It’s been quite a week for the coop troop, not only did the flock experience the beginning of what seems to be a very long heat wave, but they were also granted “free-range” access to our yard. All things considered, especially the large golden-doodle who found it her new life mission to keep the flock herded together as much as possible, I think they are pretty peeped up about their new free-range access. Read below for some highlights of the week.
The Teeniest Human – Flock Leader
It’s with a slightly heavy heart that I must confess that I am not the leader of these chickens that I once believed I was. The teeniest of the humans here at the coop troop has taken over the reins and ALL of the chickens undeniably view her as their human leader. This should come as no surprise to me, since from day one she sat by their box for hours at a time with her head in their tiny faces…but it still stings ever so slightly. Now that the chickens are free-ranging around the yard, she has an entourage of followers wherever she goes and when she sits her human little self on the ground it’s like she’s some super star gracing her fans with her presence as they all descend upon her as quickly as they can. Its rather quite adorable and she absolutely is enjoying every second of it. The other little humans, not so much as they blame her deep belly laugh as the reason the chickens aren’t coming to them, which makes her love it even more.
Some Newly Named Chickens
As the chickens are getting closer to being full grown, they are beginning to look more distinctive and their personalities more prominent. The little humans came up with some new names for two of the hens this week – Penelope Pineapple for an adventurous rhode island red and Marsha M. Allow (aka Marshmallow) for a fluffy looking white plymouth rock. We will be banding the hens soon so that we can properly identify and name each of the 17 hens (of course you can expect profiles for each with all of their likes and dislikes).
Free-Ranging
The chickens are thoroughly enjoying having free-range access to our yard, even if that means scurrying and scratching around in 90-degree weather. They have found plenty of shade in our grape vines, but one of their new favorite activities is wading around in small little pools from the garden hose. They look refreshed as they hang out in the water with their little beaks digging in the soil as they indulge in the bugs and worms that come to the surface in hopes of finding moisture. One thing I don’t think the flock expected to deal with was Charlotte, our golden-doodle. She is not the brightest of dogs, but one thing is certain, she loves everything…sometimes a little too much. Her love of all things includes the flock, and she has made it her new life-mission to ensure this flock is herded together at all times (well it’s a fall back option once she realized they were just going to fly away from her after MANY failed attempts of trying to admire them up closely). And not only should they all be herded together, but she doesn’t think anywhere but their chicken run is an acceptable place for them. We’ve witnessed her running ragged in this scorching heat trying to make sure the chickens where were they were supposed to be. Don’t worry, we’ve made sure she’s staying well hydrated and making her go in and cool down, but we also let her have a little fun and chase them around some too.
Well thats it for today. Until next time! – BB
The Coop Troop 