A Rhino's Welcome

First off big apologies for being lax in my posts lately, just been a bit busy with The Kiwi doing housy things.

Don't worry about the title of this blog.  I am NOT adopting a Rhino!

Our local pub has a small group of men that sit in a particular corner.  These lads like to dish it out.  They regularly offend people but if anyone tries to get the better of them it just doesn't work.  Their thick skin doesn't let anything past and so it has been aptly named Rhino Corner

While The Kiwi is very good friends with this select group he has never been invited to join their clan.  He's a bit of a mixture is my Kiwi man.  You can usually hear him before you see him and believe me he's done his fair share of offending people himself over the years.  He'd never make Rhino corner though because the bottom line is he's a really sensitive chap and is always first to apologise if he's upset anyone.

As Big Kiwi has been over for his annual visit the Rhinos very kindly asked if he would like to be an honorary member and he gladly accepted and was duly presented with his Tshirt.

I think they were hoping it may send The Kiwi over the edge but he was proud that his dad had made the cut.  Then came the real blow though.

After a formal meeting at a 60th birthday bash last week I was waved over to join them.  They feel that although on the surface I'm a complete softie, I'm also bit of a tough cookie as I have to keep The Kiwi under control.  It's a hard job but someone has to do it!  And so came my invitation to join Rhino Corner.

A few days later I was presented with my very own Tshirt and I have worn it with pride.  Guess what - it actually works.  Nobody was able to offend me while it was on - it's as thought I had grown a second skin and it felt good!

While The Kiwi played along at being put out he whispered in my ear "I have never been so proud of you".

Hope this doesn't mean I have to watch all the Rugby with them.

Afternoon Nap

It's obviously been a hard morning and everyone is exhausted.  The Kiwi has been on a little trip away and I went to meet him last night so the girls were home alone.  They were all fed, watered and safely locked in but I still worried about them.  They're used to me always being there and checking on them before I go to bed but there really is no need - they are perfectly fine on their own!

As we had a bit of a late one last night The Kiwi had his afternoon nap when we got home.  Now I really don't want you to know what he looks like but as the girls are all pictured at rest in this blog I think he should be too. 

When we got home Polly was up at the other end of the garden happily munching away.  I shouted to her and it was so lovely, she lifted her head up, couldn't decide whether to carry on eating or not and then with my "Hey Poll" call she ran towards me, tail wagging and ears flapping!  Once she'd checked us out and had a wander around inside she settled herself at the foot of the stairs for her "rest time".

If you look closely you'll see 5 of the chooks having their mid afternoon dust bath / nap.  Penny was standing on guard while these girls settled down in the soft soil underneath a tree.  They make little indentations and snuggle down then flip soil on top of themselves before they nod off.  The soil acts as a lubricant and keeps their skin and feathers well oiled.

And last but by no means least is the Buff with her mate Fudge.  Both clearly exhausted and oblivious to the rest of the world!

A Couple Of Notes

It's been quite quiet on the Home Brood Front but I have gathered a few noteworthy points together.

Polly is now trained in manners of the 8am watershed.  There is the occasional bleat beforehand but no major shouting til about 8.30am and even then if I leave her she gives up after a very short time.  She's loving her daily grooming sessions.  I use a wire brush I bought for Buffy but she refused to tolerate it so one day I had a go with Poll.  Oh she just adhores it.  Anywhere.  She loves it on her back and hind quaters then when you go to her tummy her tail swings round in a frenzy of excitement.  Then its up onto her neck, head, behind her ears and finally underneath her chin.  That's my favourite bit.  I hold her chin in my hand and lean over to get right underneath her jaw.  Her warm breath touches my ear and she goes off into a trance.  It's just lovely.

I was down at Tam O'Shanter last week and noticed how deep the voice of her mum is and this morning I heard two much deeper bleats than usual.  Then it was back into her usual high pitched yell.

As for the chooks, Doris is hanging on in there, she's still looking a bit scruffy but is happy in herself.  Local children have been coming round and because Helen is the tamest one she's been pulled from pillar to post in the holding stakes.  She's great though and laps up all the attention she's getting.  Joan doesn't leave my side so I have to shut her out sometimes just so I can clean the floor etc.  I think she's lazy and if she can get food from me she can't be bothered going out and forraging for it.

