People may question our philosophy of live and let live here at the WD, but it makes for interesting experiences (and hopefully a more balanced environment). It is true that from time to time Rodie will pick off a finch or a baby quail, or a rattler will capture a rodent, but we all have to eat. It is not that there are no rules: the house is for people and pets, and in the garden I will negotiate.
Last year we replaced the wood siding on the coop with metal and evicted entire populations of mice, and there is a lot less evidence of mice getting into the chicken food or water. But there is one mouse that has gotten bold enough to make his bed in one of the nesting boxes. He, or she, made a nice little cup in the bedding and has pulled in a number of chicken feathers to stay warm. Initially I disturbed the little nest every day, but hey, it is freezing at night.
Of course I never see the mouse, he is long gone by the time I come to check eggs. I wonder though if he will show tonight. I came within 3 feet of a barn owl that was roosting on the porch of shop/shed, next door to the coop, at 9 this morning. Now if only I would have been able to get a photo of the owl.
1 comment:
A critter or two makes life more interesting .... as you have found. As long as s/he doesn't eat too much and doesn't have babies it shouldn't be too bad. Enjoy!
First cold day today, but 60-70 for Christmas. weird.
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