There are plenty of holiday preparations left undone so tonight's post will be primarily a photo extravaganza, of sorts.
We'll begin with the absurd.
My chicken voice. It's ridiculous but effective.
Gigi and Stevie are the only girls who tolerate putting their little footsies in the snow.
Gigi shows off her mountaineering skills.
Three maniacs plead for treats
Henrietta does not receive memo that molting season is over
A beautiful Sweet Pea fluffy butt
Let's talk hay.
Probably your favorite subject, right?
Around any farm, teeny tiny or otherwise, more than likely hay is an important component. As it is here.
A couple of weeks ago I contacted my "hay guy" and asked to pick up our normal monthly supply of 2nd cutting. If you're a donkey person, you might pause, raise an eyebrow, and say 2nd cutting?
Well here's the backstory.
Our donks eat 1st cutting most of the time. In fact for many years they only ate 1st cutting. It's less rich than 2nd cutting. Important note: donks can get pretty chubby from too rich a diet.
But a couple of years ago our hay guy ran out of 1st cutting and I switched for the winter. And did again last year. And intended to switch again this winter. The donks had gotten two months of 2nd cutting when two weeks ago I found out his supply of 2nd cutting was gone.
To be honest I was thrown for a loop.
Apparently he had gotten some huge hay orders from new customers.
And was almost out of 1st cutting too.
What?!
But he had enough left for us to fill the horse trailer and the barn with no room to spare. The kicker -- it's got to last us through March.
Anyway, forward to the morning we ran out of the November stash of 2nd cutting and gave the donks the 1st cutting. They were not happy. At all. Where was the lush green yummy hay they had gotten used to.
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When the donks need to tell me something at mealtime at least one of them finds me in mid chore and stands there looking at me.
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My job is to read their mind which, to be honest, isn't too hard.
Usually the issue involves: Sugar and Spice edging Gabby out of the hay and she needs me to intervene, they need me to throw more hay, or they're being picky and want grain.
When I threw the 1st cutting they came en masse and told me this..was..not..satisfactory. I had to tell them, too bad, that's what we've got.
A couple of mornings ago the issue was the wind. There was hay in the yard, but one delegate came into the barn while I was cleaning the coop to tell me they wanted to eat in the barn.
On Sunday they said they needed a walkabout.
I said, OK
My little wood nymphs
The winter routine descended quickly here. Winter gear, hauling water, de-icers for hen and donk water.
But let's be clear -- the older chickens were not happy with the early snowfall.
Particularly Sweet Pea.
At seven, she's becoming a bit of an old lady. Even with a heavy layer of straw in the porch and the run she only peeked out, unwilling to step a toe on the white stuff.
The young'uns (Gigi, Stevie and Henri) ventured out to explore.
Sweet Pea -- only her head is seen while Henrietta said it wasn't so bad
The donks were a little more accepting. Snow meant the pasture gate was opened where they could wander and pick at tall weeds.
Here they were greeting me at morning's breakfast. And didn't move as I approached. Just staring.
Weird.
But now the temps have warmed and snow has turned to yuck.
Turning to the inside critters --
Dear readers, I ask that you indulge me for a moment as I mention the lost chickens once more.
I continue to particularly miss Cora Bell and Violet, my cuddle buddies. They were always close, too often directly under my feet and always said they were ready for a hug. Violet, Jewel (also gone) and Henrietta came together as three month olds from the fabulous local feed store. They always hung out together and Henri was quite upset the first night she was without her pals. She has adjusted though and now roosts with the older girls (Marigold still sleeps on top of a door).
And then there was Peggy Sue, who had lived here since 2018 A special girl who was doctored back from an ailment and was hearty and healthy. And she knew her name.
The only good thing about a reduction in the flock is everyone is getting along better. Henrietta was becoming quite the bully toward the new girls but no longer terrorizes Gigi and Stevie. Rick and I discussed whether at 11 girls they could have been overcrowded. We don't believe so. With the combination of the old coop and the new coop and two outside runs we think they had plenty of wandering around room. So I don't have a clear answer. Until spring we're sticking with the current crew.
