Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Household is going to the birds...








I tried to integrate Cluckster back into the flock, but of course, Ole’ Meanie wasn’t having it. None of the other girls except Ole’ Meanie and Sylvia bothered her. So, I kept her in a cage inside the run with them and let her out at roosting time. I did this for 3 days and Sylvia was okay with Cluckster after that. Ole’ Meanie however, was a different story. Ole’ Meanie would chase Cluckster and jump on her back and basically just torture her, until all Cluckster did was stay on the roost all day. Cluckster was pretty contended inside the house, so I just brought her back inside. My chicken diaper order goes out today and I will pay for rush delivery! She likes to preen on top of the cat burrow that my Tony cat never used. It’s right in front of one of our large windows overlooking the backyard. The sun shines right into it around noon and she just loves it. She’s such a pretty chicken.


I try to keep a keen eye on her, so she doesn’t leave any poopies around. What Eric doesn’t know won’t hurt him hehehe! When I cook anything when she’s out of the cage, her and Tony will be right under my feet begging for a piece of food. She has thought about pecking Tony, but, she wisely decided not too! He gets a little jealous if I pay too much attention to her, but all in all, they get along splendidly. Doesn’t she look rather contemplative here?

The other news from the coop is that one of my Dominique’s named Weezy (after Weezy Jefferson!) is now inside in the hospital cage. Every morning, I always watch them just to make sure that everyone is feeling 100%. Well, a few days ago I noticed that Weezy was looking a bit stressed out. I started bringing her scrambled eggs with cheese each morning with a little Baytril added in. After feeling around on her abdomen, I noticed she was molting! Molting in late January! Now her belly and under her wings are about naked with the start of new feathers barely showing. So, today, I have to make her a sweater some how. Every time I touch her a wad of feathers go flying everywhere. I don’t know why her molt is coming so very late. It seems all the hens had a bad molt this year.

Yesterday morning it wasn’t too bad outside, so I put Weezy and Cluckster in the chicken ark that you saw in the photo’s. I have it stored inside a shed and I put a heat lamp hanging up for them. Once I get her sweater made I can put her and Cluckster out inside the ark during the day and bring them inside the house to roost. I was surprised that Weezy and Cluckster didn’t seem to fight at all. The only chicken that I’ve saw Cluckster be mean to is Phoebe! This summer while they were outside Cluckster would wait until Phoebe was trying to take a dust bath and she would run after her and spitefully pull out one of Phoebe’s feathers! What a stinker Cluckster is toward Phoebe! So, I cannot put her into Phoebe, Scroungey and Big Momma’s pen. Aye…chicken politics! There’s a photo of my “darling” chicken sweater hehhehe….

Other than that there’s not too much going on in the coops. The girl’s are getting really bored with winter. I think once it warms up, I can again try to integrate Cluckster and Weezy back into their original flock.

10 comments:

Christy said...

Oh my! That is something. My husband would freak out if I brought the chickens into the house. He still doesn't know that a baby goat may end up in the house for a few days and when we get chicks they will be in the house. It is easier to deal with that when the time comes. I only have 3 chickens so far, but I sure do love them!

Crazy Chicken Lady said...

My husband when I first met him wouldn't even let me get a cat...now look at him LOL! 12 chickens and one cat later.

Will you have a diaper on your baby goat? I just love goats, but I don't have room enough.

Sharon said...

We just finished raising up 25 hens in the laundry room and sent them out to the coop to join the others. So I can relate to the idea of having a chicken in the house. I also have a hen named Phoebe. I think that's just one of the cutest names for a chicken. The one we named Phoebe is the mystery chick from our recent order. Hopefully I will know what breed she is soon.

I enjoy reading your blog, all about your hens and I see that love you have for them in every word you type :)

Have a blessed evening,
Sharon

Crazy Chicken Lady said...

Sharon,
You're always such a blessing. From your wonderful blog (which inspried me to blog) to your faith in God and your always uplifting comments on my blog! Thanks so much!

Yes, Phoebe is a great chicken name. I fell in love with it when looking up baby names. The meaning was what hooked me.

Zachary and Jennifer said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love all the chicken pictures and info!

Jennifer

Kelly said...

Good morning :) I found your blog just poking around looking for other chicken fanciers. I love the sweater for her! That is a great idea. I had a hen that molted completely naked in the winter and had to keep her under a heat lamp and on the porch at night to keep her warm enough. I wish I had thought of a chicken sweater! I do however make chicken diaper for my bantam rooster that is a house chicken. Come on over when you have time and visit me on my blog. I am going to add you to my sidebar of blogs I read okay? Hope your having a good Friday :) Nice to meet you! :) Kelly

Crazy Chicken Lady said...

Jennifer, I love your blog, too! I miss all the cows and the baby calves. We had a brown swiss named Bessie who was the first cow in to be milked every day. I have so many good memories about our dairy business. It takes me back to read your blog and see the photos!

Kelly, please do add me to your blogs followed. I will add you to mine as well! I love to read other chicken blogs. Thank you for stopping by!

Apparently, lots of chickens around this area are molting this February. It's strange.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Well, hello... I have to tell you in all the years I have raised chickens I have never heard of chicken diapers!! Where have I been?? Guess out in the hen house too long. Just love the idea! Your chickens are so cute! blessings,Kathleen

Unknown said...

LOL. We just took out our chicks from our bathroom, they took over!! I had them just flying and pooping everywhere. But luckily its nice out so they outside now.

Crazy Chicken Lady said...

Kathleen, Yes there's plenty of people who use chicken diapers! There's even a group on Yahoo who have house chickens (I have met some wonderful friends there). One lady who sells these diapers charges $24.50 a diaper! Not a bad pittance. Thanks for stopping by by blog. I love your blog too.

Chickenista, I do so wish it was nice out here! It's 0 degrees today! As soon as it's nice enough to get out the chicken ark they will go outside. I love your blogs! Thanks for stopping by!