Lily waits patiently for me while I empty a tiny rock out of my shoe...
Every day around lunchtime, weather permitting, Lily and I go outside for a walk and turn the chickens loose for a little free-range recess. They've come to expect it about the same time every day because if I'm a little later than usual, I am met at the coop doors by a chorus of unhappy "raaack, raaack, RAAACK!" sounds. I think sometimes they have a clock hidden in one of the nest boxes with an alarm set to go off every day at noon. *sigh*
Most days I open the coop doors and let them all out at once, then Lily and I take our walk around the place. However, I try not to get too far away that I can't keep my eyes on them in case a predator is watching nearby. (Or from above, like a hawk.) But today, I decided to follow them around with my camera to see how they spend their time outside.
Once the doors swing open, some head for the rocks........
Some head for the weeds.
Some like to stay in a group.....
Others prefer to be Lone Rangers.
Some sneak off to their favorite shady spots for a nice, long, dust bath...
While others head to the sheep barn for some juicy bugs.
(And the latest barnyard gossip.)
The roosters like to spend their time crowing and flapping...
Except for Cecil, who tries to impress Pola with his dance moves.
Apparently some have to answer nature's call and go lay an egg.
(Or just find one to sit on... *sigh*)
Soon it's time to head back to the safety of the coop....
But we'll get to do it again~ same time tomorrow!
(Or else I'll be in big trouble with whoever is keeping a watch on the time in there...)
Happy Friday!
Happy Chickie Friday!
ReplyDeleteLily is soo cute.
Woolie hugs
I love that the chickies get some free range recess. Please be on time. We would really hate to hear there was a chicken revolt. Lily is such a good girl. I loved her video waiting for her Pawpaw. Too funny.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post today very much along with the pictures. Yall have a beautiful poultry house! Those chickens think they're living in a resort complete with an activities director. :) So many choices, so little time!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I so want another bulldog
ReplyDeleteit was hard to scroll down and leave Lily's beautiful face looking at me. glad i made myself, these are really cool and pretty chickens and your coop is the best one i have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteWhat a dog! Lily is the best.
ReplyDeleteLove those fuzzy gals and guys.
Have a great weekend!
I just want to kiss Lily's smooshy face, in some ways she reminds me a lot of our Boxer Cricket ... those smooshy jowels anyway lol
ReplyDeletetoo darn cute!
ReplyDeleteand the chickens don't have an alarm clock - they use an egg timer. bwahahah... :)
Paula, I loved this post. Oh, how I love to look at pictures of your farm. We had a barred rock hatch out babies this week. She hatched out 6, but only 3 survived. Not sure what was wrong, but the 3 we lost were never as active. I can spend lots of time watching Ruby and her babies. I had to move her off her nest daily because the other crazy hens kept laying in her area and she would steal their eggs. LOL. I marked hers so I could tell. She is much friendlier with me now. :) I sure wish I lived close enough to you to get a couple of those fuzzy chickens. I have found that I love having chickens go broody. My barred rocks and buff orpingtons haven't cooperated too much with me. I was so thrilled to see Ruby setting. I know the fuzzy bottoms are more prone to going broody. Well, sorry for the ramble, but just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your pictures. Lily looks like she was enjoying chickie recess too. LOL By the way, I am loving Bloglovin. I have my blogs separated into different groups. It makes it so easy to follow. Have a great weekend, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThis post was especially great for me today, Paula. I've been researching on raising chickens. And wow...didn't realize what a big coop you have and so many chickens too! I'm going to email you for some chicken advice. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's true...they really do enertain! I can tell from your post! :)
Have a great weekend!
Tammy
This post was especially great for me today, Paula. I've been researching on raising chickens. And wow...didn't realize what a big coop you have and so many chickens too! I'm going to email you for some chicken advice. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's true...they really do enertain! I can tell from your post! :)
Have a great weekend!
Tammy
Smiles ~ this was fun, Paula. I love seeing chickens outside in the sun. Your coop is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteEarlier this week we got new baby chicks, so I'm back to work, head over heels in cheeps.
that was a fun tour!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
earlene
Now, the question that begs in my mind is how do you get them back in the coop? Do they march in single file,,,food perhaps,,Lily wrangle them? Maybe that can be another post.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula ,your post was such a treat today.I just went and got a few Polish chicks today.I really like your coop and will have to show it to hubby.Have a blessed weekend.Hugs,Jen
ReplyDeleteThey have such a great life! If I was a chicken, I would want to be at your farm!
ReplyDeleteand...what kind of chicken is Cecil? He is pretty cute! Our only Banty is THE ROOSTER! Your chicken coup is pretty nice, actually....amazing! I'd be happy to watch your girls and boys!
ReplyDeleteLily is so cute; looks like there a LOT of her to love. She'd fit in well here -grin-.
ReplyDeleteBelas fotos!
ReplyDeleteAmbiente de muita tranquilidade.
♪♫ Boa semana!
ღ° Beijinhos do Brasilღ
¸.•°♡♡⊱彡
those chickens are kinda cute :)
ReplyDeleteSmiles and more smiles.. You have some unusal chickes. My mom used to have chickens of all kinds. Blessings, xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteHahahahaa....I'm loving Cecil....
ReplyDeleteI NEEDED this walk sweet friend! Give Miss Lily a hug and a scratch behind the ear for me...
hughugs
It's so nice to visit with the "girls" and Cecil...I LOVE your huge chicken coop...wish i could keep chickens here...maybe someday! Love, mare
ReplyDeleteJust loved following your chickens around with you!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful farm photos and a tour to share!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful chickie life! And Lily is quite the character. :)
ReplyDeleteYour feathered friends seem to provide you with a constant source of entertainment. When I was a young child, my daddy raised chickens. I found it to be great fun. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the other day. I can't promise when I'll make another appearance, but it was nice to see your smiling face, so to speak, when I did!
Your chickens have a good life, Paula. Love Lily girl! She has a good life, too!
ReplyDeleteLove those spoiled rotten chickens! Love spoiling them, too.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your coop pictures, Paula. You have a CHICKEN COMPOUND there. Those silkies are so cute!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love that irritated squawking? They DO have different things to say! When I'm home, my chickies are out of their pen, and if they see me step one foot out the back door, they come a-running to see if I've brought them anything yummy. One of the silly birds flew up and landed on my back the other day. I know it was not me she loved - she wanted to see what I had in their bowl of goodies and be first in line!
Oh my! All those fluffy bottoms! I'm in chicken heaven!
ReplyDelete