Bad day at Black Rock.

Is this from a movie? In any event, the chickens had a tough weekend. We lost one to the heat. Since we have to close them in so tight due to the darned raccoons, I think the heat just overwhelmed one.

Then, later on Sunday, they were all out free-ranging and having a good time, and I see the go rushing by, and don't think much of it, but a few minutes later, Mike and Paul come in and tell me they've penned two stray dogs into the chicken run! Get this, apparently, the dogs tried to chase down the chickens, but settled for going into where they were nesting, and were less able to run. They killed one, just outside of the coop, and from the evidence inside, it was clear they chased it around the coop. Also, I could see many feathers outside, and I assume they tried to kill another one. I have to say, I'm sorry I'm getting pretty good at figuring out the "scene of the crime" when it comes to deceased chickens.

Needless to say, I was most upset. Mike had to go back to the fields, so I called the sheriff, with the idea of getting the animal control guy to come and get the dogs, and it turned out a person had called and they were looking for these two dogs - a pit bull looking dog and a Saint Bernard. Paul's out there, watering the dogs and telling me they seem like nice dogs - ya, except they KILLED A CHICKEN. But dogs are one of the worst predators on chickens. They killed it and then left it alone, which was good, because I left it with them as "evidence."

The people came immediately, and they paid me for the chicken willingly, which was nice. I didn't know what to charge, and I remembered an auction where the hens were going for $5 and I said that, and he gave me $7. I guess I should have asked for more, considering loss of egg income. In any event, good old Paul took care of the chicken for me, hauling it off by one leg, just like Mike does.

Of course, the dogs killed the one chicken I could have taken to make a pen of 3 for the Barred Rocks at the county fair.

It's tough being a chicken.

Free Range in the heat

I have discovered something that seems to really help them, however. They love running water, and come over to soak their feet in the water. They are so funny to watch. The rooster, Mr T, will try to bite the running water.

I guess despite all the problems, I'm really enjoying the little buggers.

The Babies

The babies aren't so little, and we're weeding out the roosters. A relative will come tomorrow morning for the rest, except for the Wyandott and one other as I'm keeping a Rhode Island Red. The Wyandott is extremely aggressive and I don't know if we can keep him after the fair. I know we can't keep him and the mixed breed rooster that is not in his isolation bin - otherwise known as an old grain silo. Despite how pretty both roosters are, I'm thinking of seeing if I can sell them both at the fair. I don't want either of them harassing the hens - Mr T is enough.