Thursday 4 December 2008

Free-ranging!

, moultingIt's been ok weather really... when you think how bad it could be. I mean, looking at friends blogs round the world, it could be worse.

On the sunny days, my ladies (and Rhydian) like nothing better than to take trips round their estate, and to peck at fineries scattered around as a snack to eat.



Being free-range suits them down to the ground, as it gives them a chance to mill around like teenagers in a park, scratching here, there and everywhere - looking for the tastiest morsel of food they can find - I usually scatter some corn down as an incentive for them to leave the warmth and safety of their coops.



I took a few photos recently, to show the moulting of some of the birds - some of which are over 6 years old aparrently!!



The eggs have all but stopped for us now, although I must admit, we've been getting one or two a day recently.

We had the famous fireworks here in Lewes in November, followed by a bad storm, followed by some idiot of a dog walker letting their dog bark at our ladies through the hedge, thus scaring them everyday!

I'm VERY tempted to put a sonic device over near the chickens to shut the dog up - but would probably get sued or attacked for doing so - you know what todays society is like!

Anyway, the ladies are all happy (if a little bare here and there) and living the high life in their stately home!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos, you really are getting good with that camera! Your girls are so lucky having all that space as their playground.

I have tagged you on my blog for Green Meme bloggers, check it out if you have time ;)

Ruth said...

It's a treat to see a post from Stiggy! Ah, the ladies look resplendant on their estate, regal and happy too. Good on you.

Yes, we are having quite a winter already, a bit unusual for even us.

Don said...

Nice views of your fine flock and their domain. I'm glad your hedge can keep the beastie dog away from your girls.

How long do you have daylight now? Often, it's a case of not enough light each day for layers that makes them stop or slow way down. I have a light in my coop that is on for 12-14 hours per day.

I hope you are doing ok with all the comings and goings!

What's it like to hang out with a celebrity? Is Jo taking calls from her majesty yet?

Stiggy said...

Thanks guys!

Obviously you've read that Jo has been featured in the top US crafting magazine then!?

Yes it's cool living with Britains best altered artist....

...although she would never call herself that.

The hens get light during the day - that's it matey - probably about 7 hours light at the moment...

..the coops are too far away for a light in the evening - although possibly a solar powered one could help - is your lamp heat as well Don?

Don said...

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a nice, relaxing Holiday time together in your new digs.

I do have a heat lamp on in the coop 24/7. I also have a heated 5 gallon waterer, as it is in the twenties F in the coop these days. None of the chooks are huddling like they are cold, so I am not too worried about that.

Ta!