Dead chickens in the morning

Best efforts couldn't save her.

And then there were 14.
Clumps of scattered feathers across the paddocks, chickens wandering in the morning fog, and the chicken coop door wide open greeted us this morning. It was a stark reminder that foxes are at work. On the previous occasions where we have forgotten to close the gates we were just lucky, unlike today.  The loss of six chickens overnight, follows the loss of a single chicken the night before, who stupidly flew into the dog yard while we were looking after the neighbour's hound. We tried to save her, wrapped her in towel and put her near the combustion stove to keep warm, but the trauma was obviously too much. On both accounts I was responsible. Some days it just sux.

We are fortunate to have not lost them all. The remaining girls are in reasonable health although a couple seem short of a few feathers.

New mulch = less weeds

Cold mist,  no wind

On a positive note the day did improve with the visit of two of my daughters, just ahead of friends Carol and Zac (our faithful farm hands). We had just finished mulching the rose garden and cleaning out the chicken pen, therefore collecting a few more bags of fertiliser, if anyone wants some. Timing was perfect for our visitors. After a cup or three of tea, a few munchies and casual conversation it was time to work again.

Just a little more tension

Despite the misty rain, we donned coats and boots and headed to the front boundary fence to strain some barbed wire. What should have been a relatively quick job, even for us amateurs, took a couple of hours. Endeavouring to be frugal we tried to use an old run of wire and use as a puller for the barbed wire, but despite the best of intentions it created more problems and it was soon passed in for new wire. This soon improved the pace of the job, coincidently the rain also increased. Using the quad bike to run messages between the workers and provide tools as needed we soon had the job running efficiently.

Mia, always willing to help

Quad getting a tow home

Before long we were adequately drenched, cold and unable to see through our glasses but the fence was tight and well strained. With a plan for hot lunch (albeit late), a well earned drink and dry clothes, Carol and I got ourselves ready to go, but then I broke the quad bike! Seems the gear selector stripped - the bike was towed home.

Carol and Zac have headed home, Daryl has gone off to work (night shift on no sleep) and I am left with my new computer, a warm fire and my youngest girl resting next to me as we watch the English murder mystery Shetland.

Time for another cup of tea.
Until next time.
N