Capturing Hens before the Possum Returns (updated)

There stands a warm chicken coop full of restless birds eager for warm weather and bugs to nibble. They are warm though. And, although the goats and sheep have a warm barn of their own, they hug the coop hoping for a chance to sneak in and huddle with the chickens.

Everyone loves the chicken coop, except a few silly birds. They prefer to roost in the trees. Do you know what eventually happens to birds who choose to roost in the trees instead of in the warm protected coop? One of our hens found out. She met her match with a mink. How do I know it was a possum? Well, possums have a unique way of making themselves known. They have a certain way of leaving a chicken that is quite disturbing.

This group of birds is difficult to catch to clip wings and lure into the coop. They can't be persuaded with food, nice talk, or herding. Being the youngest of the flock, and lowest in the hierarchy, they simply don't trust the old coop hens. If the possum hasn't persuaded them, he's persuaded and motivated us to get them safe.

Hannah and I captured a few by knocking them out of the trees just as the sun set. Hopefully, we'll be able to reach these last stragglers and get them safe and warm. We certainly don't want anyone else loosing their head.

We have, however, not had a real problem with predators. Our flock mainly free-ranges and sleeps where they like in the warm months. We only recently locked them in the coop to encourage them to lay their eggs in nest boxes and roost there at night. Going on a daily easter egg hunt is fun, until, the chickens molt and we no longer can find eggs anywhere. Keeping them locked up a few weeks gives us the opportunity to take inventory and plan for spring chicks.

It looks like our poultry count is currently at 25 hens, 2 roosters, and 2 ducks. They range from almost four years to nine months. A few old hens will be leaving with our favorite staying as a "pet". How could we ever part with Lucy.  We plan to hatch chicks and increase our egg production within the next few months.

We are looking forward to an exciting winter and spring with lots happening around here.

Here's a great link about minks and chickens: Back Yard Chickens: Chicken Predators

* the post originally was written about a mink as predator; however, after talking with a dear friend who's had possum problems in her coop, she informed me that is was likely a possum who got our hen. Minks actually bite the head where's possums will consume the head trying to eat the crop. Learning something new each day.

A Family Project: Coat Hooks

There's a little place tucked in many homes called "The Mud Room". Our house does not have a mud room. It's more of a muddy space. During the cold and mud months, one finds their way into our home by walking through a muddy garage, up muddy stairs into a messy muddy entry-way. If you're lucky enough to visit in the evening when chores are finished, you may step over, better yet, trip over muddy boots and wet coats. It's kind of embarrassing, at times. I've wanted a coat rack for so long, but could never figure exactly what I had in mind. Finally, I shut Pinterest off and looked around the property for inspiration. Ahhh, Hannah's old bedframe. Perfect!

I tore the hardware off and sent Noah to the saw with measurements marked. That evening the family took a trip to Hobby Lobby to find each our own special hook. Antlers, birds, moose, and fun designs were exactly what we wanted. We told the children to pick something they really liked, because some day, their own children may be hanging their coats from the hooks they pick. We had a good time choosing hooks, laughing about choices, and finally deciding which to get. 

 Besides the hooks, all the materials were found around the house.

So, in order to conceal the bright silver screws that we had on hand, Hannah and I colored them with brown and black Sharpies.

It's perfect for our family - rustic, messy, and already beat up. Because, in this house, full of children, mud, and excitement, things get beat up pretty quickly anyway.

 I love this. A family project where everyone contributed. It's exactly what I wanted.....needed.

Now, to figure some way to keep shoes in order.