An Afternoon With The Girls

Some Survivors

Now despite the frosts two weeks ago Johns broad beans are still hanging on and growing, though the last beans taken from it were not of a standard to be eaten. Also the carrots I planted havnt all died yet so I am holding out some hope that they're going to grow into yummy carrots which also depends on them not being trampled by clawed feet. There is still no sign of the potatoes or onions yet and we may be disappointed but I havnt lost faith in them, even if it means they dont start growing until the spring. The peas and beans we planted in the greenhouse havnt put in an appearance yet either, but it does look like we have some mushrooms growing there (pity they're not in the boxes I tried growing them in.)

And Back To The Girls

I decided yesterday that come rain or shine I would be spending an afternoon with the chickens. Theres always that lovely moment when the chickens see me walking up the lane to our gate and run over to greet me. Five little beaked faces all looking at me expectantly. Not wanting to disappoint I popped into the hut to find the left over french stick id brought up in the morning. I thought we had lost two of the girls but quickly found them behind an apple tree where they'd made a new dust bath spot. Crouching down as much as I could so as not to get too muddly I filled my hands with bread and held it out. Seemingly my teeth looked like a better meal to Marge who had a good try at pecking them. It only confirms my fear that to them anything white must be bread which is why I always close my eyes when they're close to my face.

Now after my surprise at finding henry mouse last week im a bit more cautious when im moving things around in the hut. I did see him again running behind some shelves on Monday when I also saw a squirrel in lotty for the first time. Although I dont mind the mouse being around, or even eating the chicken food, I just wish he wouldnt make holes in the bag so when I pick the bag up layers pellets spill out onto the floor. My bird table seems to have been used by smaller birds which is a good sign, and I also put the bird house back up in the hope that the robin (who iv now named Beano Bobbin the Robin) will move in.

Having pretty much given the girls bread everyday I have been trying to find other little treats for them like peas left over from our dinner, which Alison doesnt seem too keen on. Today I bought some raisins and Im hoping these will go down well as they're relatively cheap and iv been trying to find something to satisfy Alisons sweet tooth. I'll also put a few down on the bird table as a treat for the robin.