Missing Chicken

I am weird about my animals. Anyone who knows me, knows this. I want them taken care of and I want to make sure they are okay. When I see any little thing off, I want it fixed. Well, I count the chickens in the morning, the ones who stay in the coop at night. I noticed I was missing one. I told my husband about it, and he just said she was probably roosting somewhere else on the property. For days I kept my eyes out for her and searched in various areas to try to find her. I did not see her. I knew she was missing though and she had to be somewhere. I also know my chickens well enough; I knew which chicken was missing. As I was out feeding the goats a few days after she went missing, I turned over a feed trough I had not been able to reach and out that chicken ran. Poor girl, she was so scared. She looked miserable, too. Her comb was laying over and turning colors. She was skinny and dehydrated. She went right for the water. I went over and picked her up and carried her to the coop and put extra food out for her and made sure she had plenty of water. She looked awful. I was worried later that she may not make it because she kept falling over and having difficulty with getting up, but the next morning, she was up and ready to go with the other ones. Ollie was the one missing. She is my problem hen. She liked to roost up in the tree on her own but now stays with the others. She is also the one who kept getting stuck behind the chicken coop. She is my problem hen, but I sure do love her and I’m glad she is doing okay. 

Banana

I walked out into an area where Yeller was laying in the sun. He looked so cute and relaxed. When I got over there, I gave him some petting. I turn around and Banana was laying in the sun in another area, but not out of Yeller's sight. I walked so close to Banana, but at the last minute before I got to him, he ran under the shed. For a long time, he watched me with the other chickens and the other cats who were wanting my attention. I am still hoping he will start to trust me eventually. I am still trying and I got so much closer. I know he is scared. The progress is good though. I do not want to terrify him. 

More Than One

I now have more than one chicken who sits down at my feet to be picked up. There are several that do it now. I think it is hilarious to watch them. I even had one who wanted to be picked up and then when I put her down, she flew up to sit beside me. She was not ready for me to let her go. I guess I am glad they know they are safe and loved. That is important to me. Now, I need to see if I can train another bunch of baby chicks to love me. I feel like that is a challenge for me. I will continue that thought process at a later date. 

Donkey Togetherness

There are times on the farm where I can look over and see Mattie and Willow interacting with Ned, Pete, Pedro, and Red. It cracks me up to see them all getting along like they do. I am glad they are all doing well. Sometimes I would like to let Mattie and Willow go over there into the other pasture, but then I think twice about it. They get along well across the fence, but I am not sure how it will go if I let them both go into the other pasture. I do not think I really want to find out. Mattie and Willow are good where they are. I do like to see them interacting across the fencing. It is entertaining for me.  

Cat Toys

I have noticed lately that Oreo will be napping on the bed. When he jumps off the bed, he usually leaves a toy behind. I am not sure when he decided he needed toys to nap with, but that is what I am seeing happen. I went to look in the cat bed they both fight over and sure enough, there was another cat toy in there. Once upon a time, Oreo was a street cat and was happy to have a meal, now he is bringing toys to take a nap, in a bed. Times do change. He is one happy cat and that is all that matters to me. 

Frosty

It was a frosty morning when I went out. That does happen in the cold winter months. As I was outside checking on all the animals, I look over and see the cows in their normal spot in the hay. Those crazy cows had frost all over their bodies and they looked happy as can be. The frost did not faze them at all. They do have plenty of shelter out in the pasture, but they have to choose to go into the shelter. Both of them, unless it is snowing or sleeting, choose to stay out in the open. I guess they can do whatever they want to. 

Ted Update

Oh, this sheep is so sick. I am still hand feeding him. He is still getting antibiotics, and he is still being babied, by me. I feel so bad for him. He just looks so lethargic and miserable. It is not a fun thing for any of us. I continue to clean his nose and give him some medications. Ronnie is giving him the shots. I cannot do that for whatever reason, I have tried. I am hoping he gets better soon, or he goes to the vet. The weather is not helping anything; it continues to change back and forth from cold to warm. He isn't eating that much, so it might take longer to heal. We will see what happens.