tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87788093124013891552024-03-05T03:11:59.171-06:00Chicken Lytle's BlogExperiences of part-time chicken farmer and the flock.
Oh the chickeny joy!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-3688456635811615502015-03-23T02:24:00.003-05:002015-04-02T09:02:29.896-05:00Enemies of AmericaHow did the party of Eisenhower become enemies of America? Do not approve of terrible <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G7QSL6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G7QSL6&linkCode=as2&tag=chilytsblo-20&linkId=52BKBZSFLGLEWCFY" target="_blank">Ted</a>! Let's not mince words. Ted Cruz sucks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHC7AXmTcG6rZjlU7Bo33FUy8x55jOZESlLs1kjbThFy8frtlDrTU4zx1a6PqiCX7Uiz2oIlv2SbmjEpDVKoBNrIzGNgr02qcQFNlGETfVoyFVoejMUzaudQV4pNRUiNAagK9QNatEkxb/s1600/StinkEye05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHC7AXmTcG6rZjlU7Bo33FUy8x55jOZESlLs1kjbThFy8frtlDrTU4zx1a6PqiCX7Uiz2oIlv2SbmjEpDVKoBNrIzGNgr02qcQFNlGETfVoyFVoejMUzaudQV4pNRUiNAagK9QNatEkxb/s1600/StinkEye05.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-79147013151974604302013-03-16T00:29:00.001-05:002013-03-16T00:29:30.146-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Turkey_Vulture_(Cathartes_aura)_-in_flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Turkey_Vulture_(Cathartes_aura)_-in_flight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Woo hoo! Bandits have been stopping by for spa treatments. Now I get to see turkey vultures <i>and</i> black vultures.!<br />
<br />ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-66092496547529250362012-07-15T00:19:00.001-05:002012-07-15T00:19:16.492-05:00Pastry Rooster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastry Rooster</td></tr>
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<br />ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-36641641928196263002012-04-25T10:07:00.000-05:002012-04-25T10:07:13.821-05:00Snake SeasonWell it is that time of year again. Snake season.<br />
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We had a sudden drop in egg production. The daily take was something like 10, 9, 10, 7, 3, 7, 4, 9.... Very strange. They usually taper off and ramp up.<br />
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Fireman Guy was tending the flock when he got a whim to collect the eggs before nightfall. He ran out of the coop screaming "Snaaaaaaake! Snaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!"<br />
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Doc was able to talk him down from the tree he climbed and eventually determined that there was a snake in a nest box. It looked something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMVRde7V00J9WFYhgIm8zexBmaAq70jWbm9hi8Ucvz6dUovQu1VGILlnMSHt1HzglEuzp2Cxj-wD4ybsD7xyKsIz5tHOtffGXEl6demzDFJqcNbYLcFacUgXW649uGnhmVnpZjFat5VjL/s1600/RatSnake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMVRde7V00J9WFYhgIm8zexBmaAq70jWbm9hi8Ucvz6dUovQu1VGILlnMSHt1HzglEuzp2Cxj-wD4ybsD7xyKsIz5tHOtffGXEl6demzDFJqcNbYLcFacUgXW649uGnhmVnpZjFat5VjL/s320/RatSnake1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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except that it had FOUR egg bulges.<br />
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I handled the snake much like the <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicken-lytle-and-prisoner-of-nest-box.html" target="_blank">egg-eating snake from last year</a>.<br />
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Ugh! Creepy.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-83672335391636364172012-03-11T16:19:00.001-05:002012-04-08T09:55:29.621-05:00Float Test to Check Egg FreshnessHow can you be sure an egg is fresh? You can check your eggs for freshness by doing this easy Float Test.<br />
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I had to leave the flock in the care of Doctor Dolittle and Fireman Guy. Naturally, the chickens decided to become 100% productive. The kitchen counter had a mountain of eggs!<br />
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Float Test to the rescue!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to Float Test Eggs</b></span><br />
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<ol><li>Fill a container with more than enough water to completely cover eggs.</li>
<li>Gently place eggs in the water and wait for them to mostly stop moving.</li>
<li>Look at the eggs.</li>
<li>Toss the Floaters!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3Q0nD0C0SFiSpdtpAfIX1Vr77IVBDH_8A6kT4a9zri-XrAeQgVgEfix1u2vfy7fNADfD1oYLe8egOT5x2r7h71fq_pojHtqfj2N29tzFkbMv_GQ1URkRK6ACwy8MboF8PqEjuoV5kxw/s1600/FloatTest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3Q0nD0C0SFiSpdtpAfIX1Vr77IVBDH_8A6kT4a9zri-XrAeQgVgEfix1u2vfy7fNADfD1oYLe8egOT5x2r7h71fq_pojHtqfj2N29tzFkbMv_GQ1URkRK6ACwy8MboF8PqEjuoV5kxw/s320/FloatTest1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating egg is stale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><li>Save the Sinkers!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2htpJU9ryHA2vlR21QWxn5mc8Y54awipCWYAaF6tQRlrOX9r71QMUzalyrLGHAMDXPMZyM6tPMwAvhTehV5RaisWYjH-9Rudm6SQAbufD4cLM83mh-ocWSS-6h3j8BJZlt1UIPOTYqEE/s1600/FloatTest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2htpJU9ryHA2vlR21QWxn5mc8Y54awipCWYAaF6tQRlrOX9r71QMUzalyrLGHAMDXPMZyM6tPMwAvhTehV5RaisWYjH-9Rudm6SQAbufD4cLM83mh-ocWSS-6h3j8BJZlt1UIPOTYqEE/s320/FloatTest2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh eggs sink</td></tr>
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Why does this work? To answer this question you need to understand that eggs have an air cell in the large end and that the egg shell is porous. As an egg ages, the air carries away moisture which causes the fluid part to shrink and the air cell to get bigger. Eventually the egg contains so much air that it floats in water. When an egg reaches that stage, it is no longer good to eat.<br />
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Doc used the oldest fresh eggs for <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/12/perfect-hard-boiled-eggs.html">Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs</a>. Oh the chickeny joy!<br />
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Update: <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/10/eggs-hard-to-peel/">This article</a> explains role of pH as well.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-18827520860524919922012-02-11T21:03:00.001-06:002012-02-13T15:51:33.591-06:00New coop for the happy coupleAh chickeny romance!<br />
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Once upon a time, Psycho the feather-pecking pullet, was imprisoned in the <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-chicken-run.html">newly constructed chicken run</a>. There she lived in tragic isolation, waiting for her prince to arrive and sweep her off her feet.<br />
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Then one day, out of the blue, a brightly colored cockerel showed up at her gate. He danced his "Hey Baby" dance. He crowed his crackly Junior crow. He even graciously ran away from Mr. Big when he felt the fence might not be strong enough to hold him back.<br />
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As soon as Psycho's gate was opened, Junior made himself at home. He showed her where her food dish was. He scratched up bugs and held them up for her. He even verified the comfort and safety of her roost.<br />
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The one thing the happy couple lacked was a cozy chicken coop to call their own. Luckily the new farm hand, Fireman Guy Montag, knew how to drill and caulk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZfzOlUNvwjfuVzvv8biq468quKCPr8sXycVvRoMvPEPlHy5c8pj8mqJJ9AALDwJvNzEhd8upS1BfOttHTob_Sx0dw9JbsizbU7RN2KdrfcJB7bK4tc5EhUQv2RDtSGNfTSiSQUAKCQOA/s1600/LoveCoop01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZfzOlUNvwjfuVzvv8biq468quKCPr8sXycVvRoMvPEPlHy5c8pj8mqJJ9AALDwJvNzEhd8upS1BfOttHTob_Sx0dw9JbsizbU7RN2KdrfcJB7bK4tc5EhUQv2RDtSGNfTSiSQUAKCQOA/s320/LoveCoop01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy and I start construction on chickeny love shack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Doc just completed a horse fence project, so we had a lot of salvaged wood. I scrounged up hardware cloth, a 3x5 cement board, and some fence pales.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgRF3ziUrCYrpgexC6TLdiT3TP8fsJOg4KsZZWy0Ea2D3G8oU3nVG1FhxMfIPMEjgZ_pJUTq06nGfLdHUIrk2PMxd_qNkWSEzn_9rfrwCmssyaFKCL9Xu6kfuDN-rRnIs77l-Sc-51wUU/s1600/LoveCoop02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgRF3ziUrCYrpgexC6TLdiT3TP8fsJOg4KsZZWy0Ea2D3G8oU3nVG1FhxMfIPMEjgZ_pJUTq06nGfLdHUIrk2PMxd_qNkWSEzn_9rfrwCmssyaFKCL9Xu6kfuDN-rRnIs77l-Sc-51wUU/s320/LoveCoop02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy caulked the gaps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I bought a pre-cut 2x2 treated plywood door from Lowes. Smart move! It is actually square!! This made installing hinges and hanging the door soooooo much easier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTcn2DFO18zswC-AuGsFxo1lTS8xaVOC1fK0S_BQxJl51dEHUlLFFhrNC_FFsUk4STw9XbS66qlHP5YaEl173aexprmhbDkNOzqbHNL-3ip1kuN28qvznH20OH-9OMvnQzUq_HuIUHqT/s1600/LoveCoop03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQTcn2DFO18zswC-AuGsFxo1lTS8xaVOC1fK0S_BQxJl51dEHUlLFFhrNC_FFsUk4STw9XbS66qlHP5YaEl173aexprmhbDkNOzqbHNL-3ip1kuN28qvznH20OH-9OMvnQzUq_HuIUHqT/s320/LoveCoop03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doc and Guy weatherproofed the coop after this pic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EwCzWl765mi6jgbkwl18ZD_tFiiBR7rWRd9WHzy14_yeIX1ltRvRqvQkrN3Sh9RKlZg2OGLkjuwa9Sx0hH6PjiZmoVWxwwni7BpbN5hJ3lENz6Q5vAdxLOdHsSTjLk6IYBYLEgF9Ax9P/s1600/LoveCoop04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EwCzWl765mi6jgbkwl18ZD_tFiiBR7rWRd9WHzy14_yeIX1ltRvRqvQkrN3Sh9RKlZg2OGLkjuwa9Sx0hH6PjiZmoVWxwwni7BpbN5hJ3lENz6Q5vAdxLOdHsSTjLk6IYBYLEgF9Ax9P/s320/LoveCoop04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alone at last!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We furnished the coop with a 2x6 roost, a dog bowl of layer crumbles, a water bottle, and a covered cat box for nesting. Junior liked the roost. Psycho liked the crumbles.<br />
