While we were gone at Christmas, a friend took care of the chickens and cats. She’s such a nice lady and I knew she was so concerned that something was going to happen to the chickens or cats while I was away. Everything was file while we were gone. When we got back, they all decided to misbehave.
Every night for about four nights, at least two chickens wouldn’t go in. This is when it was 7° for the low. One night I was out three times with a flashlight trying to get them in. One night one hen and a rooster stayed out. One night three hens stayed out. One night, I think five hens were out. The problem in that coop is that we had two roosters and one had to go. It was constant chaos in the coop and in the chicken yard. I had two different people who said they’d take him and no one ever did so . . we had to do what we had to do so he’s gone now and it’s much quieter in the coop.
In the other chicken yard, I noticed the chickens had been digging and it looked like they were about to dig out of the fence. Sure enough, I walked out the back door and there were chickens everywhere.
Chicken Escapees
They wanted back in but had no idea how they got out or how to get back in.
Chickens
The rooster was still inside the fence. He could see them out and he didn’t like it one bit. He wants to protect the hens and he knew he couldn’t protect them with them outside and him inside. We got them all rounded up. Vince said he fixed the area where they were getting out but they were out again last night.
Little Chicks
These four little chicks hatched out in early November. Look how light that little guy is. Baby chicks are so cute. I hope that little light guy stays light but I don’t know why it’s so light. We don’t have any really light chickens but who knows the genetics of this batch. The dad is the black and white Dominique rooster . . no idea which hen actually laid the eggs, even though this black hen hatched them. We got her with the cuckoo marans but I’m not sure that’s what she is.
Chicks
This mama is a good one. The little guys are at the age where they’re pretty hard for her to keep up with but she’s doing good.
There’s going to come a time when I have to give up my chickens so for now, I’m enjoying them and not looking forward to a time when we don’t have them.
Joyce says
Are they still doing their “job” and giving you plenty of eggs?
pandrpeele says
When I came to your blog earlier , I read the casserole post(yum). Just now when I checked it,there was ‘Misbehaving Chickens” and I died laughing. They were warned!
Carolyn says
Oh thanks for sharing your chicken stories! My Granddaddy really loved his Dominicker chickens. I am pestering my husband for us to have chickens, what breeds are your favorite?
Judy Laquidara says
There are so many breads and some are better than others for different things. If you want great egg layers, some breeds are better than others. Some are flighty and noisy while others are docile and quiet. If you want chickens that can tolerate confinement (small pens), some are better than others. Some do better with extreme cold while some can handle extreme heat so the first thing to decide is what breeds are best suited for your conditions. I prefer heritage breeds over hybrids for the most part.
I like a friendly, inquisitive chicken. I like the Dominicks because they’re a heritage breed and because my grandma had them but they’re not super friendly and they’re not the best layers. Our Buckeyes are friendly and inquisitive. Our Wyandottes are great layers but not real friendly. I love driving down the highway and seeing an assortment of chickens running around so . . I’m happy with any breed that isn’t fragile.
Susan says
Chickens are a constant source of amusement and annoyance, both. My aunt hated having them, you and Stacey and Gail love having them. I think I’ll just watch from a distance. But they are funny! I like the little light guy.