Just Chickens Today

You have all been very patient with my addiction, love for chickens. I admit to thinking I had perfect chickens. As chickens go there is very little fighting that goes on in my chicken coop. They are very sociable chickens and like to stay with me where ever I am. I have a terrible deed to tell of my chickens and this is not for the faint of heart.

 These little chickens are innocent and not involved in the story at all. I just liked the picture. I don't think these guys would do what happened the other day in my coop.

I hate to admit this to you, but I am terrified of mice. Sasha knows when I scream that I have just seen a mouse or a leaf or a piece of paper, being so scared of mice, I scream at anything that moves. This winter I had some field mice move in to my coop. Now they are fat and healthy and imagine a circle with a tail and cute little ears. They are tiny about the size of a silver dollar. That is how I thought I would draw them if I ever drew a picture because they are cute. Except, for my fear.
I have a small chicken feeder and the field mice fill it up with dirt in the bottom I think they want to make a house in it so every time I feed I lift it up and knock the dirt out. Sometimes I see a mouse and drop it and run and sometimes I don't.

The other day, I lifted the feeder and a mouse just sat there, quick as a wink, one of the hens ran over and snapped that mouse right up in her beak. I was so shocked. Mortified is a better word. They began to play chicken football with the mouse. It squeaked. I will stop right there as it was graphic. I left. I just walked away so I have no idea what happened, but of course, having a good imagination I have a idea.

I thought it was a total fluke. I didn't think it would happen again. Until Saturday when I was cleaning and rearranging my chicken pen and came across another mouse. This time there was no hesitation. They went for it. I guess they like chicken football.
So now I am feeling sort of sick about my perfect chickens. I know what this means they need protein. I am at a loss though to figure out in what form. Milk maybe or cheese. So if any of my chicken owning friends have any ideas I would appreciate it. With the new chicks coming in May, I do not want the new girls learning such a terrible habit.

It is Monday again, I hope you have good start to this new week. We have a lovely rainy day. We have had so few this year, this one is such a treat. It smells like spring outside. I have decided I just have to accept that winter is over for us. Our almond tree started blooming on Saturday, the rest of the trees are soon to follow.
Thanks for stopping by today,
~Kim~