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Oh the chickeny joy!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-56663698009057083602012-01-20T14:42:00.000-06:002012-01-20T14:42:57.038-06:00Egg Overload -- Making the Quiche of AwesomenessWe are swimming in eggs. Our backlog is up to 16 dozen and the <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/08/oreo-and-red-chicks-are-growing.html">pullets</a> are not slowing down. The <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/12/perfect-hard-boiled-eggs.html">Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs</a> made a dent, but we just could not eat them fast enough. Pro Tip: Peel and eat with a few drops of <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0000GGHO2">Cholula Hot Sauce</a>.<br />
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But Doc is very resourceful and identified a glorious egg recipe. It was so delicious that I believe I have now experienced the human version of Chickeny Joy that comes from yogurt and oats.<br />
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Behold the Quiche of Awesomeness!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu6v4mUL30lHdVJ6qTAkKRMjX-LVyF2BNIu5jf-kfBjlqCQINH2FYGDvu3FFmcP6eMF9NWLNBRylUoHYm6AYAc3TOOvw9FZ7eziAxnH7Rz8fmxFloLUqFTVxoe4Guw1TUukQ_229O9VGe/s1600/Quiche_TooHungry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu6v4mUL30lHdVJ6qTAkKRMjX-LVyF2BNIu5jf-kfBjlqCQINH2FYGDvu3FFmcP6eMF9NWLNBRylUoHYm6AYAc3TOOvw9FZ7eziAxnH7Rz8fmxFloLUqFTVxoe4Guw1TUukQ_229O9VGe/s320/Quiche_TooHungry.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too awesome to wait for pictures</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Make the Quiche of Awesomeness</span></b><br />
Thaw out two bricks of frozen spinach.<br />
Microwave a pound of bacon. Blot and crumble.<br />
Mix 6 eggs, 1.5 cups of heavy cream, a pinch of sea salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper in a blender.<br />
Put pie crust dough (Doc used Pillsbury pre-made dough sheet) in a stoneware pie plate.<br />
Add spinach, bacon, and a layer of smoked gouda cheese slices.<br />
Pour the egg mix on top.<br />
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees.<br />
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<b><i>Oh the bacony joy!</i></b>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-44434628099656141722012-01-03T14:10:00.001-06:002012-02-13T15:52:50.801-06:00New Chicken RunMy nephews and their friend came down to Texas and gave me an awesome gift -- a new chicken run!<br />
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Doc recently replaced all the horse fences so we had an abundance of used fence posts and wire. Glen chopped down the small forest of weeds in the target location. Russell showed me how to get stubborn staples, nails, and screws out of 15 year old posts. Bon figured out the best way to pull fence wire.<br />
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First we set the posts, parallel to the existing pasture fence. I finally got to use my <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00136YRWM">post level</a>. I also learned that very wet cement does not hold posts as firmly as I would like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrGRlZ8QPg7_hpFZTKJhY2G1Fg7omTod3oxOS1l7A7nHgkCZ0iEf1xuw32iugt1uIs4nE_etljcHisn3uXvO1KB_EKBN4jHp0eWwheENxPJFYH5Ct7daYGiGIh4nEHh1Yr8E-8bMLNyg_/s1600/LongRun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrGRlZ8QPg7_hpFZTKJhY2G1Fg7omTod3oxOS1l7A7nHgkCZ0iEf1xuw32iugt1uIs4nE_etljcHisn3uXvO1KB_EKBN4jHp0eWwheENxPJFYH5Ct7daYGiGIh4nEHh1Yr8E-8bMLNyg_/s320/LongRun1.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much vertical posts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then we pulled farm fence wire, stapled it down, and screwed in 2x6 planks to support the top and block the bottom. We tried using a <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000CDDS4A">come-along</a> attached to rebar to pull the fence taut, but found that levering it tight with a 2x4 against a post was much more effective.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9GND02bBZnLisHpo0rSfDg7b2-730Eqn1V2PBAKYoJgABWNmy08Tiuzn-cgXKaGl-_lmkmpWRfuLDlMIaHShpnO9_hskar5rYl1sa1PRl5SQJoDBJSFIU1-HUT1Rt4tO-id7pc140KBH/s1600/LongRun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9GND02bBZnLisHpo0rSfDg7b2-730Eqn1V2PBAKYoJgABWNmy08Tiuzn-cgXKaGl-_lmkmpWRfuLDlMIaHShpnO9_hskar5rYl1sa1PRl5SQJoDBJSFIU1-HUT1Rt4tO-id7pc140KBH/s320/LongRun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More important to follow the ground than look pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally we tied <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00004RA0N">deer netting</a> to the top of the run using baling twine. It was getting late, so we only tied it down in a few places. Another item for my To Do List....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg5llbA8kqw-XsccifR4-hAfxra-CEJsznBr0h1_B8h5AuhM9I5pJR7AtVpgxvKjEXJIvpMCcNN8ezFqCW4dl7DA88H2pIDtYQhXj8axd_Tfr58EpJuldulAwWYhD2wo5be-_kZU0JJOw/s1600/LongRun3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg5llbA8kqw-XsccifR4-hAfxra-CEJsznBr0h1_B8h5AuhM9I5pJR7AtVpgxvKjEXJIvpMCcNN8ezFqCW4dl7DA88H2pIDtYQhXj8axd_Tfr58EpJuldulAwWYhD2wo5be-_kZU0JJOw/s320/LongRun3.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer netting to keep hawks out and chickens in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We hazed the flock into the new run. They raced across the open area, full mosey ahead. Once inside, they set to exploring.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0pZ8oPzSXUZaUiJPPaGdJzt8FcFGNZIa2plsgMz6d6WcOHkKbj65Hj_xa6b8RebXbU6e4SV_e_t5RF_6IuRMCABPsqUPVP72PICaSePlBZZiv2CD_Kwl7nnkRGXRI5GD5AO4HTdDC-OI/s1600/LongRun4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0pZ8oPzSXUZaUiJPPaGdJzt8FcFGNZIa2plsgMz6d6WcOHkKbj65Hj_xa6b8RebXbU6e4SV_e_t5RF_6IuRMCABPsqUPVP72PICaSePlBZZiv2CD_Kwl7nnkRGXRI5GD5AO4HTdDC-OI/s320/LongRun4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Big leads the inspection crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They tested the nest box for fit and comfort.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC78tJqlnClpoXqI43iysZs8DNAUmCRkL6n_A9ExQVt7ZT19QIRo85jGgYzUKbsis2VXEjoq4610hPlECF4pWJjzO_IXA2ENKQQEK7X9Yh3fK1Ca-SCytZvz48IayHryJdbbiQrf-5ihvh/s1600/LongRun5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC78tJqlnClpoXqI43iysZs8DNAUmCRkL6n_A9ExQVt7ZT19QIRo85jGgYzUKbsis2VXEjoq4610hPlECF4pWJjzO_IXA2ENKQQEK7X9Yh3fK1Ca-SCytZvz48IayHryJdbbiQrf-5ihvh/s320/LongRun5.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fine place to lay an egg</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>And then they settled in for feasting and forage.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pqi9jPoSkfXZ9h0o_qmFlqM_Nvffq7q7opTAu1PAbWUUL0gfpI24mos9GW4oACaPwzWhubqVLJrbesP2-FCOEo1u1d8SfREh8DSEXEeHOjBcuS-9K3OF3yIqAoshh2YvPN0gwzY6WuQU/s1600/LongRun6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pqi9jPoSkfXZ9h0o_qmFlqM_Nvffq7q7opTAu1PAbWUUL0gfpI24mos9GW4oACaPwzWhubqVLJrbesP2-FCOEo1u1d8SfREh8DSEXEeHOjBcuS-9K3OF3yIqAoshh2YvPN0gwzY6WuQU/s320/LongRun6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red, Oreo, and De at dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The flock scratched and clucked and ate pellets, crumbles, plants, bugs, and whatever else caught their fancy. Oh the chickeny joy!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: The new run has a <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-coop-for-happy-couple.html">new coop and a new chicken</a>!<br />
<br />
</div>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-20434312259675245072011-12-17T15:32:00.001-06:002011-12-19T00:02:00.777-06:00Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs<a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/08/oreo-and-red-chicks-are-growing.html">Oreo and the Reds</a> are in full production, despite the season. Doc and I are swimming in eggs. So we make hard boiled eggs.<br />
<br />
Not every egg is perfect. Filthy eggs and ground eggs go straight to the reject bin. We also got one enormous egg from Vo and a tiny "fart egg" from a Red. But until winter sun started cutting in to production, we had a backlog of 10 dozen eggs on the counter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_jGcnuDpFvFpkfIubRUl7Ws0KrOgxCVKfoEYv_2TDPTVNI7bV-qyUtGLwITaVzgjimQ8P6CDoI6015PBVqViDn9-2fcY2fXDaElCPdCJaENdh5uB5rurBugkIdhAR1712b4UKWcMtKHn/s1600/GiantAndTinyEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_jGcnuDpFvFpkfIubRUl7Ws0KrOgxCVKfoEYv_2TDPTVNI7bV-qyUtGLwITaVzgjimQ8P6CDoI6015PBVqViDn9-2fcY2fXDaElCPdCJaENdh5uB5rurBugkIdhAR1712b4UKWcMtKHn/s320/GiantAndTinyEggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vo made the giant egg. A Red made the yolkless "fart egg".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks to aggressive hard-boiled egg consumption, we are down to a more comfortable backlog. In the process, Doc has mastered the art of making the Perfect Hard Boiled Egg.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznzghbXGK8w1uFMk69wdZ0OzeYZyOvTibsC10BmIH9pIZQdkUs8gIqvyqlsVqsk5hKfRJf9VfCzkPKXaf37UUn0iqR5NPN3_s4Migf-s2X949hBUEaKozop8YMI2fK6frGl-60SvjDP-Y/s1600/EggBacklog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznzghbXGK8w1uFMk69wdZ0OzeYZyOvTibsC10BmIH9pIZQdkUs8gIqvyqlsVqsk5hKfRJf9VfCzkPKXaf37UUn0iqR5NPN3_s4Migf-s2X949hBUEaKozop8YMI2fK6frGl-60SvjDP-Y/s320/EggBacklog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even after feasting, we have a big backlog of eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Start with old eggs at room temperature. We use eggs that have been on the counter for just over two weeks. Refrigerated store bought eggs average about 60 days old, so you are fine to boil them after a few minutes of warming on the counter top.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Seven Steps to Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs</b></span><br />
