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Saturday 23 March 2013

Havoc In The Henhouse

Have you ever noticed how many everyday sayings are related to chickens?  We feather our nests, scratch out a living, throw hen parties, deal with bird brains are happy if something costs chicken feed and doesn't cut into our nest egg.

Right now, I'm living a few chicken sayings.  I don't know if it's my chickens being cooped up too long this winter, but we definitely have ruffled feathers!

It was wonderful in the summer.  My two chickens survived their battery farm conditions, responded well to decent care and lived in harmony in chicken Bramasole. ~


But, that cute little coop wasn't weatherproof and my sister and I planned on merging her three with my two for the winter.

I gave up my garden shed, walling a tiny area off in the back for a bit of storage. ~



The merger did not go well!  Newcomer Charlotte was a tough old bird and she set up a pecking order immediately.  Poor, blind Gertie (my favourite) was at the bottom of the heap.

Those chickens flew up on the shelves and pooped on my skill saw and garden tools.  The nested in my summer tires and filled them with straw and poop.  I don't know how I'll explain that at the garage when I take them in to switch out the winter tires.  They started eating the eggs.  Now, I know we've all had times when we wanted to eat our young but we usually just keep that to a thought!

I spent oodles of time with the little flock, hanging treats and getting the standoffish ones tamed.  They fattened up and all but Charlotte were friendly. ~


I trudged out there in the worst of weather with a warm mash supper for them every night.  I was AWESOME and it was the happiest coop in the world! ~


Then, old Charlotte died.  She just keeled off the perch one night and that was it.  I tried to feel bad but she was so mean to the others that I really was glad she was off to chicken heaven.  My sister didn't blame me for her chicken dying.

A couple of months later, Chatty Cathy started going downhill.  She's the one who wound up in my bathtub. This was extremely disturbing to Maeve!  I guess there's a cat code that says chickens aren't allowed indoors.  I sat up with that chicken until two in the morning.  As I was trying to get a little water into her, she closed her eyes and her little head flopped over.  I felt so bad and wished I'd had a little more knowledge about treating chickens.  When I told my sister, she thanked me for taking such good care of Cathy.  I've killed two of her chickens and she's thanking me.  AWKWARD!

Now, a whole new pecking order has started!  Shy Maude, who used to hide behind sweety pie Gert has turned into this. ~


She is determined to peck Gertie to death.  Gertie stays in a cat cage or hides behind me and looks like this all the time! ~


So, if you want to know why the chicken crossed the road, "NO REASON AT ALL!".  Chickens do crazy things for no apparent reason.  


14 comments:

  1. I don't know whether to LMHO reading this post or CMHO - really - how sad..........and how over the top funny Maureen!
    I can't imagine cooking a hot mash for John every night in the winter so kudos to you my friend!!!
    When do they leave their winter quarters ( so they can stop pooping in your tires yuck lol )
    Why did the chicken cross the road?
    To get to Maureen's place obviously!
    XOX

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  2. I swear chickens are little people in feather costumes sometimes. You have the smart ones, the dumb ones, the big ones, the small ones, the crazy ones...and sadly, the sick ones. God bless you for giving those chickens the best home and care they ever had. I hope you don't feel like you have been FRIED by this experience. You might want to SCRAMBLE back out there in a bit to see what is going on. I'd hate to think you might find a chicken POACHER out there! You know EGGactly what I mean, right? xo Diana and what the heck is Suzan Sweatman still doing up? I know she has a big day coming up tomorrow----crazy girl!!!! xo Diana

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  3. Oh those poor chickens, but I know you did everything you could and that's why she thanked you. Umm Maude get over yourself poor Gertie.

    I hope spring comes soon and they can get a bit of fresh air maybe you'll all be a little less cabin feverish. xo

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  4. Oh Maureen! Your sister is so sweet! She knows you've done much already for all of those chickens and if they go crazy, it's not your fault! I'm sorry you lost a couple, don't be discouraged. Spring is on it's way all of us will feel less cooped up and crazy!

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  5. After reading this I'm going to up the auntie with my wishing Spring would arrive. Poor Gertie. Cabin fever has set in for sure. I'm always so interested in your chicken posts because I still have not made up my mind if I want them in the future. It's a fine line... Very funny post. I laughed, I cried...

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  6. Funny, this entire post reminds me of a bunch of female nurses working together. I hope spring comes for these girls soon.

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  7. Too funny! And sad at the same time! Who knew chickens could take you on such an emotional rollercoaster!

    Gertie is a great chicken name by the way. Hope spring comes soon for everyone's sake!

    Nicole

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  8. I was kind of upset to find that my town doesn't allow backyard chickens, but maybe it's not such a bad thing after all. I certainly don't know if I could maintain the kind of dedication and care that you provide your brood. They are lucky chickens indeed!

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  9. Well damm, just damm all the way around at the Bramasole.

    Hope you get all your ducks, I mean chickens in a row.

    Bliss

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  10. You certainly did everything you could for those chickens, but it's sad that a few didn't make it. I feel for Gertie. I'm starting to wonder if spring is ever going to arrive here in Ontario, but I'm still hopeful. We all need to get outside in some warm, fresh air.

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  11. Tales from the Chicken Coop should be a book by you! It would be hilarious and sad at the same time! You had me doing both.

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  12. Oh Maureen, you are just keep blogland laughing. Sorry of your troubles with the chickens this winter. I don't know how they could survive all that snow and cold. The daily warm mash supper must had done it. You are so kind.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  13. And this is why I've held off on getting chickens for so long. Some days I really start to cave and think I'll get some and other days I think....I have enough drama in my life. Hang in there!
    Farmhouse hugs,
    Cindy

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  14. Ouch! I know how painful it is when they behave like savages, but it reads wonderfully all the same...
    Our surviving two (Frida the rooster and Liesl) used to go for poor Gretl who was the smallest. then the dachshund killed Gretl...
    Hope that peace will be restored once it gets warmer.
    hugs

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