Invaded again. A couple of chickens from the other side of the farm steading were here today checking out our new squirrel-proof bird feeder, which may feature in a post soon. I went outside to discuss it with them, and they ran away. They are quick - not graceful, but quick.
As long as they stay away from the power cables...
They look like a couple of big bruisers - enough to scare a cow to climb up a power cable?
ReplyDeleteI would think so; they might fancy a quick rub on an electricity pole - that should cause some sparks. We have some areas of fresh grass seed at the moment (assuming the downpour hasn't washed it all away) - I was worrying in case the invaders had been scratching at that, but no signs of it yet.
DeletePMSL at Matt.
DeleteDon't get too upset about them Tony. It's only a poultry offence.
I'm thinking of altering the sign outside my gate, to say "...AND CHICKENS"
DeleteChickens are such peculiarly funny birds. The other being wild turkeys, of which we have a flock that routinely visit our backyard each autumn until about 14 days before the US Thanksgiving holiday in late November. They disappear well ahead of that to reappear about 10 months later the following year.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've managed to write this without resorting to any fowl language. Mother would approve.
Kind Regards,
Stokes
(Michigan, USA)
Stokes - this is a remarkable story - these wild turkeys spontaneously appear right on cue each Thanksgiving? In Italy this would be regarded as a miracle of such dimensions that you could make a fortune charging pilgrims for visiting your yard and you could sell them merchandise. I'm very impressed.
DeleteRemind them that Kentucky and the fryer, are put a plane ride away if they misbehave...(actually the chicken factory is probably closer).
ReplyDeleteVery true, Monsieur le Duc. I suppose, they might remind me that their owner lives about 300 yards away, is about a foot taller than me and half my age.
DeleteI must note here that I received an email comment asking what a squirrel-proof bird is; no, it is the feeder which is squirrel-proof - apologies for any confusion. English is a very imprecise language - especially mine.
I will swap you your chickens for our piegeons!
ReplyDeleteNo deal, Norm - we have far too many wood pigeons as it is. As a matter of fact our pigeons are very upset by the new feeder - previously, the big seed feeder we had allowed the small birds to stick their heads in and chuck stuff about until they found something they liked better, which meant the pigeons (far too fat to sit on the feeders) used to sit on the ground and hoover up all the spillage. The new feeder is much tidier - small birds can just take the seed offered, so no mess on the ground and the pigeons are glumly stomping about looking in vain for pickings. (It's OK - the woods are full of nuts and berries that are fine for the larger birds).
DeleteI confess I like the chickens, apart from the rooster crowing outside our house (less of a problem now the summer is over), but I like them best when we haven't been planting lawn seed...
Being in the country, of course you have no foxes, so the chickens can roam at will. The foxes have of course all moved to the city..
ReplyDeleteHi David - we don't see many foxes, but we see more than we used to since the farm's ghillie (gamekeeper) retired; similarly we have more magpies, rats, etc etc.
DeleteI think it would be a brave fox that would take on one of these big chickens - I think I'd put my money on the fox, but it would be a spirited fight.