I’m fortunate to have two barns and my hens are divided into two flocks, one in each space. They could all fit into the big barn, but the Wyandottes don’t like the bantams, and the Golden Comets can’t resist pecking at the Polish’s pom-pom heads. I’ve sorted them into two peaceable groups. There’s rarely any pecking and aggression. But being indoors can drive anyone stir crazy, and it’s snowing. Again.
I grew these last summer:
Usually, the wild birds eat all of the seeds, but this year I was able to harvest a bucketful of the dried flower heads. I saved them for days like this. This morning, I tossed a few on the floor of the big barn. That will keep the girls busy for awhile.
The hens in the HenCam coop still have their cabbage tetherball, but it’s almost gone. I put kale in the suet feeder that is attached to the roosts (Yes! That’s what that’s for.) Candy got some kale in her hutch this morning, but I bet you’ll see her in the coop, eating the chicken’s stash.
The temperature is supposed to drop well below freezing this weekend, so the chickens will be indoors for awhile longer. Now, what to do for the goats?
I like to throw them some sunflower seeds too. I actually use the suet feeder for suet cakes. It gives them a bit of extra fat and protein and keeps them busy. Mine is hanging from a chain so it’s almost like playing tether ball for them! They also get the pumpkins like you do. Our co-op sells a flock block that they like to peck on as well, but I have that out in their run. They won’t have access to it today as it’s -12 degrees at the moment!
I think your husband needs to get busy and build the goats an indoor jungle gym. Something new to play on.
I have three ducks, 2 females and 1 male and they are in the pet chicken house. Well the male is starting to feel his oats if you know what I mean and he has always thought the hens were ducks with funny looking feet. ;-) So this weekend the wire dog crate comes out and Quackers is going to have to spend his time in the crate until all the snow melts and the ducks can range the yard during the day. He just won’t leave them alone, they spend there whole day on the roosts because he pesters them so much. I worry they don’t get enought to eat or drink. I say one thing NO MORE ducks when these are gone or at least male ducks.
Terry just checked the hen cam, good golly that’s a lot of snow. Do you think you might see the ground by late March? The January thaw can’t soon enough for me.
I don’t think we’ll see a January thaw here!
I agree with the playground idea. You could always try and give them excersise by giving them a scavenger hunt they love that.
Terry i just thought of something interesting. Eventually try and get some money and buy a very small video camera and attacth it to a collar. Then since the rabbit is always with the hens put it on her (or him) and then put the best footage or pictures of the hens on the hen cam
Kale is my chickens’ absolute favorite thing to eat (except meat bones!!!!). They go crazy when I give them kale from the garden. They all dive on the leaves, and toss them around. They don’t seem to like store-bought kale as well, but this time of year my garden kale is all gone. I love the idea of using a suet feeder to hold green leaves. I have an empty one out in the garage, and I’m going to fill it with greenery today.
I’m giggling at the vision of Ken’s boy duck, trying to hump the hens ……. :)
I just found your WONDERFUL blog via Dog Trot Farm. I am so excited. I just checked out your hen cam and I love your polish girls. I have polish too and we are breeding them this year. Your coop is so pretty, clean and in order. I’m in awe. So happy to find you. I want to add goats to our farm too–hoping in the spring :) Check us out if you can at http://www.verdefarm.com
Happy Saturday, Amy
Welcome, Amy! I checked your blog. Nice collection of critters. I see you know something about pigs. Did you see me on It’s Me Or the Dog last week? (On Animal Planet) The dog owners also had what’s called a “teacup pig.” I was concerned because it looked sad and possibly unhealthy to my uneducated eye. How old are piglets when they can be removed from their mother? What do you think about pigs as pets kept without other pigs?
In any event, from what I gather, the “teacup” pig is now a porker, and instead of a house pet is being kept outside – but still without porcine company.
Terry, I am so excited that you visited my blog. I didn’t see you on It’s Me or the Dog but I will find the episode. I love Animal Planet :) I tell you what I think about pigs–there is no such thing as a true teacup pig, although their are breeders that market them. There is a big push as people want tiny piglet sized pigs to stay that way and live in the house. I don’t know if that will ever happen but I wouldn’t advocate that type of breeding. Our kunekune’s are “miniature pigs”–but they will be around 100-120 pounds and potentially more. This is still very miniature compared to a 1000 pound market pig of course. Even the famous potbellied pigs get to be well over 50 pounds (which is still so small for even a pb) and if they eat what they want–much larger. Pigs love to eat-so keeping them small requires watching what they eat. I have seen a few folks who have potbellied inside and it has worked very well and they made great pets but I personally believe pigs need to be with friends. Before we got our boar, Pansy was best friends with our cat Jerry. They are very social animals. We got Pansy when she was 4 weeks old but we bottle fed her. It is not a great idea to take them from their mother’s until they are 10 weeks or so. They love to play and run and graze so my recommendation is to have a buddy for sure–even if it’s not a pig although that is best and outside in good size house and room to roam.
Thank you again for stopping by our site
Amy
Amy- thanks for telling me about pigs. I love yours. Their size makes sense for where they came from. Like Icelandic Horses – appropriate for the environment. NOT designer teacup to be fashion accessories!