We're Moving On

I have created a new blog which will be a journal of things going on around here. The link for Knobel's Knook will get you there. Stay tuned for more chicken antics, ponies, cats, dogs, and the people who love them!

Happy Birthday Girls!

The lovely ladies celebrated their first birthday with special treats and a long run in the yard. This year has been so much fun watching them change from little fuzz balls into beautiful full grown hens. These sweet chickens don't ask for much, just food, water, shelter and some free ranging but sure give back a lot in free entertainment and of course delicious eggs. The addition of chickens to our little place has been and interesting and educational experience. No sharp learning curve with raising chickens as long as you start off with a good coop and secure run, then just sit back and enjoy. Guess I didn't really have to worry about the Vultures they have stayed away since I chased them off, I do keep an eye out for the Hawk and there was a young Bald Eagle flying around one day that I watch for, either of those could do some damage!

Maybe next year we'll get a few more although we are getting plenty of eggs so we'll just see how it goes.

Happy Birthday - Thelma, Louise, Zena, Minnie, Daisy and Poof Baby

M

Soon to be One!

Tomorrow is the girls first birthday. It is so hard to believe they have been here entertaining us for a whole year. I am planning a special treat for them and if it is nice maybe Glen and I will eat dinner outside and share some with them.

Another Outdoor Excursion

The chicks are out again this afternoon. It is a little rainy but not too cold and they are roaming all over so I know they don't care about the rain. I went to a talk on Gulls and Terns this morning and got to ask the bird experts about the dangers of Vultures for chickens. I have been assured that the Vultures will not go after my sweeties so I guess I won't worry too much. However, if I see a bunch of them sitting on the ground near the chicks again I will go after them. I have added a picture of Meatball since he was left out last time and also one of Lani "on guard".

Jumbo Eggs

It seems the warm weather has brought out new sources of protein for the girls and the eggs are getting bigger. Many are now what looks like Jumbo size. I can't imagine what that must be like for the ladies so I just keep giving them extra treats. This morning I am taking bananas out to them. The chicken coop has held up well over the winter and the run is a nice safe place for the chicks to play in when they are not out running around. Nicole gave us a couple of fans so if it is really hot this summer we could put one out there to circulate the air for them. One thing I discovered this winter is that they like ice. When I knock out the ice from the water bowl, they all go over and eat the ice pieces. I guess it's nature's way of keeping them hydrated in the winter. Of course if they were just a little bit smart, they would just drink the nice warm water I just poured into the bowl!