Two Gone

We came home the other day from church to find the dogs looking guilty. One was hovering over a dead chicken by the side door. The other was inside, yes inside, the chicken fencing. We found a second dead chicken out by the coop.

Things always seem to happen while we're all gone. It might help to have a camera outside just so we would know what really happened.

I realized later that the electric fence wasn't turned on which might have prevented the chickens getting out and the dogs getting near them.

It's always sad when you lose an animal, but this was disappointing because one of them was the rare breed chicken that came with the chicks, and we hadn't even identified the breed yet. 

Our chicken count is now 33, 16 older hens and 17 new pullets. Hopefully the new chicks should be laying in a few weeks.

Gloves

One of the most valuable tools for outdoor work is a good pair of gloves. Finding a good pair takes time and effort - trial and error. I've learned the hard way to always wear gloves anytime I go outside to do work.

I've used several pairs in the past few years and think I've finally found the right pair for me. I have only realized their value because they are wearing out and need to be replaced. 

The pair I've been using is a Carhartt brand. They have been hard wearing and thick enough to keep my hands warm and to protect them without being too thick to restrict movement. They are easy to put on with elastic around the wrist, rather than a velcro strap like my last pair from Schmidt. The thing I most like about them is that they are lined inside with soft fabric, which prevents chafing and blisters you sometimes get with other gloves. They also protect my nails, on those rare occasions when I'm worried about a manicure. 

I ordered a new pair, which I thought was the same, but have now realized they aren't as thick, and aren't lined inside.