A Day in Chonkeyland

 I have lots to show you so let's get started.

Recently we went from more than a dusting of snow to 70 degrees within a couple of days.

See the white netting over the chicken run?  It's snow.  On top of the real netting.

We're trying our darnedest to follow recommended biosecurity to keep our girls safe from the avian flu.  So the bleach solution is at hand in the donkey barn. 

We need to spray those shoes/boots before entering the coop.  We have lots and lots of geese and ducks in our area with ponds galore and golf courses nearby.  And as you've probably heard the migrating waterfowl are bringing it into the area.  

I've read differing opinions on when it will be safe to let the girls free range again.  I actually think they're getting used to being homebound.

Marigold was squawking up a storm yesterday.  The reason for her ranting was unclear.

And then I stepped in and got Peggy Sue frazzled over picking a nesting box.

When I had the decency to step away she chose a different box.  Shame on me...

The official donkey manual requires that when donkeys get their (hot) slop all morsels are cleaned from the bowl.  Gabby is quite methodical with this chore and savors every minute.

Lastly I'm trying a new coop cleaning concoction.  The "recipe" called for either oranges or lemons soaked in white vinegar and marinated for about a month.  Throw in some cinnamon sticks and voila.

I just bottled mine on April 26, so that means I get to put off cleaning until May 26.  I'm no fool.

Scenes From a Teeny Tiny Farm

 As I look out the window at a couple of inches of snow, I am inclined to leave the weather out of today's discussion.  We're just ignoring it.

In that spirit, at our house, if the windmill appears on the scene it must be spring.  And voila.

A visitor stopped by the other day to have a quick beverage.  She didn't stop to chat, but scooted off busy with the business of the day.

Sugar left her morning hay, too too tempted by the bird seed thrown for the girls. 

 
This gives you a small taste of what the donkey song sounds like at almost every meal.  Imagine standing about a foot away...

And finally, a beautiful spring evening descends.

 

Scenes from the Coop

 Before we wander out to the coop, I encountered a surprise on the deck and I have to show you.  Friend Diane gave me a luscious pot of chives last summer.  I harvested much of it and left the pot on the deck all winter, assuming what was unused was gone.  Ha!  Look what's peeking up.  Amazing it survived a Michigan winter unprotected.

 I didn't feel like taking the time to make the chickens my own suet version so took the easy route with the store bought block.

The girls were skeptical at first.  The next day there was no sign anyone had bothered with it.  Nor the net day.  And then suddenly the suet holder was open and empty.  Hmmm...  I'm thinking those lazy hens just didn't want to work to get the goodies and waited for it to flip open. 

This scene was supposed to give you a taste of the different voices of our flock.  Some are high pitched and chirpy, some are throatier.  But of course they stopped talking once I got my phone out and all you can hear are my chirps.

  
And lastly I'm showing off a gift I received a couple of days ago from friend Denise.  Let's assume it's true! 

and the flip side