From Chonkeyland to the House

 Let's take a wander in the house this Monday and see what we can find.

First we have a birthday puppy.  Faith turned 8 yesterday and we celebrated with extra "cookies". 

She likes to show her coquettish side to get her chest rubbed

Gunner, at a mature 14, is slowing down and experiencing some pain issues.  But he still loves a leisurely stroll in the woods and eating donkey manure.  He got birthday cookies too.

 

Show of hands -- who's of a certain age to remember one of these as a kid?

I do.  My mom's was gray  And I think it was bigger.
I have to tell you it works better than I anticipated.  It's so handy for a quick clean-up without getting out the vacuum.  A good purchase for this house.

Over the weekend I whipped up some beet pickled eggs -- first time.

 

Now they marinate in the frig for a couple of weeks.  Here's hoping.

Peggy Sue was very pleased I made (and peeled) seven eggs.  That meant a bonanza of egg shells for the girls. 

She recognizes the jar they're kept in and starts getting so excited when I reach for that jar in the coop.  Chickens dumb? -- I don't think so!

I needed a spring boost recently and brought home these beauties.  

Just the color boost the house needed.

We Tried Our Best

 What I intentionally neglected to tell you last Monday was one of the JoannieLu's started exhibiting symptoms of "something" that morning.  I attended to her frequently that day, following expert guidance.  She died early Tuesday afternoon.

JoannieLu front right

 I, perhaps foolishly, felt we could doctor her successfully as (knock on wood) we've treated two girls recently and they are now flourishing. But it was not so.
Chicken physiology is so fragile, so many possibilities for one symptom.  And here I told you in a recent post we had "beat" the February curse.  Well, we did, but only by a week. 

A few days ago I made an expensive trip to Tractor Supply and, in addition to the essentials, came out with a couple of finds. 

There's just nothing to compare with a begging donkey face.

*  *  *  *  * Just Say Yes *  *  * *  *

One of my favorite indulgences

Avian Flu Creeps Into Michigan

 Three things have been uppermost on my mind the past week.  The first, the terrifying world situation stopped me from posting last week.  I deeply considered whether to continue with the blog this week -  to speak of relative inconsequential matters seemed insensitive.  I am posting tonight, although I'm still not sure it's the "right" thing to do.

Secondly, the avian flu has reached Michigan.  A case was reported on the west side of the state (we live in the southeast).  Many chicken keepers are now on high alert, assessing what measures can be taken in their specific situations to protect flocks.  The flu is brought in by migratory waterfowl and yes the geese have started to arrive here.  Biosecurity measures to be taken:  do not let the flock free range.  Not an issue on our teeny tiny farm at the moment since there is still snow on the ground and the girls don't travel much beyond the donkey barn in these conditions.  Cover your runs.  Not possible here.  Rick and I have discussed it and the construction of our run makes it quite difficult.

Speaking of which you can see how part of the overhead netting came loose from the run and is on the ground.

And the weight of the snow bent the poles

The third precaution being advised is to set up a sanitizing area for footwear before entering the coop.  We're simply going to use a bleach solution spray bottle but have to wait for overnight temps to remain above freezing before trying to keep it in the barn.

A couple of days ago, Fluffy told me not to worry.

And then there's the ice.  The glacier, also known as our driveway, has been treacherous for about two weeks, forcing me to wear cleats every time I go out to the animals.  Even with the cleats I've had to take little mincing steps.  We had the big thaw over the weekend removing 85% of the ice and snow.  From ice to deep mud instantly.  And then temps fell and it snowed today.  It's quite hard to maneuver the water wagon and the manure wheelbarrow in the mud but I'll take anything over the ice.  Even Rick, who has the balance of a monkey, fell a couple of times.  No.thank.you!

I worried about the ice in the donkey yard, even they were slipping.