Sure Signs of Autumn

Suddenly, the weather has turned. A chill is in the air...one that stays all day long. The leaves are changing and falling to the ground. The birds have started flocking. The ponies are starting to grow their wooly coats. I could go on and on. I love the subtle signs of season change that living on the farm allows me to observe. One of those is the goldfinch's color change...from their brilliant yellow in Spring and Summer to their drab khaki of Fall and Winter.

From this:

To this:Last year, our local paper ran a short article about the goldfinch and posed the question of where they go in the winter...as this brilliant yellow bird is no longer seen. I guess not everyone realizes that they actually stay here all winter....and simply change to their winter wardrobe. We keep our thistle feeders full and enjoy these tiny birds all year long.

And while we are on the subject of birds.....I thought I would bring you up to date on our older hens. You might remember that we had a dog attack that killed several of my gals. It was then mandated of our neighbor by the police to replace our dead chickens with ones of equal age and quality. What was delivered to us was 12 very sad looking hens, with pale, droopy combs. Even their feathers were very dull looking. However, after a few months with my other hens, these new gals have brightened up and are looking great.
I only get 7 to 10 eggs a day (from a total of 30 layers) so I suspect that only these new girls are laying. I also suspect that there truly is such a thing as post traumatic stress disorder amongst chickens.....and that mine might be suffering from that. However, after extensive therapy and thousands of dollars to a chicken psychiatrist.....I have come to the conclusion that therapy is not working.

Hubbs thinks that maybe Yoga might help........Hmmmmmm, I'll have to think about that. Another option........chicken soup.

Comments

Ruth said…
I didn't know that. I love to watch birds.

Wanted to let you know that I am having a giveaway on my blog. Hope you can stop by.

Ruth
Kelly said…
I knew the girls would pick up in no time. Our hens have started slacking with the laying thing. I think it might be shorter days. We try to keep a light on till about 7pm. I think they are smarter than that and know the difference. We get about 10-12 eggs a day from about 28 hens. We need to have a long talk. LOL
Kelly
Jennifer said…
Bev,Hello I'm just getting online tonight so I missed your morning post.That gold finch is adorable with his winter coat on.I'm glad your new girls are laying and doing well now.I do believe also that it is post traumatic stress disorder.You were so lucky to be able to get the police to find the owners of the dogs.The beagles that run wild around here no one claims them.Were now getting a dozen a day for the past 3 days, we used to get 4 doz a day.I'm sure if you gave them yoga they'll be laying in no time at all.LOL Have a great night.Jen
Anonymous said…
Hi Beverly,
I never knew that the Goldfinchs stay through the winter here in PA and go through a color change! I'm glad to hear that your replacement chickens are improving. It must be your loving care. Your posts are funny, entertaining, interesting and I also learn something. I wish we could have chickens here in our subdivision but I'm sure our Home Owners Association wouldn't like that!

Teacup Lady (Sandy)