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

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.

 

DE and ACV - Love it or Hate it

 I'm crossing my fingers as I make this statement.

I think I have averted health crises involving two hens through the guidance of Fresh Eggs Daily with Lisa Steele.

A couple of months ago Peggy Sue was acting quite lethargic.  As my fellow chicken keepers know, one of the first signs of a health issue is when your bird distances themselves from the rest of the flock and simply stands alone inactive  I was ready to dose her with an antibiotic and now I don't recall why I refrained.  I followed the online trail of putting diatomaceous earth (DE)  in the chicken feed for parasite control initially through Lisa's blog.  I know, I know - two subjects bound to raise a ruckus with chicken owners are DE and apple cider vinegar (ACV).  One chicken group's admin stated users would be removed permanently if they recommended either remedy.  So please, no hate comments if you think my usage is not what you would choose.

Anyway, that's the only action I took and she is right as rain.  She has become food aggressive with the rest of the vultures, her comb color has improved tremendously and she looks great.

  from l-r on the top shelf, the 2 JoannieLu's, Sweet Pea and Pegs 

Look at the color of Peggy's comb, a nice bright red
Formerly it was a pale pink -- also not a good sign

Speaking of JoannieLu, within the past week I noticed her breathing was a bit raspy -- again she was standing off alone.  I immediately re-located Lisa's article on respiratory issues and administered some VetRx to her nostrils (with Rick's help) and put a few drops in the waterer for a couple of days.  She is now (knock on wood) an easy brathing active girl.  

Not that Lisa does not recommend seeking the advice of a vet, but she provides alternative go-to options prior to making the call.

Rick and I were just remarking that February seems to be a bad month for our chickens.  Last year we lost Lily in February, shortly after Luigi died.  I am hoping against hope we have changed the normal course.

I made another batch of coconut oil suet for the girls, but used a smaller glass container (maybe 4-5" diameter) and it was just about perfect.

I cut it into three section so I was able to put a chunk in each of the three chicken bowls.  Gone before you knew it.  Full of chicken heavenly treats -- old apricots, raisins, peanuts, organic oats, Grubblies, sunflower seeds and wild bird seed. 

     Peace in the Valley

*  *  *  *  *  Say Yes *  *  *  *  *

I found a recipe for the most scrumptious vegan cheese sauce and I must share.  I used it on a boiled potato, steamed broccoli dish.  It's made in the blender (couldn't be easier) and I found myself scraping out the leftover sauce to just plain eat.

Best Vegan Cheese Sauce