<ol><li>Clean the eggs to remove any dirt or nastiness that might give them a funky flavor.</li>
<li>Fill a pan with room-temperature water. Doc uses a Wok.</li>
<li>Add one or two dozen eggs to the water.</li>
<li>Turn the stove top to high heat.</li>
<li>Set the timer for 15 minutes to get 10-12 minutes of boil time.</li>
<li>Place eggs in ice water using a slotted spoon.</li>
<li>After 5 minutes, dry and refrigerate.</li>
</ol><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXM2xRKEhEYyd7NyZ4Jud3CT5hLpcrZag_U5cNW8ghFehg38xr55euZVq98Fb78Um_9JiHUS3clVhxtW-JOu4EbHD_74nmteMhmMlqVaiK2CJqVLAQdQu8lqmUzL58HBjlbGuruJfsDNe/s1600/ChillerBowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXM2xRKEhEYyd7NyZ4Jud3CT5hLpcrZag_U5cNW8ghFehg38xr55euZVq98Fb78Um_9JiHUS3clVhxtW-JOu4EbHD_74nmteMhmMlqVaiK2CJqVLAQdQu8lqmUzL58HBjlbGuruJfsDNe/s320/ChillerBowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot eggs melted all the ice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The boil time varies by altitude. To find the right amount of time for your conditions, test your first hard boiled egg before you chill the rest. Chill it for a few seconds and peel it as soon as you can. Cut the egg in half. If the white is solid and the yolk is solid yellow, you have made perfect hard boiled eggs. If the white or yolk is a little runny, they are still soft boiled and you need to let the others boil for another minute or two (be sure to test again). If the yolk is green, you have boiled the eggs too long and the others need to be removed now.<br />
<br />
Now it is time to enjoy your hard boiled eggs. They are wonderful as a breakfast sandwich with mayo. They are a delight with marinara and linguine. They are a convenient nutritious snack at any time.<br />
<br />
Oh the chickeny joy!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-54889404895290348152011-12-03T12:10:00.001-06:002011-12-03T13:21:53.805-06:00Tis the Season for Chicken GiftsHere are some gift ideas for you. Oh the chickeny joy!<br />
<br />
Chicken toys -> <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/03/chicken-toys.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Storey's Guide is <b><i>the</i></b> chicken book. <span id="goog_1193598755"></span><span id="goog_1193598756"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1603424695" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
There is also the Dummies book.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0470465441" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Cool calendar. Get yours today!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005UCO73O" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Cool sign.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0019YFPEM" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
My driveway needs this sign.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003C2H8IK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
I have a metal rooster. Maybe I should get this too?<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000QR944U" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-82060151254005173882011-11-02T08:45:00.000-05:002011-11-02T08:45:35.821-05:00Chicken NipplesI know what you are thinking. "Chickens don't <i>have</i> nipples." Not that kind!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVklu3CPHdcCePiodXOJxMgwq9v5oHWlKScRIZY71rocTfjLWyfIdPIqQuTTvDZXQaDH-5JN6Ge-jQFJJ-mlGvLqymKjjZykh-cDDAs1QUJoTOKhkz9Hruu5QT_reZJlVpttkz8Ro_iAW3/s1600/RedAndNipples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVklu3CPHdcCePiodXOJxMgwq9v5oHWlKScRIZY71rocTfjLWyfIdPIqQuTTvDZXQaDH-5JN6Ge-jQFJJ-mlGvLqymKjjZykh-cDDAs1QUJoTOKhkz9Hruu5QT_reZJlVpttkz8Ro_iAW3/s320/RedAndNipples.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nipples over Red</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>This</i> is a Chicken Nipple: <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004NEIS1M" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
My clever Reds and Oreo like water. They <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2010/11/stupid-poo-tricks.html">poo</a> in it every chance they get. But I am in possession of opposable thumbs and a larger brain, so I set out to eliminate their water pollution situation.<br />
<br />
I tried hanging a rabbit waterer in the run. They first used this as little chicks in the <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/fancy-brooder-cage.html">fancy brooder cage</a>. Given the chance to peck something semi-new, they pecked at it, got a drop of water, and despite their chickeny astonishment, pecked at it again.<br />
<br />
Thus encouraged, I ordered the aforementioned <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004NEIS1M">Nipple Waterer</a> kit. I also ordered an <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0002YUSPQ">11/32" drill bit</a> to install it. They are supposed to be hard to find, but I found one easily enough: <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0002YUSPQ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
It was easy to drill the holes in the bottom of a plastic bucket and suspend the bucket where the chickens could imbibe. The harder part was getting them to drink.<br />
<br />
Half of the Reds were smart enough to drink from the nipples.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYZxLCVWGj-ukyPfF_VE4zZDai_a5-Y-3JrzvYpu81J2UnGqElfuTkOkPjB-1B_lE7Mi6waoGi1ri3SnC3ooadiwuaFBm15Fg2K2vaF4uvemxIMRMQvcaUJCO1KkJJYlImAwWn8b-V-cR/s1600/RedNippleDrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYZxLCVWGj-ukyPfF_VE4zZDai_a5-Y-3JrzvYpu81J2UnGqElfuTkOkPjB-1B_lE7Mi6waoGi1ri3SnC3ooadiwuaFBm15Fg2K2vaF4uvemxIMRMQvcaUJCO1KkJJYlImAwWn8b-V-cR/s320/RedNippleDrink.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart Reds drink without soiling their water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oreo fell in with the non-smart Reds. In a later experiment she demonstrated a willingness to die of thirst before she would consider drinking from the water source every other chicken was using.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukK5wu3bU1HA8NXdPEJL78yQwf7Lypk3Avuj4ryJxliFGXcE1St1ayWX3hS6L3mh7SF5imP0-_jgq669E1IYWMQiTYRKMmGSkFgzG-flaVOhRl2DWTnRvhjuqZ9-eT_98S4g7oaJvgdb/s1600/DumbLooksAreFree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukK5wu3bU1HA8NXdPEJL78yQwf7Lypk3Avuj4ryJxliFGXcE1St1ayWX3hS6L3mh7SF5imP0-_jgq669E1IYWMQiTYRKMmGSkFgzG-flaVOhRl2DWTnRvhjuqZ9-eT_98S4g7oaJvgdb/s320/DumbLooksAreFree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumb looks are free</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The rest of the flock preferred to drink the poo tea they made every morning from the fresh water I provided.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo9vdNksmix5tBa-m49h2NxsVCypq7m_IsBnCy3RNe_0_pnC0mtLrbC2LpOH17RoW-HOJxlq9X5xP07d2fHNpYTik5oXQvft2SQfwnoriIbxoETMD1uvaSY92LH3-DYEOhMAfnK_Sz2gI/s1600/RedsDrinkFromPooBowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo9vdNksmix5tBa-m49h2NxsVCypq7m_IsBnCy3RNe_0_pnC0mtLrbC2LpOH17RoW-HOJxlq9X5xP07d2fHNpYTik5oXQvft2SQfwnoriIbxoETMD1uvaSY92LH3-DYEOhMAfnK_Sz2gI/s320/RedsDrinkFromPooBowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say the fittest shall survive. Yet the unfit may live.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>OK, so I got outsmarted by poo-pullets. But at least the flock gets clean water when they have absolutely no other choice.<br />
<br />
</div>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-24621382338101892662011-08-28T19:13:00.000-05:002011-08-28T19:13:39.858-05:00Pullet Pizza PartyDoc and I had a fierce craving for a vegetarian Margherita Pizza. We raced to the local purveyor of pie and greedily consumed our treat, clucking over the good parts and stuffing ourselves silly.<br />
<br />
We took the remaining slices home for the flock. I carefully crept up the to fence and lifted the poultry netting. The birds circled me, screaming for the awesome deliciousness they were sure I would soon provide.<br />
<br />
I dropped a slice into the chicken run. They greedily consumed the treat, clucking over the good parts and stuffing themselves silly.<br />
<br />