Speaking of Gigi --
Just so you don't say, hey what about those darn donkeys!
The chonkey portion of this post will be brief.
We lost four girls on Saturday. I've been devastated and heartsick, not quite believing it to be true.
But Cora Bell, Violet, Peggy Sue, and Jewel are gone. We still haven't found Violet's body.
OK. I think our dog vet is the best. 99% of the time I think no other vet can compare. We found him back in 2004 in a desperate search to find a vet who would come to the home to euthanize our dog. And we've been using him ever since. (one can only hope he never ever retires)
Other vets who are vivid in my memory are those who were compassionate during euthanasia. That includes my current donkey vet. She attended on that awful day when I had to put Natural (see photo on right) down - my first and ultimately my last horse. And I've been using her for the donks ever since. You've gotta find a vet who understands the differences between horses and donks, and Dr. DeWitt does.
Anyhoo she came out last week to diagnose Gabby's lameness and found an abscess. Here's the official online explanation:
By Brian W. Fitzgerald, DVM
The scenario is all too familiar for many horse owners… yesterday your horse was sound, but today you find him crippled, with no apparent injury! What could have happened? Odds are this horse has a hoof abscess. Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will encounter this problem. Fortunately, most horses make a full recovery with prompt treatment.
Hoof Abscesses Explained
Hoof abscesses occur when bacteria get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole. The bacteria create exudate (pus), which builds up and creates pressure behind the hoof wall or sole. This pressure can become extremely painful.
Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round. Moisture in the environment can soften regions of the foot and make it easier for bacteria to get trapped inside. Extremely dry conditions can cause brittle, cracked feet. The abscess-causing bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks, by traveling up the white line, though penetrating wounds to the foot, and even by “close” horseshoeing nails.
We are now close to the end of treatment for the little girl, thank goodness. It's involved wrapping special pads around the hoof multiple times and extended soakings. I've gotta tell you, Gorilla tape sticks to anything but is a devil to get off. Dr. DeWitt recommended it as it's thicker than duct tape, so of course I ran to the hardware store to get some. It's pretty fantastic stuff.
A wrapped hoof
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Soaking with an improvised bag. We tried using 2 layers of zip lock bags but she busted those open almost immediately. We searching the house for something to use when I said "aha, let's use this chicken treat bag. Worked like a charm. Keep in mind there's a quart of solution in that bag.
The soaking involved two 45-minute sessions so Gabs had to be segregated and occupied with many portions of hay. Although I gave Sugar and Spice equally generous amounts of hay directly in front of the barn to keep Gabby less nervous, Sugar demanded some of the "special" hay.
First an update, then current tales.
Gigi was confined for a week without free range time to help heal her owwie leg. And then she started to get pretty morose. So she's been out with the rest of the flock. Still a slight limp but not as severe. I'm just hoping with time it heals completely.
But Gabs is lame again. It's just the weirdest thing. So vet is coming out tomorrow. I know I shouldn't confess to having a favorite, but I do. Gabby must get better!
On to current exploits.
The chickens just love nesting in the hay/straw aisle. I caught Stevie in the act of carving out the perfect nest. Volume up to hear the "I'm so happy with my egg laying spot" song.
And here two of the new girls cannot contain their enthusiasm for an open feed can.
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Why not take a fairly sturdy cardboard box, cut some holes and stuff it with hay. Gives the donks some entertainment and they can't do much damage.
Within two hours it was flattened and by the next morning only scraps remained.
This past Sunday was somewhat balmy (50's) so I sat with the hyenas in the driveway watching them enjoy the remaining luscious grass. The sheep next door were quite interested.
