Chickens, the new dog... and snow

Chickens, the new dog! That was a slogan we laughed about when we first got chickens in 2008.  

November 21,  2013

We punched a hole in the fence a few months back so the chickens could range in the goat pen. There are many reasons for that involving parasite control, greater range for the chickens, ect. One effect I didn't consider is the chickens would become the goat's new "dog". The goats seem very entertained by them and the chickens seem to calm the goats, like chicken therapy or something.

Our critters don't spend a lot of time living with snow and their behavior is entertaining and fascinating when they do. Normally when we snow it's gone in a day, however, this week it dumped. The critters won't travel in the snow so I shovel trails for them to walk. The chickens get a trail to Goat World.

The goats to get some exercise and fresh air. They love their paths and walk them often, like a treadmill.

Since it stopped snowing and they have paths to hang out on, they don't hang out in the barn except at morning feed and after dark. They don't like the sound of the snow falling off the roof and stay far away from the barn, in their paths.

The goats hover near the chicken/goat world portal waiting for their chicken friends to come visit. The chickens, also, only walk in the shoveled paths. One tried to fly and when landing on the snow became paralyzed. Gustav, our rooster, flew to the hen to aid and he, also, became paralyzed when landing on the snow. FYI, there's a 1/4 inch layer of crust/ice on top of the snow and they can walk on it safely. Why do they freak out when landing on the snow? Hmm?

However they feel about the snow, they seem to use each other as comfort... kind of like "we've got each other, we can get through this!". 

Of course, I don't really know what they are thinking or how they truly feel. It just seem as though they are interested in the snow but, afraid of it too. They have a fear of the snow falling off the roof but, not enough to keep them away from eating. 

I know that when it snows here it brightens up the world and everything is crisp and clean and wonderful. Do the goats share that sense? They spend a lot of time outside in the snow.

Photo Fun in the Sun and Snow

 So, I switched the setting on my camera and started shooting pictures. Nope, I have no idea what setting it was or why the look like this but... I really like it!!

Snow Garden

Finally, something to write home about! Or, something to write about, HOME! It's snowing and this time it really means it! No more of this, "probably be melted by afternoon", [insert my best Grandma voice] Northwest dusting, crap.

Nuking, puking, dumping, pounding... whatever you call it, it just keeps on keeping on.

Better go check on the cuties...

Lots of puffy snow on the fences and gates.

The cuties think its just weird. 

The cuties think the dog is weird too. Mesa, is having a blast!

Banjo is a tad annoyed. You little rusty bear! Ha,

I'm going to have to up your copper/selenium.

The man with the beard tried to get the cuties out to play, hmmm? The didn't think much about the offer. Mesa liked it.

My beautiful boy with the gorgeous eyes!!!  Mwah, you little sweet face. He's looking at me like I sprouted something out of my head...

I kind of did, I had the umbrella to protect my camera. Banjo thought he'd pick a fight with my umbrella.

Heading out back to exercise the dog and take in some snow-therapy.

The cuties stayed behind, hiding in the barn.

The fence snow is cool but, I can't seem to find the picture that shows it best.

Back to the house but, first check on the chickens.

All the chickens are hiding out back.

It's like Christmas all over again! 

Views On A Goat Walk

Lucy biting Huckleberry... not sure why.

Five goats munching.

Redneck maple syrup tapping. Not much in this one.

What the coyote sees looking through the fence.

What we see looking through the fence.

Still a tree left within reach. Hurry, Spring, food is running out!

Field Trip to Chicken Town

The cuties found a weakness in the fence between Chicken Town and Goat World. They managed to separate the old welded wire fencing from it's post and helped themselves to some chicken feed... before I caught them and snatched it away.

*I fixed the breach so it's not showing.

This started the field trip to Chicken Town. Pretty interesting digs on this side of the fence. 

My plan was to open the gate back to Goat World and they would voluntarily go home... Bwahahaha! The chickens were annoyed.

While I was waiting for the goats to find the urge to go home I decided the views from Chicken town were under represented and took the opportunity for a photo shoot.

Mic and Mac making sure Gustav knows who's really in charge.

The skeleton fruit trees and back side of the house.

Impatient as I am, I conceived an idea to coax the cuties back to Goat World... clothes pins on the fence.

Haha, sucker!

Working like a charm, just two more goats to trick.

Tasty clothes pins, mmm good!

Four... four goats, ah ah ah!

*Won't be long before we're repairing this fence too.

Ok still no Huckleberry, stinker, he never falls for my tricks.

Sigh, Huckleberry just likes to be different. He is a good boy and I don't mind letting him have some special time to himself.

"Is anybody in there?"

Farm Fun

Finished Man w/the beard's hat... like he needs yet another knit hat. I'll probably steal it anyway.

Busted into our first batch of hard cheese... YA!!

Made a new batch of hard cheese and then some ricotta from the whey.

The apple fermentation is very active in the linen closet.

More fun, fresh bread about to inhabit my tummy... and I wonder why I gain weight in the winter.

Top it all off with some cute goats!!