De was a little skeptical at first, but ready to try it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gc9H6-EgRpConBdGDgy7Uh_9twws_wn_1WgqN11-OU5j9I4hf8mBrsRHYhT7OJPQL7J2fs_0b1Q2048l9ZE99loEC2XeqmwGUKLDPropJ90JByRO1rdn5TE0XcnGcjpGC0xGf0gtoweA/s1600/PizzaParty01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gc9H6-EgRpConBdGDgy7Uh_9twws_wn_1WgqN11-OU5j9I4hf8mBrsRHYhT7OJPQL7J2fs_0b1Q2048l9ZE99loEC2XeqmwGUKLDPropJ90JByRO1rdn5TE0XcnGcjpGC0xGf0gtoweA/s320/PizzaParty01.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De starts with the thin end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the red pullets moved in to investigate this alien morsel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj8qCy-P7AO7s5htX7PR3Alezl9SmW1Dbiro_wMd_13wTV2TV2qF5fq7o5rcdu0YsaVM8T3trj0F6oCWd5LsJmrZhXn9_y_Vgi5Fek-o1z0_8P2vsT_8VSwr0jgJclLgazPYfLMleFdL8/s1600/PizzaParty02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj8qCy-P7AO7s5htX7PR3Alezl9SmW1Dbiro_wMd_13wTV2TV2qF5fq7o5rcdu0YsaVM8T3trj0F6oCWd5LsJmrZhXn9_y_Vgi5Fek-o1z0_8P2vsT_8VSwr0jgJclLgazPYfLMleFdL8/s320/PizzaParty02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Share" is not a chickeny concept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rest of the chicks were ferocious. The instantly closed in and stripped the flesh off the pizza, leaving nothing but bones sinking to the bottom of the run.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsuG3Wa0bXO3-0gZhsrZh72znl5osj9wnx1L2rMh_LT7gv4gUTJlyLywVyxtrsJqI-S3PaMqgkUEYBRv74upehIKXKmdaBUBKN5y2aDfDI2NzU2faS6nivqL4iZ8g85tlTpvYBpT7nntK/s1600/PizzaParty03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsuG3Wa0bXO3-0gZhsrZh72znl5osj9wnx1L2rMh_LT7gv4gUTJlyLywVyxtrsJqI-S3PaMqgkUEYBRv74upehIKXKmdaBUBKN5y2aDfDI2NzU2faS6nivqL4iZ8g85tlTpvYBpT7nntK/s320/PizzaParty03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School of deadly chickens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBiLRNUD3xhjanim_mhtDO27XE-b7zBk3pPbwfFOoDEB0xp0U-7Kg2-V4C_ojDh1IXDItyDaDJcQtHTKNrEMHz4zfDUpl2xDYaUG9ZxxYubKuQCYFFand3VqBGzz4Z8SOG_ermEX-wGhm/s1600/PizzaParty04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBiLRNUD3xhjanim_mhtDO27XE-b7zBk3pPbwfFOoDEB0xp0U-7Kg2-V4C_ojDh1IXDItyDaDJcQtHTKNrEMHz4zfDUpl2xDYaUG9ZxxYubKuQCYFFand3VqBGzz4Z8SOG_ermEX-wGhm/s320/PizzaParty04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza carcass, stripped in seconds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was a grisly sight. But oh, the chickeny joy!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-52321442691624453732011-08-16T17:05:00.000-05:002011-08-16T17:05:18.736-05:00Stink Eye, the Chickeny Look of DisapprovalChickens are expressive creatures. They let you know when they are <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-chickens.html">content</a>. They let you know when they are <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/01/chickens-going-stir-crazy.html">frustrated</a>. They let you know when they are <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/01/angry-chickens.html">hungry</a>.<br />
<br />
But when they want you to know they are very displeased with you, they have a special expression. They give you the Stink Eye.<br />
<br />
When Vo was forced to test drive the new coop, she expressed her displeasure with being unceremoniously relocated.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DcLpx7H0DC5Syyp9q3En0qBANT5GcCdSZQp-Aje7Hrr_KxKv8VmRCTEOnX_QYDNWH4G-R3_Tw9NTmdMitICXv9Ei46ezsqvTzybJFviNKQl8bTEAskJp0P6iONUbUgtxmBXcuLSVEc4l/s1600/StinkEye01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DcLpx7H0DC5Syyp9q3En0qBANT5GcCdSZQp-Aje7Hrr_KxKv8VmRCTEOnX_QYDNWH4G-R3_Tw9NTmdMitICXv9Ei46ezsqvTzybJFviNKQl8bTEAskJp0P6iONUbUgtxmBXcuLSVEc4l/s320/StinkEye01.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How dare you disturb my repose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The chicks, new to the facial expression thing, looked a little more disappointed than disapproving when the treats did not leap from my hands into their pen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fiQk6wdB4GDFhgqrAobGBGULrLLO0N8Su_srfkhjw2j1vgfVwjiV_Mmr_GYA6DnLbLLTunrdHGSO91_VIC1gmMcg_piD8Ws8YdTGkYgIJVebvKk0haX9L8eg0bRRG9jSQiDrocVU43kj/s1600/StinkEye02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fiQk6wdB4GDFhgqrAobGBGULrLLO0N8Su_srfkhjw2j1vgfVwjiV_Mmr_GYA6DnLbLLTunrdHGSO91_VIC1gmMcg_piD8Ws8YdTGkYgIJVebvKk0haX9L8eg0bRRG9jSQiDrocVU43kj/s320/StinkEye02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mr. Big, always vocal with his opinions, was not at all pleased to be pushed away from the yogurt bowl when there might still be a speck or two in there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoioEJv__D2Slowrk-tdsSioEMJdrOkr1OxaHqCvmAKWRDGpfKbRQclYXacI3mt0bqscnV7wes3tj2PWe_wZJ1jsM6fSLb4HfmoPKvwipe_MfrgR3mn3qAnbuGA1PouJmdMUZVg-Dy85mK/s1600/StinkEye03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoioEJv__D2Slowrk-tdsSioEMJdrOkr1OxaHqCvmAKWRDGpfKbRQclYXacI3mt0bqscnV7wes3tj2PWe_wZJ1jsM6fSLb4HfmoPKvwipe_MfrgR3mn3qAnbuGA1PouJmdMUZVg-Dy85mK/s320/StinkEye03.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurt makes a delicious fashion accessory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Buffy, another vociferous bird, wants nothing more than to be free of all constraints that keep her from anything she desires, such as world domination or fried mealworms.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivASnfvsnnIcZ4hIeOc9BKmVC9vxjke8U_dPSMSGp8XeLEwbd3g6V3AC6j2BR9ShxgatSp8uLl7UwDHtBpVgIZfRzS2EANVU40pPDY4vBL-ry6uZqJmPGdKJRMz89_nAWho-E9-6APq9C2/s1600/StinkEye04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivASnfvsnnIcZ4hIeOc9BKmVC9vxjke8U_dPSMSGp8XeLEwbd3g6V3AC6j2BR9ShxgatSp8uLl7UwDHtBpVgIZfRzS2EANVU40pPDY4vBL-ry6uZqJmPGdKJRMz89_nAWho-E9-6APq9C2/s320/StinkEye04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preciousssss!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But De is the Queen of the Stink Eye. Mere proximity offends her. I went to close the coop one night and got a full blast from her. I ran like a fraidy cat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKkN1DJK9Ca2pmJx3O5jNxFs7krwF5Q-CZItjTLWGvrm4N2LBQ7ZJcZkWhJFXQ0Jxz13E3rXCyD9hyDujRckaLuRK-WW8yjTttz8SqInBLSJ3Oe1Y_MZeoua3Gjf8xb0GTsM_LiWeTOoz/s1600/StinkEye05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKkN1DJK9Ca2pmJx3O5jNxFs7krwF5Q-CZItjTLWGvrm4N2LBQ7ZJcZkWhJFXQ0Jxz13E3rXCyD9hyDujRckaLuRK-WW8yjTttz8SqInBLSJ3Oe1Y_MZeoua3Gjf8xb0GTsM_LiWeTOoz/s640/StinkEye05.jpg" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begone foodless human!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I bet you would have run away too.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-81656669375642590642011-08-13T14:30:00.000-05:002011-08-13T14:30:36.578-05:00Cool white roofDoc and I, <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-coop-progress-report.html">with help from some likely youths</a>, constructed a <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-occupant-in-new-coop.html">coop for the chicks</a>. It has wire walls and shade cloth to <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-beat-heat-chicken-chillers.html">keep the chicks cool</a>. But with Texas temps going over 100, more thermal control was needed.<br />
<br />
We tried a <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/08/hot-chicks.html">mister</a>. It has worked well, but the soil, dry from 5 inches of rain in 7 months, has gone into <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/stinky-compost-surprise.html">stinky decomposition</a> overdrive. And still the birds are slow roasting in the coop....<br />
<br />
But my nephew arrived for a visit. Free labor, hooray!<br />
<br />
We moved <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/03/jailbird-chicken.html">Jailbird Vo</a> and the chicks into the adult pen. Buffy gave them a warm welcome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlDI-zVQg0xnor_sS_A56Rrip8Dehh1jZ-AgX6oL0eag3sZb3p9vgYFtTLscLa8VzAx_D-CZDyVaoCp-d-4S0SCws-a_Ti5tzuv6NyYBb-gKBSpeHGtxnStQaRCuZCtxNWFSa6ZOkyVUT/s1600/RoofPaint01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlDI-zVQg0xnor_sS_A56Rrip8Dehh1jZ-AgX6oL0eag3sZb3p9vgYFtTLscLa8VzAx_D-CZDyVaoCp-d-4S0SCws-a_Ti5tzuv6NyYBb-gKBSpeHGtxnStQaRCuZCtxNWFSa6ZOkyVUT/s320/RoofPaint01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say hello to my little friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once the red chicks outnumbered the adults, things got calmer. The chicks liberated the mister and the adults withdrew to the coop to sulk about today's youth and their lack of respect.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKDJEKME-cCLSM2ZHQkMM4EZj2wV-6KIMl1yv5exZ7YYJ4HpgmcwqE8PlpnG0x3kfcMBoQgKD7QjjTTjHDbSEgF_RjfdYlqKFL3mLangx3VdkbAUguSyq8l_Hvf5YlnzI0fe6jcyDOK8t/s1600/RoofPaint02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKDJEKME-cCLSM2ZHQkMM4EZj2wV-6KIMl1yv5exZ7YYJ4HpgmcwqE8PlpnG0x3kfcMBoQgKD7QjjTTjHDbSEgF_RjfdYlqKFL3mLangx3VdkbAUguSyq8l_Hvf5YlnzI0fe6jcyDOK8t/s320/RoofPaint02.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicks in the mist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With the chicks squared away, we set to work on the roof. The nephew and I mounted ladders and braved the entangling poultry net of doom.<br />
<br />
Only a fool would put a poultry net over of roof before painting it. Sadly, I am that fool.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYl_76tybPX2ai0WcS8JTfJKs_auDXoAQ9_x4_13AwTB6QwggGsTfxeKvvyxYVm74_sXH4epw5j_fQQP3ObAtbkqLUJq423jTBgOIQhOT_Gx_zl3nNBNx4UFr4QUxf5JIzg-l3nWTycGi/s1600/RoofPaint03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYl_76tybPX2ai0WcS8JTfJKs_auDXoAQ9_x4_13AwTB6QwggGsTfxeKvvyxYVm74_sXH4epw5j_fQQP3ObAtbkqLUJq423jTBgOIQhOT_Gx_zl3nNBNx4UFr4QUxf5JIzg-l3nWTycGi/s320/RoofPaint03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There must be a better way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We used up a can of gummy white primer, sealing holes, covering metal, and sometimes painting the net. An hour on the ladders was all we could stand, so we declared victory and hastened to the house for iced tea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-WPzLku0Gybi1jdFewGtzK4xHg2hz6Y_qZSMPdkOiwK0KIOOgnuAzkIkuNHXghmfvl5z-eGzqKISLdHBcxDhz3Yz4mLltUtgOHZKFiS9cmRB1AnxJGjNzLm3dNhCHsUNP_UIO9wRkMta/s1600/RoofPaint04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-WPzLku0Gybi1jdFewGtzK4xHg2hz6Y_qZSMPdkOiwK0KIOOgnuAzkIkuNHXghmfvl5z-eGzqKISLdHBcxDhz3Yz4mLltUtgOHZKFiS9cmRB1AnxJGjNzLm3dNhCHsUNP_UIO9wRkMta/s320/RoofPaint04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not as bad as I feared</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We put the chicks back and fed them treats. Oh the chickeny joy!<br />
<br />
The white roof cut the coop temperature by 5-10 degrees. Now the hot chicks are cool. <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000291Q3Y">Aaaaaaaay</a>!<br />
<br />
ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-82798018037755060262011-08-06T18:05:00.001-05:002011-08-06T22:57:09.696-05:00Mixed up chickens<a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/03/jailbird-chicken.html">Jailbird Vo</a> is Mr. Big's very special friend. This entitles her to missing feathers, bare patches of skin, and bloody scabs. The latest prize in her collection is a sprained leg.<br />
<br />
Because of the sprained leg, she squawks every time Mr. Big mounts her. He seems oblivious to her discomfort.<br />
<br />
Because the new chicks are living in the new coop, I have no good way to safely isolate a chicken. So I juggled the pecking order instead.<br />
<br />
I put Vo in the chick coop. She immediately transformed from the docile low bird to a bloodthirsty seeker of power. She explored the coop, sat on the roost, and ate the food. The first chick in the door was an aggressive red who has a habit of attacking other chicks so she can eat fresh feathers.<br />
<br />
They squared off, reared their heads back, and tussled in a noisy feathery fury. Since Vo was already injured, I grabbed the red and took her away before the two could do more than cuss vigorously.<br />
<br />
When Oreo and the other reds arrived, Vo was careful to give each one a peck or two or twelve. By sunset, I had to scoot Vo to one end of the roost, ceding her hard-won territory to the terrified chicks.<br />
<br />
I placed the aggressive red chick in the adult coop. She went from alpha chick to lowly intruder in just a few heartbeats. She immediately set about trying to hide from the furious Buffy.<br />
<br />
With the unsettled pecking order, bedtime is a noisy affair. Mr. Big and Buffy shrilly protest the presence of the interloper. The red chicks cluck their terror of the big bad battle-scarred veteran sitting on their roost.<br />
<br />
I can hardly wait for Vo to finish healing.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-34810861951455047892011-08-01T20:40:00.000-05:002011-08-01T20:40:44.353-05:00Hot ChicksThe Texas heat has been living up to its reputation. I have tried <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-beat-heat-chicken-chillers.html">passive cooling</a> for the chickens, but as the temps go over 100, I have to take action.<br />
<br />
Enter the <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001MXBBMU">Mister</a>. This doodad attaches to a hose and allows the water to slowly escape as a fine mist, purportedly reducing the temperature by 20 degrees.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLVSUNM1X7LPZ6T1JfVB52d4sfWriPkOYsIaEobZERZkpEEKmOwnSnIjHrkkGDMmapXP44_GqpRI7x2jyEgr53J_EuSjYzl5b1Rq1GmU3WN4QX_CcovqxvINq6mvsJSrvHvgS5Q20NBHK/s1600/Mist06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLVSUNM1X7LPZ6T1JfVB52d4sfWriPkOYsIaEobZERZkpEEKmOwnSnIjHrkkGDMmapXP44_GqpRI7x2jyEgr53J_EuSjYzl5b1Rq1GmU3WN4QX_CcovqxvINq6mvsJSrvHvgS5Q20NBHK/s320/Mist06.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even a little pressure makes a cooling mist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To entice the chicks into soaking range, Doc and I placed chick pellets near the mister. The moist pellets were a big hit. The chicks consumed them with relish (the attitude, not the condiment).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sWoxG4mi4bmzA2fTeJA83C2n3ZC93n3Pn-g4wouE90taX9INxdn-6PZCAYaWLVwXI9QxIovblkjFsDDBzYq1ORHYSnyfZyiAAtFBxrWb4gabTv5nrtM9MJGE1_ET_I3SgurcpvPcK6QV/s1600/Mist04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sWoxG4mi4bmzA2fTeJA83C2n3ZC93n3Pn-g4wouE90taX9INxdn-6PZCAYaWLVwXI9QxIovblkjFsDDBzYq1ORHYSnyfZyiAAtFBxrWb4gabTv5nrtM9MJGE1_ET_I3SgurcpvPcK6QV/s320/Mist04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moist pellets are our favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Some of the chicks loved it. Some were less than thrilled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8jjFl4lSQV6HdO0pQhCqiE2yTpLEfMD20lmTRrcsarvjLM3c4hMoY7BCSTv2d_p-bXnRGpFfyqaCmNjtGGb6eM_XT1_XHtVXdP5nDM9l620WPXxuW_-pBnk9MRPbiXO20fYgQBqTNhyG/s1600/Mist02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8jjFl4lSQV6HdO0pQhCqiE2yTpLEfMD20lmTRrcsarvjLM3c4hMoY7BCSTv2d_p-bXnRGpFfyqaCmNjtGGb6eM_XT1_XHtVXdP5nDM9l620WPXxuW_-pBnk9MRPbiXO20fYgQBqTNhyG/s320/Mist02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdyv8Be7VqAUGGmlXaRJZEEp1Z4nekWr36qK-SSB1ksyO_TmH1poEHTTEp6zvBJP8tW60JOYq9jDeep1cpaCvWQvdtW2uyR1Z932DEqmDjzTZZnQRGyjia930eDedwmj6h5Bh7209LltP/s1600/Mist03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdyv8Be7VqAUGGmlXaRJZEEp1Z4nekWr36qK-SSB1ksyO_TmH1poEHTTEp6zvBJP8tW60JOYq9jDeep1cpaCvWQvdtW2uyR1Z932DEqmDjzTZZnQRGyjia930eDedwmj6h5Bh7209LltP/s320/Mist03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will pay dearly for this indignity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To entice the adults into the misting area, we removed the barrier between the chicken runs. Mr. Big was the first to arrive. Oreo took the opportunity to say "Hi Dad".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoQQtYFVoC_V7uHGX2FhUuvmzkItSOPzubSd1qrXIeYedVXljOBNnjJydXALi8VTBp5lrdNSL1orBRy-XyD-as_lRIR4hILuBcNMMjfSVL_HblRJLOheYrt-bPtnb7q-GXbtcqRosCoRh/s1600/Mist05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoQQtYFVoC_V7uHGX2FhUuvmzkItSOPzubSd1qrXIeYedVXljOBNnjJydXALi8VTBp5lrdNSL1orBRy-XyD-as_lRIR4hILuBcNMMjfSVL_HblRJLOheYrt-bPtnb7q-GXbtcqRosCoRh/s320/Mist05.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo, Mr. Big, and mist rainbow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rather than rely on the wind, I set up a second mister in the adult run. The adults were a little less sanguine about the mist, but much happier with the damp soil.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecDRtsgnrwAP6tJbgXCO8wc9b13tgmBgBy4eqIw0CvmGbe1cGFawgRp6FFldLRxLGkoGr5vhfTjxK44l8HQsiUesYkyFzIAFaFUwjj0of5V2zz6L6PGvpPF9vQQT5pICC2BplelEUDth_/s1600/Mist01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecDRtsgnrwAP6tJbgXCO8wc9b13tgmBgBy4eqIw0CvmGbe1cGFawgRp6FFldLRxLGkoGr5vhfTjxK44l8HQsiUesYkyFzIAFaFUwjj0of5V2zz6L6PGvpPF9vQQT5pICC2BplelEUDth_/s320/Mist01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Big and Buffy mud bathing </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The mister was a big success! It used very little water and made a cool spot in the chicken runs. When the sun got to be too much for me, I went to stand in the mist too.<br />
<br />
I am going to save this memory for winter....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-12530293674633932072011-08-01T00:28:00.000-05:002011-08-01T00:28:01.978-05:00Oreo and the red chicks are growingOreo hatched from an <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/04/broody-hatching-disaster.html">egg that had been intended for breakfast</a>. Confronted with the reality of a live chick, Doc and I realized we were still unprepared and raced out to Tractor Supply to get some last minute chick doodads, and inevitably, <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/broody-hatching-first-chick-and-chicken.html">more chicks</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc9Scm8iAoeTJUToLI30qUBj8OVr4-R1CSHwWx0w7D_roP02X6zbGrjMqyA9ZtENfwZv8RKBZrcDPe3ouPDmChvP4eB0qiyZK6-4Gb7lzlfn96CX9WzbavC0L0ngFgqRWgB8mkvXP52mJ/s1600/GrowingChicks01.110504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc9Scm8iAoeTJUToLI30qUBj8OVr4-R1CSHwWx0w7D_roP02X6zbGrjMqyA9ZtENfwZv8RKBZrcDPe3ouPDmChvP4eB0qiyZK6-4Gb7lzlfn96CX9WzbavC0L0ngFgqRWgB8mkvXP52mJ/s320/GrowingChicks01.110504.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo, newly hatched</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ten days later, we let the gang out into the tractor, with adult supervision. Oreo and the reds were <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/peep-races.html">utterly adorable</a> with their little wing feathers and fuzz.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeaCakvI-3ALqeTSaRoHSFW_8TC5bT7qMgMv4kXo3IZXfnKa-SW-I96RtjY7wCOpqWLmXttmtHbHgnaEZl8qYdbxEcCeNFp8L33pAXHz-fUf7eAd1gqRvaT_Jn5_lUQkrZroiYXC2wr96/s1600/GrowingChicks02.110514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeaCakvI-3ALqeTSaRoHSFW_8TC5bT7qMgMv4kXo3IZXfnKa-SW-I96RtjY7wCOpqWLmXttmtHbHgnaEZl8qYdbxEcCeNFp8L33pAXHz-fUf7eAd1gqRvaT_Jn5_lUQkrZroiYXC2wr96/s320/GrowingChicks02.110514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable at 10 days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At about three weeks, Oreo was the cutest chick in an <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicks-demand-spice.html">awkward bunch</a>. One red looked like a vulture.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKduq113NyW65p8DQzqIBT_zd7V50XNDY5mN_nFMy7MPEejCsoWlHm7Mc013ddDZL8dYo-iNkxrSSWgXGmg01kRxVsigquBOHSPoosY_GA0GgbDM9nl7TG3gaY9UPtzfissSBIYOdfVOwt/s1600/GrowingChicks04.110529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKduq113NyW65p8DQzqIBT_zd7V50XNDY5mN_nFMy7MPEejCsoWlHm7Mc013ddDZL8dYo-iNkxrSSWgXGmg01kRxVsigquBOHSPoosY_GA0GgbDM9nl7TG3gaY9UPtzfissSBIYOdfVOwt/s320/GrowingChicks04.110529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three weeks and awkward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oreo looks like a <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/06/broody-separation-anxiety.html">real chicken</a> at 7 weeks. Her red comrades seem to have feathered out nicely as well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZttH1Yt08TEH-mr7X1xbZz0i1CBW8Nksl6FBJfde2in_vFJp70EMfLpO-aRLDVT02S9sQtLwK0WfHNXzLC-fIbKEBlLHDjldFNVA2Fhf9o7Jv6kdj1JnqNvjSXWbIUM86ua0yj83t33MR/s1600/GrowingChicks06.110626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZttH1Yt08TEH-mr7X1xbZz0i1CBW8Nksl6FBJfde2in_vFJp70EMfLpO-aRLDVT02S9sQtLwK0WfHNXzLC-fIbKEBlLHDjldFNVA2Fhf9o7Jv6kdj1JnqNvjSXWbIUM86ua0yj83t33MR/s320/GrowingChicks06.110626.