Black Headed Vultures 1, Chickens 0

I just want to know why it's always a laying hen, and not a rooster. 

Not that I want to lose ANY birds to the vultures, but why not one of the fourteen roosters? 

Yesterday, it was Teeny Two, on the right,  a tiny little two year old hen who gave me a beautiful white egg every other day. 

She liked to lay late in the afternoon, but one of the elderly Japanese roosters usually accompanied her to the goat yard, where she layed in the feeder. 

Yesterday, she must have been coming back at just the wrong time. 

I found two piles of feathers, so it didn't have an easy time. 

I'm glad it had to fight. 

Poor little Teeny. 

There are sixteen birds now in a henhouse that used to house 50. 

Look what is hiding behind the zinnias.  I totally forgot I planted some Wal Mart mums back there last year, and I was hankering for orange mums, since I have so many reds and lavenders. These are a beautiful color.  I was getting ready to start pulling the zinnias out today, but it rained. 

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. 

Milkweed, minus the milkweed bugs.  I still think it's the coolest plant. 

Goats do not like rain.  They had emptied their hanging feeder by the time I got out there with the fresh water. 

I restocked them for tonight and tomorrow morning, just in case.  

It's just dark while I'm writing this, and everyone is tucked in for the night. 

I took this at dusk too, as I was finishing chores.  Just as I snapped it, Lilly lifted her head... we both heard coyotes in the corner where Spehars, Troy's and our properties meet.  

I called her up out of the pasture... one, she could take on... multiple... well... I would not want to try it. 

If you have a chance today,  please read the wonderful blogpost at The Three Muleteers .

It is on our sidebar, or the link is above, at the blog name. 

FH has written a great post about treating animals with love and empathy for training, instead of tricks and sharp discipline.  Well written, and applies to humans, too, I think.  

Your blogger is pooped out tonight and is going to get her nighties on and watch 

Dancing with the Stars and read a while before going to bed. 

I fixed our first pot of chili of the season today, too! 

Many more to come.