The field population of hens has reached somewhat of a tipping point.
Yesterday I collected just one bloody egg!
I have 38 hens ( I audited them all this morning how's that for being anal?)
This year 12 of the very old hens have died.1 young bright thing was taken by the fox in the middle of a funeral and 2 other youngsters drowned themselves by accident in one of the water butts and after checking over the remaining girls, I now realise that I have effectively have only 8 young egg laying birds in their prime.
The rest ( the crackhead whores, my original black hookers from when I started off keeping chickens and all of the fat old buffs) are getting on a little now, and all are entering that twilight time of their poultry years.
I will have to face the fact that I am now the matron of a hen home for the aged, infirm and physically knackered .
I am renaming the field "shady Pines"
Time to get some fit new girls me thinks
ps/ now what 1980s comedy show characters referred to "shady Pines" when they threatened to send one of the "older" members of their group to a retirement home?
I always thought you were matron of a home like Shady Pines. Boilers make quite good chicken soup you know John (good job those hens don't read your blog) but knowing you they are safe until they finally pop their clogs. Hens do seem to pop their clogs without much warning, so you might lose a few of the hangers-on when the colder weather comes. (I expect this will mean that villagers will dump a few more ageing ladies on your doorstep) (hens I mean).
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Girls? Very fitting for your fine oldladies.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, Sophia had to move into Blanche's house because she 'accidentally' burnt Shady Pines down while makings Schmores over an open fire in her bedroom.
ReplyDeleteAged, infirm, physically knackered - yes, that's me. I'm packing my bags now, be with you this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteMy lazy gals are just 18 months old, and, between them, present me with just one egg a day....if I'm lucky. I'm going to have to have words with them!
ReplyDeleteMy lady has a bunch of older hens too. We have a chronic, contagious disease in the flock too (introduced unknowingly by some new hens) and no new birds can come on the property until all the current birds are gone. She says she doesn't mind and that she'll have a hen retirement home. She's still getting from four to eight eggs a day because the disease (which is respiratory) doesn't affect the egg laying. Her original two Black Australorp hens, Mildred and Molly, are getting some grey feathers around their beaks. Tee hee.
ReplyDeleteYes me too, packing my bags, on my way! I'm sure I can swap some tales with the crackhead whores ;-0
ReplyDeleteOf course take the oldest one, plop her in a crock pot, (more profound if she is killed first) run the extension cord and pot out to Shady Pines and make an example of her. A little motivation goes a long way
ReplyDeleteThey just need a darned good talking to!
ReplyDeleteAwww, poultry in slow motion.
ReplyDeleteIs there a clucky equivalent of HRT?
ReplyDeleteMy cousin (age 74) has short term memory loss as I do. Her children often tell her. "Shady Pines, Ma, Shady Pines".
ReplyDeleteOf course, most of us remember The Golden Girls, very funny sit-com. They still have the re-runs showing, always good for a laugh.
Sounds like you need some new stock, everyone depends on fresh eggs, too bad winter will be here soon.
Maybe they are just 'having a breather'! How would you like to be laying eggs day after day!! Owwww!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of chickens, John.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someone who reads your post will give you some young hens instead of old.
Have a great day!
John: Check out my "It Just Comes Naturally" post on July 27, 2012, for the latest update on my four goats. If you have any other questions, you can email me directly at JOSHWLWGRVatCS.COM.
ReplyDeleteSadly, when our egg-laying days are over, our worth is diminished ;)
ReplyDeleteBugger.
~Jo
From pretty young boys to golden girls. Love it. Have had a rubbish day and your blog has helped and provided the smiles today. I am now going to watch Ben again - just so I can appreciate his good cause.
ReplyDeleteYour old girls need a winter fuel allowance like all the old girls get where my mother lives !
ReplyDeleteHmmm, i should think you can use both names, "Bosoms in the Shady Pines" or "Bosoms among the Shady Pines," as there is some sustenance as well as nurturing.
ReplyDeletemegan
ReplyDeletebosoms is the allotment, shady pines will be the field xxx
Wasn't that the Golden Girls?
ReplyDeletetoall those that guessed the Golden Girls
ReplyDeleteyou are right!
Sophia: I'm not leaving now. It's just getting good.
Dorothy: Shady Pines, Ma!
Sophia: You're bluffing...
Dorothy: [menacingly] The West Wing?
Sophia: I'm right behind you.
Sorry, John, apparently i can't keep up.
ReplyDeleteyou always make me smile,
ReplyDeleteGill
Aren't the older hens just molting now?
ReplyDelete