Tag: cat

Proof of life

On By CarynIn chickens, Coop
Installing hardware cloth around the coop

I spent most of the day installing hardware cloth around the base of the coop (in the trenches I dug earlier) to keep out digging predators. I checked under the coop with a flashlight to make sure I wasn’t locking anything in, and then Sophie casually sauntered in and refused to come out. Cat. I left the space under the front door open as I completed the rest of the perimeter so she could escape.

Proof of life. I did not trap the cat under the coop, hurray!

Once she did leave, I was able to quickly finish the install, then photographed her outside so the kids would believe me that I didn’t trap her underneath, as much as she wanted to be there! I used staples just to get the wire in place, and tomorrow I will install batten boards, since the staples won’t hold long term. I still need to put the wire around the steps too, but at least the cats shouldn’t be able to get underneath anymore.

The chicks are growing rapidly! We did a weight on everyone tonight, and some have over doubled their weight in less than a week. Tigger put on the most weight, gaining 39g. Schmoo only gained 13g. We have also put one bottle of water with only apple cider vinegar and the other with the electrolyte and probiotic solution (it really helps if I read the directions, sheesh). I raised both brooders to the second level and they seem to be OK with it. Here is a video:

Plan Your Attack

On By CarynIn meme

Our adopted outside cat is very good at getting up and down trees. Usually she zooms up the smaller post oaks to show off, but the one in this picture is the largest on the property. She looks so little and high up, yet fierce and focused.

I played with gradients and masks in Photoshop to make the lettering for this meme. I also managed to squeeze some time in during spring break to participate in one of Adobe’s Daily Challenges. If you are interested in the output, it is here.

Find the anomaly

On By CarynIn Wildlife

Pantry anomaly

One of these things is not like the others. Can you spot the anomaly? Yes, I took a picture of my pantry. I cleaned and organized it recently, and although it is not magazine worthy, it is functional. It is the lurker that was picture worthy. Here, let me help you…

Cat in the pantry

Does that help? Silly cat found the stash of paper I’m saving for the chicks. We don’t get the newspaper, so I have been saving bags and packaging paper. Now it all smells like cat. But I’ve read that chickens don’t have a great sense of smell. Probably for the best.

She would get away with it too, but the paper crinkles fiercely when she settles down, so she gets caught and shooed out.

Ice

On By CarynIn Garden

Ice scraper with ice flakes and the reflection of trees on glass

We really don’t get ice here often, but growing up in the midwest I still carry an ice scraper in my vehicle. It came in handy this morning! Yesterday was beautiful until the front came through and we dropped 30 degrees. I’ll be waiting to see what plants made it through. It wasn’t a heavy frost, but there were some very sad daffodils on our way out the door this morning.

The “catnip” that grew yesterday wanted outside, felt the cold, and immediately changed her mind and came back inside where it is warm. Temperamental plants.