Things have been going pretty good at the hen house lately. I have been keeping my eye out for some new hens…and I found some!
Sometimes I think people probably think I am like a crazy woman ….or just a little off my rocker when I talk about our animals. I suppose we have all been around some people that too the animal “love” to a whole new level. For example women that seem obsessed with cats….are often referred to as crazy cat ladies.
So it may be that I am looking more that way with our animals…than I used to. BUT, I find that there are a lot of people that see the same interesting things that I see in animals and so if I am a little crazy….there are a lot of us out there.
Billy told me about some hens for sale, so we immediately contacted the man about them. The very next morning we set up a time to pick them up. As soon as we arrived at the mans house he met us on the sidewalk. The very first thing he said was….”I think these hens have a sixth sense about them”. I thought right off that they must have run away before we arrived. But no, he said “I went to gather their eggs this morning under one of the hens that was sitting….and all of a sudden all the others came and sat on the roost as if they were telling me goodbye.” He continued….they have NEVER done that before. They usually just stay out in the yard.
Billy and I looked at each other and smiled. I told him that I understood what he was talking about. I said that I too have been amazed at the personality that animals have….even hens.
Now, before I ever started being around all these animals I wouldn’t have related to that story at all. Matter of fact, I might have just raised my eyebrows and smiled…..not knowing what to think.
So, I was rather glad to know that they had not run away as I had first thought. As he led us to the coop he explained that he had raised them from chicks and was only selling them as an attempt to save their lives. Apparently one had been attacked and killed and he couldn’t bear to see that happen again.
Wow….I know how that feels. I told him I had experienced that myself several times this year.
We reached the coop, the three of us gathered the hens. Billy and I were really excited to bring them to their new home.
They are beautiful hens. From what I understand they are Red Sex Link or also know as Red Stars….at least that is what I have read. I’m still learning…..
These are extremely docile….and friendly. They are supposed to be great layers. Which is wonderful because there hasn’t been much of that going on this summer.
Billy took part of his Labor Day holiday to install a new device in the hen house.
It is a handy dandy automatic door opener! He is so smart…he had to get creative and tweak it because we do not have electricity at the hen house.
So….with all the chickens and goats help…..
he installed a solar panel on the roof.
He worked hard on that door for a while…..
He even had to read instructions for the timer…..ugh….who likes doing that.
I thought it was cute though that all the new girls were gathered right around him…picking in the straw….while he sat among them. The hen to the left of the picture here by herself is Maggie Mae. She is one of our buff hens that we had early on. The mother of the chick that was hatched this summer. She seems to be glad to see the arrival of these girls. They look a lot like the buff orphingtons….and seem to act more like them too.
Billy and I both noticed how they are just sweeter hens than the others. I’m not sure if it is because they were handled a lot growing up or if it is more their nature.
They are mingling with the others well. The others are actually starting to warm up to Billy and I more. Those are the ones we bought in the Spring and they still keep their distance. They are starting to run to the fence when I come in….and follow behind me to the hen house. Curious to see what I am doing.
The new hens are more trusting and seem to enjoy human interaction. They coo and talk a lot like the buff orphingtons did too.
We have put the goats back over in the chicken pen this week for several reasons. Buster Brown got out of the back yard fence and we have not been able to find him. We have asked everyone and searched the woods several times. The back yard area is pretty barren. They continue to eat the greenery quicker than it can replenish. So we figured they could help keep the predators away from the hens, be company for Laverne and have plenty to eat for a while.
Everyone seems really happy…and I love all the activity.
Billy was successful and the door works beautifully. We had to adjust the timer again…due to one chick not getting in before the door automatically shut. We did find her roosting on the front porch flower box, and placed her inside.
Last night we were gone…but when we arrived home…after dark…everyone was in the coop safe and secure! With the days getting shorter and daylight saving around the corner…I’m glad Billy read up on the timer stuff. I’m sure we will or HE will be tweeking it in the upcoming weeks.
I really appreciate my hubby for going the extra mile, he amazes me with his talents. And his desire to please me.
There is one hen in particular that likes for us to hold her. I know it is the same girl because she has one “ruffled” feather so I can tell her apart from the others.
I can’t tell you how much fun it is to interact with all these critters. I never would have thought that I would like this kind of thing.
If you have the chance to own a few hens…or goats…or cows…for that matter…..I encourage you to give it a try.
Meanwhile, please excuse me if I don’t “hide my crazy” and just enjoy them….and their cute personalities!
I've Gone Country 