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 weeks with nice feathers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oreo and the red girls are looking like <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-beat-heat-chicken-chillers.html">proper young ladies</a> at 11 weeks. They work together to patrol their run, protecting it from lizards, bugs, and amazingly delicious seeds that mysteriously fall from the sky when I am near.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZQWChq4t4E2CrkKBVDxjfX_oMHqn2H15WXXCK0MBbMS90bJEWi7U2LTcpBnr6Zu9R32bEhmzzj2I4rtiMeFhVnDJzCOvx5t-79QEwXEbXKeae2GLGFW8QISsGjwvtG75CVAx4_-aWyQ5/s1600/GrowingChicks07.110722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZQWChq4t4E2CrkKBVDxjfX_oMHqn2H15WXXCK0MBbMS90bJEWi7U2LTcpBnr6Zu9R32bEhmzzj2I4rtiMeFhVnDJzCOvx5t-79QEwXEbXKeae2GLGFW8QISsGjwvtG75CVAx4_-aWyQ5/s320/GrowingChicks07.110722.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 weeks and full of themselves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Some time in the next three months we will have to build nest boxes. Oh the chickeny joy!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-9202221027302237092011-07-27T10:13:00.001-05:002011-07-27T11:23:31.416-05:00Silly Egg Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These pictures were posted on <a href="http://www.reddit.com/">Reddit</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/5GhW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://i.imgur.com/5GhW3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posted by Baator</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/9Rjmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.imgur.com/9Rjmo.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Response by danthemanhan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-11286798558102736202011-07-22T23:14:00.001-05:002011-07-25T16:38:17.849-05:00How to Beat the Heat, Chicken ChillersTexas gets a little warm in the summer. While Doc and I are inside enjoying the air conditioned splendor of the Humble Abode, the chickens are outside getting a head start on roasting.<br />
<br />
Frugal farmer that I am, I prefer to use failsafe passive methods to protect the flock. The first protection I added was a shade cloth to cover overly-sunny locations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGXGSdsjaxB2bArgk-YokomVC7SrzenNNGC-H6k83ss_TVdpKYzrq0MihwkQqZA_uoAxuF-PuXz7ncG2VzlX4iIRogTD88dew31J2CUqq8nxGJPA6GVSp4dCmsgbfbyZEMepxkqWdilQd/s1600/HeatControl01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGXGSdsjaxB2bArgk-YokomVC7SrzenNNGC-H6k83ss_TVdpKYzrq0MihwkQqZA_uoAxuF-PuXz7ncG2VzlX4iIRogTD88dew31J2CUqq8nxGJPA6GVSp4dCmsgbfbyZEMepxkqWdilQd/s320/HeatControl01.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shade cloth on the gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The cheesy PVC tractor got a shade cloth as soon as I tried to use it in the daylight. I eventually abandoned the tractor because I only had one water source in there. More about water below.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEySiKMXwzPzOnubsdBL35J5VPu0jNO36JmbKnRiCFvCVD7H6YTo_w6JbsvJc5QDlV63WnDMdZyd_-Cxk7NmPm0O0i0moYbAielE1WdiUnSQKdje7Qtf12e0Ri7p5zoIv-AeLoTUUt_W5T/s1600/HeatControl04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEySiKMXwzPzOnubsdBL35J5VPu0jNO36JmbKnRiCFvCVD7H6YTo_w6JbsvJc5QDlV63WnDMdZyd_-Cxk7NmPm0O0i0moYbAielE1WdiUnSQKdje7Qtf12e0Ri7p5zoIv-AeLoTUUt_W5T/s320/HeatControl04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shade cloth over tractor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I found silver-sided tarps that were just the right size to attach from the big coop to the run fence. With some wildly improvised PVC pipe and a lot of baling twine, the tarps kept out the rain and sun.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG6KnaJ49K-Xz2Qk5yEfpFf5amYfcnXSwLatS-jtxRoW8nwtCeewrC8rvxgd6kjp5I3YrdsQPr7uW47Ov4VruN9iDVCRtB_Ndqfhy4OfR3TwfZ4y1_nNm4iMCIibtx6jmv7h7EarKgE5C/s1600/HeatControl03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG6KnaJ49K-Xz2Qk5yEfpFf5amYfcnXSwLatS-jtxRoW8nwtCeewrC8rvxgd6kjp5I3YrdsQPr7uW47Ov4VruN9iDVCRtB_Ndqfhy4OfR3TwfZ4y1_nNm4iMCIibtx6jmv7h7EarKgE5C/s320/HeatControl03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant awning for only $10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chickens pant a lot in hot weather and need to replace the water lost. To help them with their organic active cooling system, I provide multiple water stations in the main run.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rx35nujc15FLSuIKMxCh4uWkDt4vbG63WJ3UHA0X0QKrsy7Wq1atUU9twQEtjQBrZO2ADfK8gfUw8xQOb7oUO3CcL05C1W8BLD2ZxCbypEgbj2SNA3esBrC-0Bs5rSrP31YYrhOYYNaT/s1600/HeatControl02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rx35nujc15FLSuIKMxCh4uWkDt4vbG63WJ3UHA0X0QKrsy7Wq1atUU9twQEtjQBrZO2ADfK8gfUw8xQOb7oUO3CcL05C1W8BLD2ZxCbypEgbj2SNA3esBrC-0Bs5rSrP31YYrhOYYNaT/s320/HeatControl02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De, Robin, and water, water, water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The black livestock dish was a wise investment. One chicken is smart enough to wade in there. The rest prefer to drink from the <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000BO9L0A">plastic waterer</a> or the <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000OL89S0">galvanized metal waterer</a>. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELfkI8y31qwvvtd0vfVhe4swM6qdOaEf0Mw5dn8IeAphIKyt0lNBIoRM0RsiEtmqa8cPPFyAdWY922NZW4hRBEOV1lTl7kssmx1lTsJY-waT6lXX2vDq6o9ZxW_7ShF_hLlf-nQUTrkt1/s1600/HeatControl06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELfkI8y31qwvvtd0vfVhe4swM6qdOaEf0Mw5dn8IeAphIKyt0lNBIoRM0RsiEtmqa8cPPFyAdWY922NZW4hRBEOV1lTl7kssmx1lTsJY-waT6lXX2vDq6o9ZxW_7ShF_hLlf-nQUTrkt1/s320/HeatControl06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo demonstrates hands-free drinking technique</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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The chickens need water at all times, even at night. I sometimes have to replace fouled water three times in a day. I guess <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2010/11/stupid-poo-tricks.html">poo</a>-water is the chicken version of lemonade. Oh yeah!<br />
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The flock also appreciates getting hosed down with cool refreshing water. Well actually, that is not true. They hate it with a fiery passion. Mr. Big hates it less than the others, but Buffy fairly smokes with rage when I reach for the hose.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTIL8xpgVN7pQNj40MmRMMFFc7HfrsN6_QMkB3hbYQh4byn0twthvwwTiT9RbwvzpJUWs-E0fLids74Jf4BcjlJYXgc2LPFny3GuUvbVzae-sdRyrPxN3WMGYOriMsmP_3PHfhyphenhyphenq6m9Fe/s1600/HeatControl05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTIL8xpgVN7pQNj40MmRMMFFc7HfrsN6_QMkB3hbYQh4byn0twthvwwTiT9RbwvzpJUWs-E0fLids74Jf4BcjlJYXgc2LPFny3GuUvbVzae-sdRyrPxN3WMGYOriMsmP_3PHfhyphenhyphenq6m9Fe/s320/HeatControl05.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Big fixin' to chill out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When my nephew shows up for his hopefully-annual recreational hard labor, I plan to have him paint the metal roof of the <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-occupant-in-new-coop.html">new coop</a>. A coat of white paint on there will cut the coop temperature by 10 degrees.<br />
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Other people have made suggestions which I have not yet tried:<br />
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<ul><li>Install a mister system</li>
<li>Plant shade vines</li>
<li>Freeze bottles of water and set them in the run or in the water dish</li>
<li>Provide frozen fruit or frozen vegetable treats</li>
<li>Install a coop fan</li>
</ul><br />
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What methods do you use to beat the heat?<br />
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Update: Tried freezing bottles of water. The adult chickens were not interested. The chicks initially ran in terror, then stepped closer for a look, and then finally lounged on and around it. Ah, the wisdom of youth!ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-88972634575814532492011-07-16T14:18:00.000-05:002011-07-16T14:18:10.662-05:00First Occupant in New CoopThe <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-coop-progress-report.html">New Coop</a> is done-ish.<br />
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I gave the coop a metal roof. I managed to put the last screw into it just as the rain started.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDvt7QUItGbXj8cG7b4nqfIZNiKfRS5eveo8NXhrtvGdK7aoZvTkQMsY-0ZLVdNe6_aXbTaG8XHMJW_FbEyt36gg2EtOpZqyd88_dxDXCMQnlKsURTHgE6OU_0lWavKTyecTeqTIDswc9/s1600/NewCoop06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDvt7QUItGbXj8cG7b4nqfIZNiKfRS5eveo8NXhrtvGdK7aoZvTkQMsY-0ZLVdNe6_aXbTaG8XHMJW_FbEyt36gg2EtOpZqyd88_dxDXCMQnlKsURTHgE6OU_0lWavKTyecTeqTIDswc9/s320/NewCoop06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof installed in the nick of time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Doc and I worked feverishly the next day, enjoying the Texas sun and heatstroke. We completed the drip edge, hardware cloth, door latch, and run fencing. We decided to test the coop with one chicken. Jailbird Vo volunteered.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdd1ACBeA86g55aaW5MjCZX5vtwDd-I7vpN4MJjAldRTNmL08DPmar9AeI55GdyaS3A797kKEqzzCC5Y0zb280hCsOpkuWH5HyG2g0IuHTI32uMb3gza2cHD_iZoyjO-qB90WTonzovyt/s1600/NewCoop07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdd1ACBeA86g55aaW5MjCZX5vtwDd-I7vpN4MJjAldRTNmL08DPmar9AeI55GdyaS3A797kKEqzzCC5Y0zb280hCsOpkuWH5HyG2g0IuHTI32uMb3gza2cHD_iZoyjO-qB90WTonzovyt/s320/NewCoop07.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vo enjoying her own private coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We constructed a cheesy sliding pop door. The hardware cloth impedes the door and the pull string will have to be replaced with something better.