There was a bit of a Rice Crispy drama this morning.  They were all around me while I was getting my own breakfast so I put out two bowls of Rice Crispys with yoghurt on top.  OMG, you have never seen the like!  Demolished within minutes, there wasn't time to get my camera even.  True pecking order was seen as Helen and Joan were firmly pushed out.  They then got the left overs and when Buffy moved in to lick it all out the two of them had a go at The Buff!

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a steady stream of people dropping off cards and presents - a very big thank you for such thoughtful gifts.  A hen pinny, sheep polly bag holder, necklace, earings, dress, jumper, flowers and a fantastic book all about having the good life in France. I felt truly spoilt.  Oh then there's a very special thank you to Buffy's Godmum.  Imagine this if you can - Gold Lame Leggins!  She did also give me a gorgeous Tshirt and birthday cake but the vert special gift of GOLD LAME LEGGINS is to be worn at my Young at Heart group on Friday - it may well see them all off!
Yes, life on the Home Brood Front is very happy indeed.

Bit of a Splash

Buffy loves water.  It must be said that she doesn't do the swimming thing but she loves to wade.  If there's water - she's in it, if there's mud - she's in it.

Quite a combination therefore when you get water and next doors fish pond all in one go.

I'm on feeding duty for fish and tomatoes for a couple of days and while I may well kill the tomatoes I really did think I'd do ok with the fish.  That is until today.  Buffy is facinated with them and frequently jumps up onto the edge to stare down at them.  I'm always with her though and know that she's only being nosey - she wouldn't actually jump in would she?  Yeah right!

There she was walking round the edge as usual, stopping every so often for a closer look.  She even dipped her paw in the water which is a first but I wasn't worried - like I said, she's not a swimmer, just a wader.

First it was just a toe, then her nose then ..........................

SPLASH!  She was in.  She just couldn't help herself could she?  She is actually a very good swimmer it's just that she chooses not to.  She successfully made it to the other side then got all a fluster as she struggled to get out.  I heaved the grateful mutt up and while she didn't try and get back in with them I bet she has another go tomorrow.  Yet another note to self "NEVER leave Buffy alone with fishys!

And The Winner Is .......

A message to my reader who has been to Tam O'Shanter for the first time having read this blog.  I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourself.  I go there for a couple of hours a week to help out in the office and I must say it really is a wonderful place.  For anyone who hasn't been, it isn't just for kids, if you're an animal lover it's a great way to get up close and personal with them.  Nice little coffee shop there too!

A total of 27 of you have read "Big Kiwi's a Gem"  and not one of you has come up with an idea.  So, having coffee this morning with two very good friends we had a team meeting.  One of them (and you know who you are) had her pen and paper at the ready and was totally monopolising the "ideas" conversation.  My other friend sat quietly in thinking mode.  When we asked for her suggestions she just said "will you two just be quiet for a moment and let me think".

We duly did as she suggested and a moment was all it took.

FOWL PLAY

Yes, we were thinking fruit machine, chicken skewer, rolling fruits, on and on it went but without doubt this is what it should be called.  It is after all a toy for my chickens to play with.  The fact that it feeds them is a bonus.

I've already had two orders for it!

On the Polly front, I had my first full night sleep last night for the first time since we got her.  There was a quick fox watch from the Buff at 4am but not a sound from Polly til 0817 hrs.  Hopefully we've broken the back of it.

Big thanks to my wonderful neighbours who have been very understanding and supportive about her morning noises.  Looks like Polly's here to stay and I for one am ever so pleased.  She is an absolute darling and a wonderful addition to our family.

Big Kiwi's a Gem

Yes, every home should have one.  A Big Kiwi that is.  A few days ago I asked my father in law (Big Kiwi) to make me something for the chooks.  If I give them apples, or other fruits they eat some of it then it ends up on the floor going rotten so I thought of putting them on skewers (the fruits not the chooks).

Big Kiwi surpassed himself and produced the item exactly to my specifications.  There are two levels of metal skewers at just the right height for them to munch from and a good base so it doesn't tip over with their eagerness to chomp away.

