Animals
- Good Night
Every night, 365 days a year, we have the same routine.As the sun starts to set in the west, we head out to the barn to tuck in our beloved critters. Along the way we stop at the Roos coop where Statler and Waldorfhave already retired for the night....
- Who's Who....part 5
Years ago, when we decided to have hens for eggs,we made it a point to avoid roosters.We bought our hens as chicks at the feed store.And all were hens. And there was peace on the farm. The next summer, we decided to increase our flock;and ordered 25...
- Bird Brains
So many times in any given week, I wish I knew more about animal behavior. You would think with as much time as I spend with them,I would understand them better. The dogs are no problem....I understand them perfectly. The horses and goats...don't...
- Another Sad Tale
It is a good thing that the happy tales way outnumber the sad tales....or this farm life would be unbearable. As a result of too many unhappy guinea tales, I have come to a critical decision.....no more guineas. This past weekend was just too sad. The...
- The Great Free-ranging Escapade
Well, Saturday was the big day. Since the fancy chickens are full grown and laying now, we decided to allow them to free range around the farm in the afternoons when they are finished laying. They have complete freedom until roosting time (nightfall)...
Animals
Rod's Final Roost
We are faced with decisions pertaining to animal welfare quite often around here.
And I am happy to say that most times we get it right.
 |
| Baby Rod Stewart 2009 |
Once in a great while, however, we wish we could get a "do-over".
This weekend presented us with one of those times...
a time when our decision did not work out well.
 |
| Rod Stewart 2010 |
We lost Rod Stewart this weekend.
Our four year old Polish crested rooster disappeared...
most likely to the wiles of a nighttime predator.
Sadly, I can only say that it was our fault.
If only we could turn back the hands of time.
We would have waded deep into the brush, through poison ivy,
over multiple dead tree trunks and limbs to snatch ole Rod from his
nighttime perch to gently place him into the safety of the henhouse.
But alas, we decided to stop fighting him...
to allow him his so-desired freedom,
and let him roost where he chose.
It was a bad decision.
The first night was fine... lulling us into a false sense of security.
The second night...
Rod disappeared.
Dear Rod...
you were a funny rooster,
your actions as wacky as your looks!
May you roost in peace.
- Good Night
Every night, 365 days a year, we have the same routine.As the sun starts to set in the west, we head out to the barn to tuck in our beloved critters. Along the way we stop at the Roos coop where Statler and Waldorfhave already retired for the night....
- Who's Who....part 5
Years ago, when we decided to have hens for eggs,we made it a point to avoid roosters.We bought our hens as chicks at the feed store.And all were hens. And there was peace on the farm. The next summer, we decided to increase our flock;and ordered 25...
- Bird Brains
So many times in any given week, I wish I knew more about animal behavior. You would think with as much time as I spend with them,I would understand them better. The dogs are no problem....I understand them perfectly. The horses and goats...don't...
- Another Sad Tale
It is a good thing that the happy tales way outnumber the sad tales....or this farm life would be unbearable. As a result of too many unhappy guinea tales, I have come to a critical decision.....no more guineas. This past weekend was just too sad. The...
- The Great Free-ranging Escapade
Well, Saturday was the big day. Since the fancy chickens are full grown and laying now, we decided to allow them to free range around the farm in the afternoons when they are finished laying. They have complete freedom until roosting time (nightfall)...