Good morning, ominous clouds skitter across the early morning sky, a slight breeze twitches the extended branches of the cedar trees and MJ, weather guru on FOX 13 calls for rain. Now, here on the ranch, a bit of the wet stuff can be a good thing. Rain keeps our pastures lush and green, green pastures make fat healthy lambs and Dolly and Molly Moo will hopefully have their calves in July whilst the grass is still growing and mommys milky bar is creamy and rich. On the other hand, rain makes some chores uncomfortable, miserable or just impossible. The weeds flourish in the vegetable garden and being the very enthusiastic gardener that I am…(NOT),the prospect of weeding in the rain doesn’t make me rush out there gardening tools at the ready!
Yesterday was house moving day for 11 of the sumo chickens. We have forcibly “persuaded” the overweight birds to take a little exercise….sumos typically consider the two steps from the feed to the water to be excessive and doing what must be done after food and drink is generally just right where they happen to be when the urge overtakes them( not too hygienic!!). With this batch, we have blocked off the escape ( back into prison!) and enforced “normal”chicken behaviour on them. Reluctant at first, the exercise has been a great success and the sumos have taken to pecking and scratching with relish..they actually look like they are enjoying their life. Their new accommodation is a specially constructed chicken tractor which was still under construction yesterday. Greg Jasper and Quatre all on their knees making the roof….whilst Edgar the eagle, presumably tummy rumbling at the closure of his fast food diners, impatiently sailed the thermals immediately overhead. Clearly his binocular vision has spied fat somo chickens sprawled out in the hot summer sun but chicken was most certainly not on his menu and the boy team ( and Quatre) had the roof securely (we hope) attached before dusk. Mica was ,as usual closely watching progress and ..you’ve guessed it, captured pictures right way up, upside down and sideways. Thanks Mica.
Mica and I (when she wasn’t glued to the camera) once again got to work in the garden. Greg had planted peas beans and corn….and the cats have transplanted them. Those 3 cats have a 40 acre potty box, why do they have to select our corn patch to be the perfect spot!
Quatre leaves this evening, we will be sorry to see her leave. Conversely we look forward to the arrival of Derrick and Lesley from California this evening. It’s a lot of fun getting to know the different personalities of our WOOFER interns and we are really enjoying the experience.
Well, times up again, the cuckoo clock just choked on 7.30am and its time to move. Take care, keep safe, M
Yesterday was house moving day for 11 of the sumo chickens. We have forcibly “persuaded” the overweight birds to take a little exercise….sumos typically consider the two steps from the feed to the water to be excessive and doing what must be done after food and drink is generally just right where they happen to be when the urge overtakes them( not too hygienic!!). With this batch, we have blocked off the escape ( back into prison!) and enforced “normal”chicken behaviour on them. Reluctant at first, the exercise has been a great success and the sumos have taken to pecking and scratching with relish..they actually look like they are enjoying their life. Their new accommodation is a specially constructed chicken tractor which was still under construction yesterday. Greg Jasper and Quatre all on their knees making the roof….whilst Edgar the eagle, presumably tummy rumbling at the closure of his fast food diners, impatiently sailed the thermals immediately overhead. Clearly his binocular vision has spied fat somo chickens sprawled out in the hot summer sun but chicken was most certainly not on his menu and the boy team ( and Quatre) had the roof securely (we hope) attached before dusk. Mica was ,as usual closely watching progress and ..you’ve guessed it, captured pictures right way up, upside down and sideways. Thanks Mica.
Mica and I (when she wasn’t glued to the camera) once again got to work in the garden. Greg had planted peas beans and corn….and the cats have transplanted them. Those 3 cats have a 40 acre potty box, why do they have to select our corn patch to be the perfect spot!
Quatre leaves this evening, we will be sorry to see her leave. Conversely we look forward to the arrival of Derrick and Lesley from California this evening. It’s a lot of fun getting to know the different personalities of our WOOFER interns and we are really enjoying the experience.
Well, times up again, the cuckoo clock just choked on 7.30am and its time to move. Take care, keep safe, M
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