And now for something completely different.

Well, at least a completely different reaction. To cockroaches. I opened the cupboard in the coop and a cockroach was clinging to the door, so I flicked it off toward the chickens (who are now always at my feet awaiting tid bits). No screaming, no shivers of revulsion, just expedient extermination. I didn’t get the greatest picture, but you can tell the chicken has something in her beak!

Chicken with a cockroach

Are you kidding me?

My weather app said the feels like temperature in the afternoon was 122. 122. Are you kidding me?

My chickens were hot, but I think just at the first stage: panting. I put out iced foot baths, cold water melon, and filled the fan cooler with ice packs. They have discovered that the dirt on the side of the coop is the coolest, and spread themselves out there.

Hot chickens

But seriously. 122? Not cool.

Live meal worm salad

For the chickens. I know meal worms are high in protein, but I don’t personally want my salad to wriggle. The chickens loved it though! I chopped basil and oregano, then sprinkled the live meal worms on top. I used a strainer to get them out of the drawer, so some of the oatmeal came with them, which actually adds a nice touch to the look of the treat. Not that the chickens care about presentation as long as it is fast.

Chopped basil and oregano with live meal worms and bits of oatmeal

Dust bath

I saw a few posts about using an old tire to make a dust bath area for chickens, so when I had my vehicle at the shop, I asked if they had any old tires I could have. They did and gave me one!

I filled it with dirt, diatomaceous earth, wood ash, and sand, as recommended. It has been sitting at the end of the covered run for some time now. The chickens like to perch on it, but I have yet to catch one dust bathing in it. Next to it, yes, but not in it. Hmm.

Old tire dust bath

Apple spoon

Here is another apple wood spoon, but with an apple tree design wood burned into the handle. I’m really enjoying making these utensils!