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz3YqCYRhQ68ECG0WDD_XD7rKAXtU-w9qp7JUfDi427QbQhe9lcXgJiSipieTtm29HZ2zKuHt-cZsQwwI3RgviHY_BHXJYizoUzf1PhgON_jP1SlgCvJ2pgS-pnTLUSLhJu5PuDwqIPhz/s1600/NewCoop08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz3YqCYRhQ68ECG0WDD_XD7rKAXtU-w9qp7JUfDi427QbQhe9lcXgJiSipieTtm29HZ2zKuHt-cZsQwwI3RgviHY_BHXJYizoUzf1PhgON_jP1SlgCvJ2pgS-pnTLUSLhJu5PuDwqIPhz/s320/NewCoop08.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy Door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After some perfunctory exploration, Jailbird Vo pooped on the sand to make sure it was working. Then she settled in for the night on her mini-pallet roost.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHnFkcSTUvkMgiOhNQTwzhaLIL0TupTY8uUN38Ke09vFdwl_gT5csr5U9qA75hfNywzOEQ8lQqXKGr1nEhC_QxiJN1FlXP_F-5UfxqoX34qof1548lIF_9TZqpGgIyvSIeLeozMhaC59a/s1600/NewCoop09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHnFkcSTUvkMgiOhNQTwzhaLIL0TupTY8uUN38Ke09vFdwl_gT5csr5U9qA75hfNywzOEQ8lQqXKGr1nEhC_QxiJN1FlXP_F-5UfxqoX34qof1548lIF_9TZqpGgIyvSIeLeozMhaC59a/s320/NewCoop09.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy roost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When we ventured out in the morning, Vo was still in the coop -- alive and well. This was at least partly due to the vermin trap being occupied by a nocturnal trespasser.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZlRCj2vGI-FaOCGnkjF0rbSRDRVg3WIGo5gHsjsHtvfclVRwy5mQRkvl3QWrCQ3z1K9r23p9nKslnG68DIP8IWmBVD1a2d27HOBKh6q4a5oaJxIasxiQT6PyzgTg4WSP_drWvh5KjWc-/s1600/OldTrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZlRCj2vGI-FaOCGnkjF0rbSRDRVg3WIGo5gHsjsHtvfclVRwy5mQRkvl3QWrCQ3z1K9r23p9nKslnG68DIP8IWmBVD1a2d27HOBKh6q4a5oaJxIasxiQT6PyzgTg4WSP_drWvh5KjWc-/s320/OldTrap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-occupied vermin trap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We plan to put the <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001SJ4XQE">poultry netting</a> over the run ASAP so the chicks can have some elbow room.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-86600971861260316992011-07-11T22:31:00.002-05:002011-07-11T22:34:37.847-05:00New Coop Progress ReportI need a new coop. The <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/fancy-brooder-cage.html">fancy brooder cage</a> is getting really crowded. Packing the chicks into the cage makes me feel like a conductor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FJKbLvU5kQM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Doc and I considered my construction skills, the Texas summer, and the urgent need for a new coop. We immediately hired a couple of likely youths to build a coop. They said, "Sure, we can do that in four hours". I told them I needed it done in two days. "No problem".<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLV3TkYmDBPSm0tsxl-gRjbjmrP4WEpUZYYlBi-uFgsF6xJ9UbyqJ5lprLQBtseZYkccTsAo1KFVYNeklbB23p-OU5FA5XvJDNlzharrGG-D6Gw77rg3IcdKbORHDeeOo4-LvoSiaks4r/s1600/NewCoop01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLV3TkYmDBPSm0tsxl-gRjbjmrP4WEpUZYYlBi-uFgsF6xJ9UbyqJ5lprLQBtseZYkccTsAo1KFVYNeklbB23p-OU5FA5XvJDNlzharrGG-D6Gw77rg3IcdKbORHDeeOo4-LvoSiaks4r/s320/NewCoop01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to a good start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I gave them the dimensions, helped them collect the scrap wood, and supplied them with tools. They assured me they knew what they were doing because their other job was building kitchen cabinets from scratch. I watched them carefully and learned a few carpenter tricks, like measuring.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumMp3B95_cidElP6_C7YaSEI8aBpSTPspYYc7JmymilsGDtB43AGOK0ZzOHJvDjtCbF9xBwGyL5TfO1yz1V82HrKWcigGnDxwNLHGil3JkwfM4Jllrs_fmmYfYsFaELZVrZRq5R0ZzqC8/s1600/NewCoop02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumMp3B95_cidElP6_C7YaSEI8aBpSTPspYYc7JmymilsGDtB43AGOK0ZzOHJvDjtCbF9xBwGyL5TfO1yz1V82HrKWcigGnDxwNLHGil3JkwfM4Jllrs_fmmYfYsFaELZVrZRq5R0ZzqC8/s320/NewCoop02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy tile backer cement board floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After I came back from lunch, I checked on the young carpenters. Uh-oh! According to the plan the cement board should have fit perfectly with a single cut to add an extra strip. They had to cut the cement board in multiple places and nothing seemed to fit right. Did they check to make sure everything was square as they were building the base? Nah, that is the installer's job....<br />
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Next day, the plan was to put up the walls, roof, and doors. After much sweating and colorful language, they presented me with their "completed" work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6DHtkNoh57wVxMMyXZNE1WrhglY9S49vp5EHtInidXR8EarUJ3otvjkhCVmd-bPSBIzdRekRTwKaDaT208TgFGSeurnjehkPCi3Q3f4JWsS-Ca3fn-mRwSHl9Mo13uDt9L3EX5Ix4y8v/s1600/NewCoop03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6DHtkNoh57wVxMMyXZNE1WrhglY9S49vp5EHtInidXR8EarUJ3otvjkhCVmd-bPSBIzdRekRTwKaDaT208TgFGSeurnjehkPCi3Q3f4JWsS-Ca3fn-mRwSHl9Mo13uDt9L3EX5Ix4y8v/s320/NewCoop03.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks pretty much like a coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I paid them and we all went away wiser. *sigh*<br />
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Doc and I dismantled the most egregious errors and reconstructed the coop in fits and starts. We fastened the hardware cloth using screws and plumber's hanger tape.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXyX0UdYYtc991huAvv5Djj0KMxBIRAQc0CgNkJO4ldEzV9hkfTFDkgAEGkOzwcccxQQl7eA92VbFHNcYUQA_1uCDZ71y6hjeezb3B811Za7ZSeGt0uR42FTNIuaqAyQhiW36HSiPoC3a/s1600/NewCoop04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXyX0UdYYtc991huAvv5Djj0KMxBIRAQc0CgNkJO4ldEzV9hkfTFDkgAEGkOzwcccxQQl7eA92VbFHNcYUQA_1uCDZ71y6hjeezb3B811Za7ZSeGt0uR42FTNIuaqAyQhiW36HSiPoC3a/s320/NewCoop04.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardware cloth fastened over treated wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We eventually enclosed the exterior with hardware cloth. Searching the barn, I found some ancient plywood that could be wrangled into a roof-like structure. Doc carefully guided me up the ladder and onto the roof. With much trepidation, I screwed the plywood to the rafter, actually making it into the wood, thanks to Doc's good eye.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgiAEZJypUwW8MiXxluuOCLNhK-nfqQSXLq03oByTqvGN-aVSCaHiZpDeObhE_FKB5VxCLuQVcHxpE5etThkuXKk_mVigItjm6nA3j3eUJUEPIYoc_s2KB3HXpMf7B58fnyh90PJAva2h/s1600/NewCoop05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgiAEZJypUwW8MiXxluuOCLNhK-nfqQSXLq03oByTqvGN-aVSCaHiZpDeObhE_FKB5VxCLuQVcHxpE5etThkuXKk_mVigItjm6nA3j3eUJUEPIYoc_s2KB3HXpMf7B58fnyh90PJAva2h/s320/NewCoop05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A roof-like structure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the time we stopped for the night, I was sunburned enough to have a slightly smoky smell. Doc's theory is that the "smoke" was actually my personal aroma made visible.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-36170332830396074052011-06-23T21:29:00.001-05:002011-06-23T22:07:13.295-05:00Snakes on an (Earthly) Plane<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFX4Y4wcQxPbgbDLpLDcKmVS4wSLc7pSTcTDKYP0agLEWNf-A3rcXcWGfEFmW1x6FgbxtenRtxc4BMF0hwg_x4QLAmBTxV1CZcsDwGLTEd169L2TYZtKziNENl95V4tLtxmsie6oCT9v7/s1600/WMoc_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFX4Y4wcQxPbgbDLpLDcKmVS4wSLc7pSTcTDKYP0agLEWNf-A3rcXcWGfEFmW1x6FgbxtenRtxc4BMF0hwg_x4QLAmBTxV1CZcsDwGLTEd169L2TYZtKziNENl95V4tLtxmsie6oCT9v7/s320/WMoc_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, don't do it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a Texan, I take trespassing very seriously. Trespassers with two, four, or zero legs are not welcome at the ranch. But my chickens, being avian dinosaurs, apparently have other ideas when it comes to their legless cousins.<br />
<br />
It would seem that the chickens do not mind so much when their cousins come to visit and help themselves to a few eggs. The last couple cousins consumed ceramic eggs, and by the power of Natural Selection, the remaining ones only seem to like the genuine article.<br />
<br />
So today, while opening the gate for Doctor Dolittle, I encountered a zero-legged trespasser. At first I thought it was a stick, so to be sure I gave a neighborly "Hi there" while reaching for the board that holds the gate open. As my face got closer to the object, I could see that it was organic and scaly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicken-lytle-and-prisoner-of-nest-box.html">Experienced</a> <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/04/mayhem-snakey-snakey.html">warrior</a> that I am, I gritted my teeth, closed my eyes, and aimed the board at the snake's head. I missed. I missed because it lunged at me while I was swinging at it's head. I stuck a blow to the snake's tail, causing it to snap like a scaly little whip, right in front of my face. The board shattered with the force of my mighty blow and half of it sailed over the snake's head toward mine. I danced away as my digestive exit blinked out an S-O-S.<br />
<br />
