There are advantages to keeping horses and raising chickens in the same pasture. The hens scratch through the horse manure, spreading it so it doesn't create a bare spot in the pasture, or become an incubator for parasites to grow. The chickens eat any undigested feed so it's a good symbiotic relationship {win win}.
Every now and then though, the girls do get into a little trouble. For instance, in order for the horses to have access to the water troughs the chickens also have access. Sometimes {like this Saturday} they get brave and decide to perch on the edges of the trough, dipping their beaks in for a little sip. Sometimes they get more than they bargained for....like this girl did.
Every now and then though, the girls do get into a little trouble. For instance, in order for the horses to have access to the water troughs the chickens also have access. Sometimes {like this Saturday} they get brave and decide to perch on the edges of the trough, dipping their beaks in for a little sip. Sometimes they get more than they bargained for....like this girl did.
A water trough is one of those tricky situations; it's easy to get into but not so easy to get out. Chickens float but given the water is cold and it's December, freezing is a larger concern than drowning. Luckily Robert saw her take a dip, ran over and rescued her! He enters the house with a wet chicken wrapped in a towel and immediately I know the drill. If my sister-in-law hadn't been there to point out how hilarious the situation was it might have been lost on me...this ain't our first rodeo, it's become commonplace for Robert and me. But as Elizabeth pointed out, "it's not every day you see a chicken getting her hair...or feathers...done"! She warmed up and returned to the coop just fine. Thought you might get a kick out of seeing how we spend our weekends! |