I have had the hardest time finding my favorite vegan crab cakes. probably for 3-4 years. I find them sporadically which is confusing. A couple of weeks ago we were in Grand Rapids visiting my son and his girlfriend and went to a small market. I found my crab cakes and was squealing with delight.
Of course I scooped up several packages!
The cutest shot yet of the new girls:
l-r: Stevie (Nicks), Cora Bell, Gigi
After being segregated for a few days. they are settling in to the routine nicely, but being bullied. It seems to be worse when I around - I think the older girls know there could be treats and are determined those blasted new kids on the block are not going to get any.
Sweet Pea stops by to says hi to the new girls
When Gigi started limping I again checked for a local chicken vet. This time I googled avian vet, found one less than 30 minutes away and called to see if their clients included chickens. Yes yes yes!!
I had no idea what to do for a leg issue and could not imagine this little six-month old living the rest of her life with a significant limp, so off to the vet she and I went. Diagnosis, a knee issue with a wait and watch prescription. Not sure if I see any improvement. She is not allowed to free range with the other girls to try and curtail use of that leg, but gets extra treats sprinkled with an immune booster.
Cora Bell has taken Violet's place as my shadow and loves to be picked up.
Back story on the girls: Animal control in a southeast MI community picked up the girls as the municipality's ordinance did not allow hens. They were taken to the Michigan Humane Society's farm. My guess is they were raised from chicks as they're so agreeable to being cuddled. Sad story, but the moral is know your ordinance.
Before we quickly brought in all the plants on the deck as overnight temps were plunging, I captured some late blooms.
The good news:
We've stopped Marigold's treatment for bumblefoot and leg mites. So far so good. Much peppier now that she doesn't have to wear her vetrap trappings.
Today I picked up three new white feathered girls from the Michigan Humane Society. It was pouring when I picked them up through the time I arrived home so no photos at the moment. Please stay tuned. Right now they're segregated in one half of the two-bedroom chicken condo, which infuriates the "regulars". They are demanding a reduction in rent. I'm ignoring their protests.
The bad news:
Gabby is lame again. Only worse than last month. Cannot imagine what's going on with that girl. About this time in August I was pretty certain the source of the problem was a stone bruise. After a couple of doses of banamine and a week of babying it, she was trotting with the other donks. Now here we go again.
The farrier is coming out Wednesday (step #1 in the diagnosis process).
Please cross your fingers and toes. This girl is top of my list. It cannot be anything serious.
Stella the hibiscus is a wonder. If you recall in June she was dropping leaves at quite an alarming rate and I was sure I had killed her. A panicked call to the greenhouse told me to get her into full sun pronto. Sun and water would revive the girl. I was not optimistic. Silly me.
Not only is she lush and full of leaves but is blooming again!
We're gong to leave the teeny tiny farm now and travel about 30 minutes north to Stepping Stone Falls. It was the first we had heard of these manmade falls. Well worth the drive.
This will be short.
We lost Fluffy on Friday and it was my fault.
I brought the girls in from their free range time, saw that Fluff was dawdling, went on with getting the rest of the flock in. Then forgot to check on her. We think one of the dogs got her.
Kicking myself...
As I have posted in the past, some of the girls have striking personalities and Fluffy was one. Because she was a chatty cathy. If there was a tale to tell, she was up to the task.
She was one of the four I adopted from the Michigan Humane Society a few years ago. She and Marigold (also one of the four) have been roosting on top of the yellow door and now Mar roosts alone.
I'm missing the little girl.
I'm so sorry Fluff.
Well, here's the deal.
I don't check chicken feet on a regular basis. Maybe I've learned my lesson.
I just happened to glance down at Marigold's little footsies a little over a week ago and said, crap.
