Ah, that little golden one is so cute. Sigh, she/he looks cuddle-able.

I posted these pics on the farm forum and two way-smarter-than-me chicken people are going with pullets for all four. Crossing fingers!

OK, I'm resigned to a messy winter look. My hens insist on spreading out all the leaves I so neatly mounded over my newly trimmed perennials. Guess I'll just keep a small rake handy to try to keep as much of the mulch on the actual beds as I can. I'm also working on re-clipping the chicken's wings to keep them inside their yard better. It's all good.

I can fly! I can fly!!

SNIP!!! Not anymore!

Chicken wire around or on top of the leaf mulch?

Down to 8 chickens (lost 2 to coyotes over the winter) which is a nice number for me. Re-clipped wings last evening, hoping to keep the birds inside their yard unless I open the gate for them. Well...I left Sissy fully feathered -- she is my gardening companion, follows me around like a puppy, nabbing worms and bugs as I weed.

That's too bad Deb, darn coyotes.

They've been really bold this year, likely as a result of loss of habitat due to development. Aptly, the latest 5 acre subdivision at the end of our road is named Coyote Run... We have a pretty active den down the hill and across the creek, so it was not a surprise to lose a couple hens with the dog gone for so long. She's pretty good at sounding the alarm and likewise smart enough not to venture into the woods on her own.

Do you still have the blonde squad?

SC, kind of. I have 2 of the original plus one of the chicks from last summer is blonde with a darker tail, so still 3 blondies. Clipped wings again last evening but that only kept 3 hens inside their yard. I may try clipping both wings, I only did one side

Sad to hear you lost a few. Things really go amiss when Frankie is on vacation. When you get a chance love to see some pictures.

Hi Deb - love the image of your gardening buddy following you around hoping for some worms or grubs!
Pics anytime!

I wrote an article on my website about how my girls have chosen to live in the trees. It was fun taking the photos of them.!!!

It's here--http://poppiesandthistle.com/girls-will-be-girls/

If the link doesn't take you there, it is under the category 'pets' and titled "Girls Will Be Girls"

Nice looking chickens. You have such a nice coop, funny they like the trees.

@kosk0025, you need to edit your link, put a space between the bar and the http because it's breaking the link. Just click on the edit.

Funny hens -- looks like a Christmas tree.

Great article Stephanie so cute!