Blood, Snow, and Chickens

[gatewaygirl]

(Not an obit)

Comments

[ellid]

I like the thought of a shoulder chicken. Pix?

[gatewaygirl]

None at the moment, but she looks about like this girl: http://www.wildwoodaviary.com/wwc10001__53_.JPG (from http://www.wildwoodaviary.com/Cochin-Bantams.html). She's a bit less fluffy in the bloomers, but has very feathered feet, which I think is part of her problem. The chicken in my icon enjoyed riding on someone's shoulder (or forearm, like a falcon).

[gestaltrose]

aww. Shoulder chicken... :)

[orpheneritus]

I love a story of chicken survival against the odds! I have 2 Australorps (Barley and Rain) who live outdoors all year round, but I don't really need to worry about the weather too much in Melbourne.

[gatewaygirl]

Yeah, it's 24 degrees here (that's -4 to you) and we're in the middle of a snowstorm that's supposed to leave another 8 inches, after which the temperature will drop. My chickens have a snug house that is small enough for them to warm it some. (Well, as snug as possible; they need ventilation.) We always try to have at least six in the winter, so they can keep each other warm. This one doesn't snug up by the others, though, and since she's the worst flier, she mostly stays on the floor (at least, since Gladys, the new pullet, took over her favorite nest box).

[orpheneritus]

If I had six Australorps I'd have more eggs than I'd know what to do with! As it is I could easily have 2 eggs a day everyday.

I worry more about unusually hot days especially if they take me unaware. The weather in Melbourne is famous for it's unpredictability. In 2009 it was so hot and dry, for the one day it hit 49.5 C (121 F) I put the garden water misters in the chicken coop! A little hard on the rain water tanks, but the birds seemed to like it. Fortunately hot weather comes and goes reasonably quickly. I hope your little chicken has a comfy winter.

Re: Blood, Snow, and Chickens

[redina]

I'm glad you did find fun at Arisia and also that Cozy is doing much better! :-)