Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Friday, February 14, 2014

And then there were 15.

Chris decided to give me additional baby chicks for the day of love (he really does know me).  When I had gone last week, the 3 breeds I had really wanted: Sicilian Buttercup, Ancona & Austra Whites, had not yet been delivered. 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

1 week

Luna and her litter went back outside on Saturday.  The cold snap ended with a sunny 50° and a 20° low.  Hard to believe the day before had been 10° high.
The nest box was lined with straw before the kindling box with the seven bunnies was placed inside.  A cowhide patterned fleece lap throw was laid over the roof to block the drafts.  The bunnies, with their round milk filled tummies just burrowed deeper into the straw and fur nest too sleep.
Inside the house, Chris read up on tanning.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

New year, full circle

The annual trip to Elizabeth was more enjoyable than usual.  A friend from work came with me on the hour long drive.  The company and conversation made the drive almost celebratory.  We stopped for lunch before picking up 2 of each: Buff Orphington, Araucana, gold-laced Wyandotte and Light Brahma.
Then we headed home, with a stop at Murdoch's for chick feed and Vitamin Cottage for greens.  At both stops, the box of peeping chicks caused quite a commotion as customers and employees alike crowded around to coo over the baby birds.
They are now ensconced in the indoor "mini barn" with Luna and her litter.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Winter arrangements

I woke up this morning with a feeling of expectation.  A glance out the window showed more snow, a surprise since new snow rarely falls on old around here. 
Luna is due.  If she hasn't kindled already, she would by the end of this weekend.   While drinking my first coffee, I checked the water forecast.  Below zero first of the week, necessitating a move for Luna and her future litter.   The adults could handle things with extra straw and wind protection, but the hairless kits would be vulnerable. 
Out into the snow I went and discovered the kits had already arrived.  5 white & 2 black.  
So into the downstairs bathroom she would go.  A small cage to hold food and water and a small rug is all that was needed to turn the guest bath into a micro barn for the next week or so.  By then the kits would have grown a fur coat and the weather should be in the double digits again.