Footprints in the Paint and Last Respects

Ironically, after all that drama about the heat and summer hibernation and whatnot, i got a burst of energy (and i think the temperature dropped a tiny bit), and i've been working outside for the past two days.  Hallelujah! I really enjoy working outside, so this has been very refreshing.

I think i am about to have chicks coming out of my ears, and my beautiful outdoor brooder has been unfit for habitation.  So, i really needed to do something about it.  Yesterday, i got it cleaned out and hosed out and left to dry.  Today i sprayed it for bugs, got the floor painted (or more like soaked with globs of paint) and the linoleum cut to size and nailed down (they're chickens; they don't mind the nails).  I don't know why that level of accuracy didn't occur to me when i painted and linoleumed the brooder the first time.  Maybe i was in a hurry.  But i'm very happy to have it done now.

It's a good thing it's a chicken brooder and not something i don't really want footprints in.

Silly girls.  I ought to call them the inspectors.  They really can't stand to leave anything alone.  Haha!

In other news, this Saturday is our second (and i assume final) summer slaughter for 2010.  I am very sad to report that my dearly loved and treasured Magnus will be among those led to the slaughter.

Sadly, Magnus has proven that he is unwilling to be rehabilitated and that he will continue to attack children and adults alike if they happen to look in the wrong direction while he's around.  Thus, i must keep my word and keep my home safe and have Magnus for dinner.  Mean ol' Magnus!

Joining Magnus in his ultimate destiny will be

Little Guy

The Red Guy

Junior

and Edgar

And after we empty the rooster pen of these guys, the circle of life will continue as Mathilde hatches her little babies and gets to spend her days in the pen with her darling little ones.

Mathilde with her potential young

That's all for now.  Stay tuned for Deep Fried Cayenne Peppers!