There's a Fox in the Henhouse

Fox Mulder that is...

I named our young rooster Fox, since one of his flock is named Agent Scully.
You X-Files fans will recognize this...

Actually last year, I thought he was a she.
He was born hatched here, just last summer.

Click here for the Blog about this young chick's start in life.

 It's hard to believe that little chick, turned into this beautiful rooster.
Fox.

And now, he returned to his birthing hatching grounds with his own flock. 

Nine (9) beautiful hens,
who lay gorgeous eggs for us each and every day.

Side bar:  We actually have two other flocks also...with a total of 4 roosters on site.
Other roosters are: 
DiNozzo, Stewie, and Charlie Sheen (yes, he looks JUST like him...seriously!)

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Perimeter Predator

Like most things in life, things happen when you're not paying attention.

 But unfortunately, things happen even if you are paying attention. 

Just last week, circa 4:00 p.m., I was feeding the two goats their grain,
as I always do,
holding the bowl while they shared.

Upon looking out into the clearing,
I see 2 coyotes trolling in the field in front of the pig fencing and round pen.  

I was standing in the background under the shade trees.

I watched for about 8 minutes, as two coyotes trotted and circled the fencing, frustrated at the rabbits who were thumping their hind legs and flitting about, running for cover,
unlike these contented rabbits pictured below... 

The next day, Russ and I walked the portable fencing to double check all the connections.

We found where "something" had tried to bolt into the fencing
and flipped the fencing upside down, in the corner.
We knew it had to be one of the coyotes trying to enter. 

Had it been our pigs, it would have been from the inside out,
and they would have made their way through.  

As it stands, our pigs have never tested the fencing since the original poke. 

This isn't the first time we've seen coyotes in broad daylight.  

It's becoming an almost daily event.  

You'll note below, the coyote isn't even alarming our horses. 

That's an indicator he's been through many times.  

The morning I scared him off by the horses, he circled around and came in closer...

 And, unfortunately, two weeks ago, 

Mr. Jitters (my Heritage breed JAVA rooster) 

was snagged by a coyote, near our main cabin.

I loved that rooster...he was my favorite of all 5.

 

Needless to say, 

I always carry my little Marlin with me now,

when I head out on trails. 

Just in case a couple coyotes try to mingle too closely with my trusty dog, Zip.
Bear in mind, I would not shoot at a coyote, just shoot to scare if off.

Although per Michigan DNR:  
Coyote may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year if they are doing or about to do damage on private property. A license or written permit is not needed.

Zip lets me know if she smells a coyote, either on the ground, or in the wind.

She's not a fan...and the hackles standing up on her back indicate such.

But even knowing they are a predator, I'm fascinated by them.

Until tomorrow, God willing...

Speaking of tomorrow...I plan on giving you a tour of our place in the next couple days...

so you can figure out just what's what, and where we are.

Perhaps we can connect the dots.

The Hatchling

Born (er...hatched) last Sunday afternoon. 

This little one is already turning color...

And Mama doesn't let her get a foot from her side.

The Wee Farm is a battlefield of crows, Blue jays, rabbits, and goats, 

which cause Mama to be protective.

I love the all-day-long happy chirping ~ heard within my Wee House walls, as the pair search for grub.

The hen house is now back to normal.

No more nest sitting.

And the proud Papa, our Java rooster, Mr. Jitters, has a new spring in his step.