Just one of the hens

Just one of the hens, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

The duck “kids” squeezed through the smallest fence opening and just the hens acting like they were just one of the hens!

 

Sunning themselves.

Sunning themselves., originally uploaded by mabeane6.

 

Tuesday morning

The sky is a blue/pink with the rising sun.  Its still cold outside but promising to rise to the 4os.  There doesn’t seem to be any wind, a welcome relief.  DH missed last night’s ITV class because “the tower blew down”.  We’re not sure what that means but the site definitely was not connected so he got to be home.  My hens had a hard time keeping purchase with strong winds and ducked back inside on every occasion.

I am working on doll clothes for the Florida gal and also 12 inch arm jointed dolly.  She is done to her underwear and is sitting on the shelf waiting for clothing.  She is quite a perky little thing!That will be my task this afternoon.  I need to get out for census and some supplies this morning.

 

New egg basket

Jeannie B provided me with a new egg basket today. Thank you Jean!

New egg basket, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

 

 

Nine eggs

Nine eggs, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Finally, these hens are starting to catch on. Their job is to lay eggs!

 

Okay, girls, I’m back.

Okay, girls, I’m back., originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Hackles has been captured at last. I closed of the underside of the porch with chicken wire leaving a small space for Hackles to come out. Sure enough he did, and came onto the back deck where he enjoyed the fallen birdseed. I came around and chased him into the snow. Then remembering Robin’s advice, held his head down with a stick and grabbed him by the legs. This enabled me to carry him back to the hen house. Immediately the two rooster started to fight. I walked away but later when I returned I took this picture of the two on the roost. I think there are enough hens to go around.

Hackles suffered some frostbite on his comb but other than that he is none the worse for wear with hsi many weeks under the porch!

 

On the railing.

On the railing., originally uploaded by mabeane6.

 

 

Worth the wait!

I got two eggs this morning and there was one broken on the bedding. When I went out this afternoon a Rhode Island Red (one of the younger pullets) was sitting on the nest. I didn’t disturb her. The next time a New Hampshire Red was sitting. Again I didn’t disturb her to check under her for eggs.  The last time down to the henhouse  the nesting box was empty of sitting/laying hens and held four eggs! Yippee!

Worth the wait!, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

 

 

Bright and sunny

I retrieved four eggs on the first collection today. I try to go out three or four times since the eggs freeze so fast with this cold weather. The hens have become accustomed to me bringing leftovers and now rush the door when I arrive. If I have nothing they peck at my boots! There are 16 hens, all soon to be laying and one rooster in the henhouse. The other is still under the screen porch crowing up a storm. When Sammy (Zach’s dog) was here she chased the black hen out from under the porch, right down to the door of the hen house. I opened the door and she rushed in, met by Cackles always glad to “get” another girl!

I am doing some decluttering and straightening out today. The house is back in order for the time being. I need to find a way to transport and keep together all my sewing items when I need them downstairs. Right now they seem to spread out very easily .

 

New on the job

This buff orpington is just starting to lay.

New on the job, originally uploaded by mabeane6.