Adventures in Animal Husbandry

While I was standing at my tiny kitchen sink washing oily breakfast dishes my children rushed inside, "Mom! Mr. Bingley (my favorite rooster) is covered in motor oil!" How he got covered in motor oil, I’m not sure, but I saw that Mr. Bingley needed that oil off him as soon as possible. We filled a bucket with rather warm water and washed him twice with my favorite fall dish soaps (Mrs. Meyers Acorn Spice and Apple cider) and then two more times with Dawn dish soap just to be sure all visible signs of the motor oil were gone from his feathers and comb. We used Q-tips to clean out around his eyes and his nostrils too. However, with the days being cooler and nights growing colder, I knew I couldn’t return Mr. Bingley to his coop being all wet, hypothermia could set in and it was very possible that he'd die. I asked my kids to I grab my blow dryer and I spent the next 20 mins or so drying every single one of his feathers and getting some snuggles in the process. It’s no secret that I love my birds. I was sure he wouldn't let me use that noisy blow dryer without freaking out, but we placed a plate before him with some food on it and he happily ate it enjoying his impromptu spa day.

Finding a chicken covered in motor oil is just one unusual situation I’ve faced while caring for my flock. Some situations I've faced are more challenging than others; animal attacks, deformed chicks, death by heat exhaustion, and prolapsed vents are particularly difficult situations, but at the end of the day, caring for a flock it’s worth every moment, even the hard ones.

Note: I've provided links to some of the items mentioned in this post and these are things, or similar things that I have used and enjoy. If you choose to purchase these items that's great, but just know that I do not expect you do. I try to purchase most items second hand and I hope you are able to do so as well. I've included links to certain items so you can gather more information about the items I'm speaking about or purchase them new if you wish. Rest assured; I don't make any money off of your purchases of any of the items I've include links for.