Screwing up my courage, I returned to the fray. Keeping my eyes open this time, I managed to share a blunt opinion with the trespasser. Accepting my irrefutable logic, the snake departed this plane.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWaXLpK-ltW3Wp_L7zLHQx013ZuC2GZ09lFlw4Ovqr8w0jDhGJI93ULisyAeG8F1aTjF_Kf7-BamhZU5DSlwKdBqJWE7PKlFUAgHCNtjHtOdfEec5lpDkIpVzuDAJ7tdjPCwbdk6BYhwX/s1600/WMoc_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWaXLpK-ltW3Wp_L7zLHQx013ZuC2GZ09lFlw4Ovqr8w0jDhGJI93ULisyAeG8F1aTjF_Kf7-BamhZU5DSlwKdBqJWE7PKlFUAgHCNtjHtOdfEec5lpDkIpVzuDAJ7tdjPCwbdk6BYhwX/s320/WMoc_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Moccasins shouldn't mess with Texans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ever the professional, Doc suggested I wash my hands. My hands are not the only things that need washing....ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-643305479992573272011-06-22T13:59:00.000-05:002011-06-22T13:59:01.259-05:00Finally got some rainLast night it rained. Oh the chickeny joy!<br />
<br />
The drought and heat has been hard for everybody. Spraying with the hose helped bring down some of the heat exhaustion, but I sure collected a lot of stink eyes.<br />
<br />
We finally got rain (and lost power). But we had rain! And the weather shield of tarps and plastic sheet worked!<br />
<br />
When I let the chickens out the ground was not dusty. They were puzzled by the unfamiliar lack of bathing material, but worked over the run anyway.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-3431322170295762002011-06-16T22:52:00.000-05:002011-06-16T22:52:54.602-05:00Removing Rooster SpursWell, it had to be done....<br />
<br />
I previously wrote about <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/06/cowboy-loses-his-spurs.html">trimming Mr. Big's spurs</a>. We did not trim enough, because today Doc noticed that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WwB449WYNFjxgxy5CieTOV4PO-maxfj6Y9kq95pXRUyifvpTc3-3FpOhvN5EhHbQKBWHnvh03vaSRezEZjrTHZGKP28wxjv_Q7ONX6Jmy3oP0mfQ0RpQ_4a87i-SPn9UMqCbFJGyHgwP/s1600/SpurDamage2.jpg">De has started looking raw</a> like Vo. We immediately began waiting for nightfall when the chickens would be snoozing on their roost.<br />
<br />
We crept into the coop and snatched Mr. Big from the roost. He was not pleased and communicated his displeasure. The girls argued for his immediate release, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.<br />
<br />
Here are the steps used to remove the rooster's spurs:<br />
<br />
1. Hold the rooster by the feet, upside down.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpKHrgnVJjbIWCSbQ2RZ4fXQt6JVsz0ww-209to2jZrfC0dpZjprkGakYpCP_lTtpzB0GHn7H9WDQdO4lIqVzPl4J_Dgx_8JIy0ni3EW64t_8sk1XAyizLbbo0AVQR-y6RFrF430aXYv9/s1600/SpurRmv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpKHrgnVJjbIWCSbQ2RZ4fXQt6JVsz0ww-209to2jZrfC0dpZjprkGakYpCP_lTtpzB0GHn7H9WDQdO4lIqVzPl4J_Dgx_8JIy0ni3EW64t_8sk1XAyizLbbo0AVQR-y6RFrF430aXYv9/s320/SpurRmv1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spurs are still too pointy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Grasp a spur with <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=chilytsblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003LNM1KA">pliers</a>, then rotate along the axis of the spurs while bracing the leg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdc1PPRRPkbViwx0ZgWGDhVaLIlNNf7m3SyjGrdh9h7FW-xLmpfRzOL4axnusgni5f2-iMVzeRtJyneFuw9Pz77ZboUZRKkQVXQaUNCw6FebWI3bHn1gN8dFvY6PRtClFpAXlNTgPMcu0n/s1600/SpurRmv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdc1PPRRPkbViwx0ZgWGDhVaLIlNNf7m3SyjGrdh9h7FW-xLmpfRzOL4axnusgni5f2-iMVzeRtJyneFuw9Pz77ZboUZRKkQVXQaUNCw6FebWI3bHn1gN8dFvY6PRtClFpAXlNTgPMcu0n/s320/SpurRmv2.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab spur and turn one way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Then rotate the pliers in the opposite direction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhop1hwpUem7so-OwQI4bSjbmByynq-nAPZ33UqPhmfjeukWqdUEoujrJtwic1VYAeNadSsC63tYDa3-Y6lcKyRcDS0zJOZg3Uj5K0RuAc7LE2X9FU2tHeHzIQMdtlsFaDs4_FUD_QwsSp/s1600/SpurRmv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhop1hwpUem7so-OwQI4bSjbmByynq-nAPZ33UqPhmfjeukWqdUEoujrJtwic1VYAeNadSsC63tYDa3-Y6lcKyRcDS0zJOZg3Uj5K0RuAc7LE2X9FU2tHeHzIQMdtlsFaDs4_FUD_QwsSp/s320/SpurRmv3.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn the other way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>4. Pull the spur off. Note that it may bleed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FOsLTkJmunsWLoa-uVlwaZH-ScMvf25-LIyL35BciyH1_ikBND7fmoFiMI2nJdM_u_jxpsGat2NddAZwXlVi24S5U0TRHHfXb1mNNcX4FVgSL3YkEIVWbmk_cf476P5e7kf-naZySevm/s1600/SpurRmv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FOsLTkJmunsWLoa-uVlwaZH-ScMvf25-LIyL35BciyH1_ikBND7fmoFiMI2nJdM_u_jxpsGat2NddAZwXlVi24S5U0TRHHfXb1mNNcX4FVgSL3YkEIVWbmk_cf476P5e7kf-naZySevm/s320/SpurRmv4.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pull straight off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>5. Blot the bloody spurs with cornstarch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjI2i6Q_uB8fChTifWRc3M0rc_TYUDDDV51v-alvugKs0Mgs0z0dAkZfWbpRoZyUImw_Rhy-ULZr1twCWfP8fS84G3rt2g90LXvgiRnFVjh_JrH1CNdC57oW_lqeZv_yfxsEHdb_4mXof/s1600/SpurRmv5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjI2i6Q_uB8fChTifWRc3M0rc_TYUDDDV51v-alvugKs0Mgs0z0dAkZfWbpRoZyUImw_Rhy-ULZr1twCWfP8fS84G3rt2g90LXvgiRnFVjh_JrH1CNdC57oW_lqeZv_yfxsEHdb_4mXof/s320/SpurRmv5.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put a little cornstarch on bloody spurs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Doc and I restored Mr. Big to his roost. Oh the chickeny joy! Well, joyful enough. We collected our stink eyes and left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdgo7gvvyDTxAxWMOVWvMqhWqXcCJFzKUTXbWpdfQnm-g_nMl4BFdkxY21GHwg11WDeA6lWpffAGYTPST6hAAg7idHLoznYmAyvbaK_XcDVwHbc4m7jDozTPyNoT4hM5W2vfCi_52lkBj/s1600/SpurRmv6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdgo7gvvyDTxAxWMOVWvMqhWqXcCJFzKUTXbWpdfQnm-g_nMl4BFdkxY21GHwg11WDeA6lWpffAGYTPST6hAAg7idHLoznYmAyvbaK_XcDVwHbc4m7jDozTPyNoT4hM5W2vfCi_52lkBj/s320/SpurRmv6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spurs from 1 year old rooster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The hens can thank us later.ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778809312401389155.post-86422956742686258862011-06-09T00:28:00.001-05:002011-06-16T22:54:53.371-05:00Cowboy Loses His SpursMr. Big has <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2010/12/amazing-male-performance-of-mr-big.html">come a long way</a> from the days when he did not know which end of a hen to mount. Now he does his "Hey Baby" dance whenever I am out of sight and the hens are looking good. And they look good to him <i>all the time</i>....<br />
<br />
Mr. Big, being a healthy Texas rooster, has a sharp set of spurs. Last year, when his they were small and blunt, it was no problem when he developed a favorite girlfriend. Now that his spurs are pointy, "Ride 'em cowboy" carries a high price.<br />
<br />
Vo has been his very special friend for some time now and is starting to look the part. When you compare De and Vo, you can see that De lacks the oh-so-attractive bald spots that Vo is sporting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTat_o5-496-nf1JiRWrkaFCo7CgJmGxq27r6kAA-OC_pqLPSSyzA8eQ59Bx4oKqCluzMFaPOKYLR7dsIInE2XnLCAC9I23WvDUj_UDC-hVLUVtH2-vKS2ztcxS8lLcruq_1LiifB4LG/s1600/SpurDamage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiTat_o5-496-nf1JiRWrkaFCo7CgJmGxq27r6kAA-OC_pqLPSSyzA8eQ59Bx4oKqCluzMFaPOKYLR7dsIInE2XnLCAC9I23WvDUj_UDC-hVLUVtH2-vKS2ztcxS8lLcruq_1LiifB4LG/s320/SpurDamage1.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De, Vo. Feathers, Bald.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WwB449WYNFjxgxy5CieTOV4PO-maxfj6Y9kq95pXRUyifvpTc3-3FpOhvN5EhHbQKBWHnvh03vaSRezEZjrTHZGKP28wxjv_Q7ONX6Jmy3oP0mfQ0RpQ_4a87i-SPn9UMqCbFJGyHgwP/s1600/SpurDamage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WwB449WYNFjxgxy5CieTOV4PO-maxfj6Y9kq95pXRUyifvpTc3-3FpOhvN5EhHbQKBWHnvh03vaSRezEZjrTHZGKP28wxjv_Q7ONX6Jmy3oP0mfQ0RpQ_4a87i-SPn9UMqCbFJGyHgwP/s320/SpurDamage2.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spur damage on Vo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I guess you could say we were spurred to act.<br />
<br />
Dr. Dolittle and I waited until nightfall and collected Mr. Big from his roost. He complained about being caught at first. Then he saw the clipper and became very still, as if he were preparing himself for his journey to the freezer. Sparing his life, we clipped 1/8 inch off the tips of his spurs. Mr. Big was not very impressed with this treatment and fluffed his feathers discreetly when returned to the roost. I pretended not to notice the stink eye he sent our way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslm-Jiri4Pdw3LHkGhTm6MK_lNODIHOvwU9MqVrBhwBS7SHNYkTjXmPM6xUJkOZHuMQS3JaEgdBypFsNOJTbsWBjYRs6EgAPMLHwL5iRaA8AZLON9Ca4GpFEaOp2kE30obaOfaKKEG9F9/s1600/Spurs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslm-Jiri4Pdw3LHkGhTm6MK_lNODIHOvwU9MqVrBhwBS7SHNYkTjXmPM6xUJkOZHuMQS3JaEgdBypFsNOJTbsWBjYRs6EgAPMLHwL5iRaA8AZLON9Ca4GpFEaOp2kE30obaOfaKKEG9F9/s320/Spurs1.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Big in an undignified position, showing spurs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7iCIWF28zDSUzZAjSFaykpHPJbsr47TifGfoiBVy3YGZ-PwFz6o1njF1wHZ4Rfd_TD1LaE9ePFmSF5CA7OIEfDF99OTlWVtZuNCEETcNiA9bZoAZoAQybWSQH10Km61v8DjPKC2ccXxN/s1600/SpursCut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7iCIWF28zDSUzZAjSFaykpHPJbsr47TifGfoiBVy3YGZ-PwFz6o1njF1wHZ4Rfd_TD1LaE9ePFmSF5CA7OIEfDF99OTlWVtZuNCEETcNiA9bZoAZoAQybWSQH10Km61v8DjPKC2ccXxN/s320/SpursCut2.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the spurs less sharp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope blunting the spurs was enough. If this does not work, then I will have to take the spurs off entirely with pliers. This creeps me out because it seems to me like pulling out fingernails. Eeeeeew!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Still too sharp five days later. <a href="http://chickenlytle.blogspot.com/2011/06/removing-rooster-spurs.html">Here is how we removed the rooster's spurs.</a>ChickenLytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541305984468018537noreply@blogger.com1