Nesting Box curtains

I finished the nesting box curtains this weekend.  The chicks are 14 weeks old, so I'm not expecting eggs until next month, but I want them to get used to it.  I put fake eggs into each of the boxes.  I had two toy food white eggs and one brown potato that was the exact same size and shape.  It just has eyes and wrinkles.  I hope the chickens don't start laying potatoes because I have enough of those from the garden.  The sign was painted by the girls and the neighbor and I.  The fabric size was a perfect fit in front of the boxes.  I took left over fabric samples from upholstery companies and stapled them up, and they are easily changed for free. 

The chickens are getting prettier and bigger.  The Barred Rocks are showing much more white now and the Isa Brown feathers are a pretty red color.  No flare ups of swollen eyes, but the Isa Brown's combs and wattles are turning redder than the Barred Rocks. 

Salamanders and Swollen eyes

Yesterday morning I went out to feed the cluckers, and Coconut had a swollen eye and her face was all sandy and muddy.  It had rained all night and was still drizzling, so she looked a mess.  I barely noticed the other chickens were going nutso and paying no attention to me, they were all gathered in the corner.  I was chasing Coconut around, trying to grab her when I saw something go flying through the air and the flock chasing it across the run.  Imagine my surprise when I saw they were chasing an alligator!  Quickly coming to my senses I realized it must be a salamander, but it was big, about 6" long!  Finally catching Coconut, I brought her in the house (Husband wasn't pleased) and cleaned her up.  I put some antibiotic eye goop from my sister on both eyes and dosed her with some VetRx. 

When I got home from work her eye seemed better, I could tell where her feathers around her ear lobes were still all gunky but her eye wasn't swollen or red anymore.  I caught her and rubbed more eye gel on her, and she went on her way!  She was acting fine the whole time and Oldest thinks she got bit by the salamander.  I don't think they do that, but she insisted she saw a video about it.  Today she seems to be fine too, I hope it was just a fluke thing! 

I didn't take this picture.  I rely on the DNR to photograph dangerous wildlife for me.  

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12145_12201-32988--,00.html

Compost Bin Stages

I checked on the status of my Worm Factory Bins this week, and found none of them ready, but was surprised to see they're all in such different stages. 

The bottom right is the most composted, and the top left is still being added to.   I started emptying my vacuum canister into the compost, and I was surprised to find some sequins, crayon pieces, and lots of hair in the trays.  I thought hair was supposed to be good for compost, but I guess when it's over 20" long it takes a while to break down.  I fed some of the worms to the chickens, but they didn't get too excited.   I don't think they like eating such uncivilized food. 
The compost area in the chicken run is coming along very nicely.  It doesn't smell and the chickens scratch in it all day.  I have been raking it every 3 days or so and piling up what they scatter.  Before we go on vacation I am planning on emptying the most "done" worm bin on top to give them something else to peck at.   They will love sequins.