You just never know what you'll find when you take a stroll around a small farm! Egg production has been down significantly the last week or so. We thought maybe it was the change in weather, shorter days - something like that. While I was out this morning, camera in hand, I heard some squawking from the trees beside the chicken coop. The squawking a hen makes when she lays an egg! Investigating, I find one of the Browns, nesting in the bole of a large willow tree beside the coop! There are at least six or eight eggs under her! A second chicken seemed to be waiting her turn! No wonder egg production is down! I didn't disturb her; for safety sake all the eggs will have to be garbage. Why the little hen would decide to start laying outside is a mystery - but at least we know where to look now!A few nights ago, preparing to bring the goats in from their pasture one night, Farmer Man heard some tiny meows! Investigating, he found two little kittens out on the barn floor! Afraid the goats would trample them when they came in, he looked around and found a little nest in some hay with two other little kittens! The mother is not very friendly, so he placed the kittens in and we've largely left them alone since then, except for some peeking and a photo op. The kittens definitely have the genetics of our barn cats with their orange or beige coloring. I haven't been able to check their tails because a bob tail or short tail runs through this colony, too. They are as cute as the proverbial buttons, for sure! Anyone looking to bring a new kitty into their homes?
My Grandmother tells a story of a neighbour, years ago, having a chicken walk into the house and lay her egg on a bed. You never know where the hens are going to prefer laying. One of my memories as a kid is looking for eggs the bantam hen laid under the stone boat in my Grandparents yard.
ReplyDeleteThey do seem a bit consistent though - one girl always lays in the corner of the coop, not in the nest boxes. For months and months same routine....I can't understand what would make them change!
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet little kittens, I'm surprised they showed up at this time of year though. Seems awfully late for a litter to be born but I guess that means they're being well fed and looked after :)
ReplyDeleteThe kittens are adorable! I was a little surprised to find them, too! With chilly nights now, it's amazing to see how the kittens from the Spring are helping and cuddling up to the newbies!
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