Oops

 Turns out Sharona's name needs to be changed.  Although I suppose in this gender fluid society, perhaps not.  Anyway turns out she's a he.  Yup, I've avoided roosters like the plague having heard the horror stories and now, voila.  

I'm still getting used to calling her a him, but isn't he lovely.

I've talked to a couple of people who know roosters, trying to get  a feel for what to anticipate.  

When do you see aggression surface, if it's going to. 
How to work with him to fend off aggression.  One person told me to hold him as much as possible.  Ha!  I think the person I bought him from never did any "holding" work.  All three -- Storm, Clara, and Sharone have been people skittish.

And then there's the spurs.  I dread the day they appear.

I've been around aggressive roosters -- at a farm sanctuary I volunteered at -- and let me assure you, they scared me. 
And I've been told the ideal ratio is 10 hens per rooster.  I only have eight girls.  How rough on the girls is mating.

So many questions!

I've seen many posts in chicken groups, "want a nice rooster?"  They're a dime a dozen.  I do have a lead on one person who appears to be a kind owner if I find he won't fit.

But let's be optimistic for the moment and assume he stays in the flock. What do you think about just changing Sharona to Sharone.  I've been calling him Sharona for three months now, so I hate to make any extreme changes.  

If anyone out there knows roosters, please comment as such and maybe we can make contact.  

 

Donkeys Develop Demanding Diets

Mid-October means donkeys are sucking down hay like it's water.  From their loud bellows it seems they are in a perpetual state of starvation. 
That sexy sleek summer look is gone and the fuzzy winter look is starting to show.  

I still shake my head at the fact the donks are sleek for only about three months of the year. I think Mother Nature should make some modifications.

The three new chicken girls (can't call them "little" any longer) are actually starting to mingle with the big girls - successfully without getting bullied.  Well not always, but there are occasions now and then.  Even little Marigold who is low in the pecking order will put one of the new girls in her place.  Everyone is capable of being a bully from time to time.

Last post I told you Rick had modified where the new girls perch at night.  Let me try to explain.

Before we added the second bedroom to the chicken condo, we had a yellow window that was on the outside wall.  We kept the window after the addition was complete.  We'd leave it open so it was at a 90 degree angle to the wall.  That's the spot the new girls chose as their bed - up high and no co-mingling with the bully girls.  Even though we placed fresh newspaper on the yellow window daily, it became pretty soiled.  So Rick dismantled the roosting branches no one ever used, removed the yellow window, and re-assembled the roost where the window had been.  At first Clara, Storm, and Sharona said you've got to be kidding.

    But it didn't take long for them to agree to the new arrangement.

I'm going to cut this short today.  Upon leaving Tractor Supply this afternoon after yoga class, getting chickie and donk supplies, I was in a fender bender.  No, not my fault which the other guy clearly explained to his insurance agent.  But I now have a nicely dented quarter panel.  Yippee.  Anyway, although it was minor, I'm pooped.  So I will bid you a good evening.