I duly painted it a lovely shade of dark green to match the rest of Feathers Lodge decor and as you will see here it's a big hit with the girls.  Typically Doris was first to have a go and then they all got stuck in.

Now I need a name for it - please help me out with some suggestions.  Then I'm thinking about selling a couple on ebay.  Honestly, they're great fun for the girls and it keeps it all off the floor.  Next stop Gordale!

Fave Spot

We all have a favourite place don't we.  Well my girls are no exception, and here are a few shots of them at their happiest.

Buffy has many favourite places - my Dad's knee, on guard duty, the fourth stair up, in a sunny spot - the list goes on.  She's always happy though if she's asleep.  In fact I often come home to find her and The Kiwi having an afternoon nap spooning eachother.  Here's one of her at her most relaxed!

Penny and Hetty are sisters and they love to sit in the sun together.  The first time I saw them doing it I thought one of them had died!  Chooks settle down on one side and stretch their other wing and leg out to get the best of the rays.

And on to the lovely and very dotty Doris.  Basically she's happiest if she's nesting or if she's eating.  I'm a bit worried about her as her breathing is starting to get bad again and she's looking frail and mucky.  Her feathers on her crop are coming out and her head looks like she's shoved her face in a pile of dirt.  This was taken yesterday though and as you can see she's not holding back on the grub.  As long as she's hungry the vet said she's OK!

Mary is seen here perching on their trough under their sun terrace.  It had only just been put back in place after decorating and she was straight on there.  She loves to sit on it first thing in the morning before I open the doors to Feathers Lodge.  She's got a great view of the garden from here.

Helen just loves to be in my arms having a cuddle.  She'd stay there all day if she could, the tamest of them all.  I've mentioned before that when we got her she wasn't expected to last the week out but she hung on in there and look at her now.

Isn't this just the best shot of Joan ever!  She looks like a little cartoon chook.  Her fave place is anywhere I am.  Not because she wants to be picked up or given any attention but if she's near me she gets little scraps of food every so often.  She's the bottom of the heap so is always last in line at feeding time.  It is soooo funny watching her eat with the others, she grabs something, runs off with it and then darts back, grabs another bit and does a runner again.

Here's Polly behind her tree.  It was a small one I chopped down a couple of months ago and just threw in the corner and before I knew it she'd made it her best place to rest.  She can rub her neck and head on the branches to have a good scratch and her hay is just behind her so there's food readily available.  The chooks often gather round here too so she's always got company.  She's rather taken a fancy to having a daily groom and as you can see here she's got beautiful fluffy wool!

And this one's for me.  One of my favourite views in the world.  When I go here I sit and have tea and toast early in the morning and have strictly me time. I generally have a book with me but never get to read it because I'm too taken with the view. How fab is that!

Polly's Day Out

Polly has done such a wonderful job on our garden my friend wanted to borrow her for the day.  I duly put her on the lead and trotted her happily down the road where she commenced munching immediately.

I went out for a while and on returning I thought I'd better check that my friend had put out water for her.  Buffy and I went down ther but nobody was at home.  I crept in through the back gate and there was Polly sitting in the shade resting after a few hard hours at work.

There was a large bowl of water for her so I gave her a stroke and left her to it.  Oh no - she wasn't having any of it.  Now that she'd seen me and The Buff she wanted to come home with us.  I squeezed The Buff through the gate and pushed Polly back while I tried to get through myself.  She's quick though, and I mean really quick.  You try fending off 3.5 stone of determined creature with one hand while opening a gate with the other.  After a few failed attempts I finally managed it.  The gate isn't very secure so I put a brick against it but that didn't stand in her way.  Up came the front legs and she bashed it as hard as she could then made her escape.  She's hard to keep control of without a lead but I held her collar as tightly as I could.  She wasn't hanging around though, she was headed home and wasn't about to let me hold her back.  Buffy was first up the road followed swiftly by Polly dragging me behind her.

Once home she charged round our garden for a while making her presence felt then I put her back on the lead and returned her to her day nursery.  After a few bleats when I left her and she was fine.

While she was away I put myself to work deciding how to overcome my morning "polly stress".  I composed some letters to give to all neighbours within hearing distance explaining that as with a baby crying she needs to be left to bleat in the morning without me attending to her.  I asked my neighbours to be patient for a week and if it isn't resolved by then I'll look into finding her another home.  Oh how sad would that be!

