doesn't prefer pine shavings because of the dust which, of course, leads to respiratory issues. Thanks as always for your input. I'll investigate further. :)
DeleteOh Janet, I hate you got yelled at for being nice to the animals. What's wrong with some folks?? I could write a book about one of my neighbors, in fact, I given it some thought. She doesn't yell at me, she just drives me crazy. Your hens are so pretty and clean. I would hate for you to see the mess our little chicken house is in right now. If this cast ever comes off, I have a ton of work waiting. I've always used cheap hay for the dirt floor in our hen house. I love the little video.
ReplyDeleteMelba, thanks for the hay tip. Would love to hear more about your neighbor -- might make me feel better...
DeleteHi Janet - I don't think the sawdust I buy is very dusty. It is especially (so it says on the wrapper) meant for small animals. I only use it down on the floor so they can scratch about in it and to keep the area a bit cleaner from the poo. Coop run is open so it is always well ventilated and I use just straw in the nest box where it is more enclosed. This chicken keeping business throws up lots of contradicting theories, don't you think? I think you have just got to go with what you feel is best and a lot of it is trial and error. Say hello to beautiful Violet for me. Sweet by name and sweet by nature.
ReplyDeleteTrial and error is right!
DeleteSeems I am not the only one with horrible neighbours!! Mines a long story and rather boring but they drove us crazy for about 2 years when we were going through an especially hard time with Steve's very ill mother. They can still drive us crazy and what they put us through scarred us, but I suppose it is just a matter of having to live with it.
ReplyDelete