She had what I thought to be bumblefoot, a staph infection. About 10 days ago we started treating her:
15 minute epsom salt soak
antibiotic spray
after a couple of days added Prid drawing salve, then changed to vaseline
wrap
Every day until the following Thursday, at which point I picked the brain of my naturopathic doctor who used to own chickens. I explained I wasn't sure her condition could be leg mites, which of course requires a different treatment. After a thorough discussion we came up with the new protocol instituted three days ago:
15 minute epsom salt/soapy soak
Prid (sometimes adding antibiotic spray)
wrap
Warning: icky feet alert
See the bumps (indicating bumblefoot) and then there are the raised scaly areas probably indicating mites.
Anyway, through comparison you can see Marigold's abnormal ickies.
It's a slow improvement but Rick and I both see better looking feet on the girl. Believe me, it's a two-person job to soak, swab, and wrap.
The first day of treatment Marigold said what the heck is on my feet.
She continues to hate each aspect of the treatment but is slightly more compliant.
Then I noticed Gabby was limping. Except it was subtle enough I wasn't sure. Felt her legs for heat. Nope. Felt her foot for heat. Nope. Picked out her teeny hoof. Aha, a pebble. Perhaps a stone bruise? A little bute for pain relief, now we wait for improvement.
Cross your fingers and toes.
Last time we spoke I neglected to show you the jim dandy wasp nest at the donkey gazebo. Neither Rick nor I noticed the darn thing until it was a house large enough for all the in-laws. So, we've taken the "if we leave you alone, you'll leave us alone" approach. It's been over two weeks and so far so good.
No more upsets for the moment.
Please.
I know you've been asking yourself, what the heck do your crazy clucks do to have fun.
The answer -- play in poop. Donkey poop.
Pegs illustrates only too well what all the girls do during morning chores. Play in poop.
Fun thing #2
Attack any and all treats like the little dinosaurs they are.
The bottom cup made the girls swoon -- bananas, their all-time favorite, and frozen bleubs.
(three crazy donks got the other cup)
Fun thing #3
Luxurious dust baths
Fun thing #4
Scratching in the dirt for goodies
One of these days I'll surprise one of the girls during a sprawled-out-in-the-dirt nap. The first time I saw Sweet Pea snoozing like this I was certain she was dead.
* * * * * * Just Say Yes * * * * * *
It's dry dry dry here.
The pasture is mostly brown grass so the donks just go out to nibble what they can and walk around.
In the morning they get a brief walkabout just outside the donkey yard (it's still brown grass but different brown grass), though I have to keep an eye on them while doing chores as they like to eat my lovely flowers -- you can see Stella is up on a chair as I will not let them nibble her!
The chickens don't seem to be as affected by the dry conditions. It doesn't stop their morning explorations.
Nor does it affect their odd egg laying habits -- their preference for one nesting box over another is a mystery to me.
Because the cherry tomatoes are watered daily they are growing and growing.
I started using an Earth Box last year as we had awful luck with tomatoes in the ground or in giant pots. My guess is our puny harvests were related to having the garden so close to the woods, but that's just a layman's guess. Anyway the Earth Box is g-r-e-a-t.
Turning away from chonkeys, we visited a local art gallery over the weekend with a special exhibit, Flight". I could have watched this all afternoon.
Stella, Stella, Stella
Why are you unhappy?
Stella, the hibiscus with the glorious flowers, started dropping leaves.
I was afraid Stella was saying goodbye, so called the greenhouse from whence she came. The nurse there advised to immediately put the patient in full sun and water daily. So I did.
And now look. She's budding on every branch!
It meant moving her from the partial sunny deck, where I could look out the kitchen/dining room/living room windows upon her beauty, to the sunny donkey area. But, if Stella is reviving, so be it. At least once a day I tell her how lovely she is and all the praise helps her thrive.
In case you missed the post showcasing her beautiful flowers, here's a reminder.
I also tell the yellow daisy-like plants I received from Diane how beautiful they are and they shine with pride.
These cuties are berries from a wild vine and I marvel at how pretty they are every year. Water droplets from a recent rain accentuate their perfection.
* * * * * * Just Say Yes * * * * * *