I also phoned Environmental Health and explained to them what I'm doing just in case anyone puts in a complaint.  So, I've gone down all the right channels and Polly has a week to calm down between 5 and 7am.

This morning she started at 6.15am and it went on and off for about 45 mins.  Starting with a little mumble, raising to a shout and then coming down to a grumble.  This cycle took about 7 mins then she'd have a break from it but after a few minutes the mumble would start again, rising accordingly and each time finishing with a "humph" which showed her displeasure at being ignored.

That was day one - how will tomorrow go? 

Nice photos of the chooks coming up tomorrow - shots of them in their favourite places in Feathers Lodge, oh and their food toy too.  Yes, I'm teasing you with that one but patience is a virtue!

Feathers Lodge

Everything in our home has a name.  Our house is called Taihape (Maouri for where two rivers meet), our shed is called Terrence 2, our lawnmower Padraic and our car is Little Betsy.  It seemed only right therefore that after rennovating the chooks residence we gave it an official title and Feathers Lodge seemed appropriate.

The Kiwi slogged away at it for over a week putting a concrete base in to make it rat proof.  I touched up the paintwork and then we both spread out the bags of chippings to finish it off.

The photos here show their bedroom complete with perch, poop deck, steps and nesting boxes.

Then you can see Helen munching away outside their bedroom and finally the last two shots show their Conservatory where their Play House is, their Perch and their Sun Terrace with a trough underneath to sleep in.

Yet still they love to be in the garden! 

More antics tomorrow about their new "food toy" and what I've decided to do about Polly .........................

What A Madam

My goodness, it all seems to be about Polly doesn't it?  I promise to put in some photos tomorrow of Feathers Lodge but today I was at the end of my tether with the lovely Pol.

She started at 5am bleating intermittently to start with then getting more urgent as I tried to ignore her.  Even Buffy couldn't be bothered springing to her attention.  I got up, put a small bowl of food out to keep her quiet and climbed back into bed.

All quiet until 7am.  First it was the sound of the bashing that got me.  She was round in the area where her food is banging away at her food container.  She wasn't able to open it today so after a while she came to the back door and started tapping her hoof up against it.  Honestly - is there any need?!

We (The Buff and I) got up and I sat on the edge of the dancefloor stroking her but this wasn't what she wanted.  She jumped off and stood looking at the food area, then glanced back at me for a moment and then back at the food.  This went on for some time then she tired of waiting for me to attend to her needs and jumped up on the dance floor behind me and proceeded to head but me into action.

Yes, she rammed me time and time again with her head - now complete with a beautiful set of horns - and when I wouldn't do her bidding she started on Buffy.  Well, The Buff wasn't having it and went straight inside.  I wasn't giving her more food so I pulled more hay out of her bag and she was happy getting stuck into that.  Of course, as soon as I went in to feed the chooks she did her usual stomp over them and anything else that was in her way and knealt down in front of their feeder to try and get some of their pellets.

Have you ever seen anything like this?

Pollyanna is one spoilt little madam!

And they say sheep are dumb

The automatic feeder was going great guns for a week. Then I thought I'd set it wrong because it didn't seem to be turning round properly. I'd often see Pollyanna bashing it with her hoof but presumed it was sturdy enough to resist her. Yesterday it came to my attention that she'd found a way of moving it on and by 10am she'd had 3 portions! On close examination I realised that with each determined hoof hit she'd managed to break the spring load function and could push it onto the next section herself. I swiftly put a stop to this by removing the object of desire out of her reach. This morning there wasn't a sound from her so going out to see her at 8am I thought she'd be gagging for food. She had her nose pressed firmly up against the hen pen (now aptly named Feathers Lodge - but more about that tomorrow). She loves to tuck into their goodies whenever she gets the chance and as soon as their gate is open she barges past and heads straight for their feeder. Looking at that pretty (and starving - or so I thought) little face, I went to get her some breakfast. No wonder she was quiet, she'd managed to open the large plastic box we keep her food in and had obviously gorged herself senseless!

Stupid -I don't think so!