Pullets have come a long way. We moved the tractor to the backyard so that they could see the older chickens (and vice versa). After while of that, then we started to let the pullets out during the day so they could roam the backyard with the others. They’re very skittish, but are starting to roam most of the yard. They are usually in the vicinity of the older chickens but keep their distance. At treat time, the older ones make it clear they get first dibs. Nessa is the highest in the pecking order but even so she seems pretty easygoing.
We named the lavender-colored Americauna Isis, the black Americauna Sisi (Isis backwards; pronounced See-See), and the cochin Zsa Zsa (after Zsa Zsa Gabor) because she’s covered in feathers all the way down to her feet. Very showy.
We also got the courage up to administer the fowl pox vaccine to all the birds! We had to try to learn how to do it based on youtube videos and the like, so it was kind of trying, but we decided to persevere because Matt suffered so badly last year and almost died, so it seemed worth it. They carry the vaccine at Tractor Supply, but it turns out there’s enough vaccine to vaccinate 1,000 birds! And you can’t easily share with others as after you mix it up to use it, it has to be used within an hour and you have to keep it chilled. So anyway, one morning we went out there, and Rob got a hold of each chicken, handed it to me, and I held the chicken while he opened the wing and stuck the two-prong thing into each hen’s membrane in crook of wing. Amazing that we did them all, even the adult chickens!! It is recommend to do it yearly, but I’m thinking maybe we’ll do every other year.
Meanwhile, Paige graduated from college and is visiting for a nice long time this month. The dogs are having a ball with her, but Woody in particular took awhile to get totally comfortable. Even now after being here a couple of weeks, if she hasn’t walked into the main room for a long time, Woody may growl on her approach. For awhile, he was scared to be near her!
Paige needs some rest and relaxation time so this trip isn’t about going to lots of stuff, it’s about hanging out which is A-OK by me! We spend time taking walks, doing crossword puzzles, watching sports, feeding animals, and fleading (reading while foating). One of the rare outings was a meetup at a Brewburg Brewery with Louise and John!
Trail cam still entertains with regular appearances from armadillos, fox, coyote, and bobcat. One night in particular was crazy neat with a coyote getting harassed by some deer. It’s hard to share as so many pics but below I’ll put a couple that maybe gives you the idea.
