Pests

Every afternoon for the past couple of weeks,

as I enter the upper chicken houses to gather eggs,

I am greeted by a flock of Grackles hastily exiting the chicken

house as I open the door.

Each time it happens, I am expecting it...but am startled none-the-less.

We have always left our chicken house doors open during the day

and never had this bird "squatter" problem before.

I guess with this year's extended cold weather,

the wild birds are looking for a bit of respite.

What better place than a fully loaded chicken house!

Yesterday Hubbs solved the problem by cutting a tiny

chicken-sized door at the base of the front door

on each chicken house.

Hinges on the inside and a hook and eye keep the door

open during the day, and these little doors keep 

the grackles from flying in to roost.

Yay!  Thanks Hubbs....problem solved!

In response to yesterday's post, 

I had a question regarding the neat little row of dog houses 

on the one farm picture.

These little houses provide shelter for each of our goats.

Each goat has his/her own house...

fully loaded (with hay of course).

We have found that these little houses are the perfect size

for our goats...

providing warmth and shelter from the weather.

And....last week I wrote a post about our afternoon

"Love Fests"

where Sam and Scarlet compete for the affections of one

handsome barn kitty...Bobby, the Fearless.

Here is what happens when Sam gets a little too playful

for Bobby's liking...

Sam: "Hey, where' ya going??" [bite, bite, bite]

Bobby "High enough that you can't get me!"

Bobby: "Can't a guy get a little peace around here?"

Sam: "Come back down, Bobby...I promise 

I won't be so rough!"

Tom Tom: "Hey Bobby, wanna play?"

Bobby: "Nope."

Sam: "Come on, guys....let's play!"

Tom Tom: "Hey Bobby, let's just ignore the dog...it'll drive him crazy!"

Needless to say, Sam quickly forgot why he was sitting

at the fence,

and went over to bother Scarlet, instead.

Sam: "Hey Scarlet, wanna play?"