The snow is melting and we had "ice out" in the duck pools.

 Basically I pried the remaining huge ice chunks out of the ducks pools so I could fill them with nice water. The first paddle of the spring is always special for them.

 

Dust Bathing Beauties, rescue bantams are enjoying life.

 It's warm enough in the greenhouse to get the rescue bantams out for a little while some days. I'm hoping some fresh air, sunshine and just doing normal chick things will help them to continue to heal and thrive. They love dust bathing in the dry dirt in the greenhouse!

 

Getting the rescue bantams outside 4/1 and 4/2

 The sun was out today so I was able to get the rescue bantams out in the greenhouse again for some fresh air and sunshine. I brought out one of their brooder heater plates (that replicate a mother hen's warmth) in case they felt chilled but they loved pecking around and playing in the dirt. 

Back in the house they enjoyed a clean brooder cage as I now have two set up, their regular one and a larger one I call the play cage, for those days it's too chilly for them to go outside.

 There's still a lot of snow around outside but the ducks found a nice muddy puddle where some had melted to paddle around in a bit. 

 And a few more baby bantam photos, they're doing well though the smallest one still has some issues due to the poor care they received in the feed store.

 

Rescue Bangtams slowly improving

The bantams are still pretty sick but making progress. Pasty bottom is slowly resolving after many warm soaks of the area and applying olive oil or ointment. Two have quite bald spots at the back where the problem had been very bad.Apple cider vinegar is in the water. Getting them out in the warmth of the greenhouse for a dust bath has helped too. Also I wanted them to have that experience of the outdoors in case they don't have long lives. They are still quiet and worried but eating well and putting up with needed treatments. I know from their looks that two are silkies but no idea what the other two are.

 

Rescue Bantams

 We came across some bantam chickens in a dire situation at a feed store. We took home the ones which looked the worst. Two in particular seemed in such bad shape that they could not possibly make it another 24 hours. Severe pasty bottom, overcrowding and a dirty living space were their lot. We did what we could and now they are living the good chicken life with our flock but those first days were worrying and I didn't think the sickest two would make it. I thought I brought them home to be comfortable for their last hours but they are strong and survived! They were about 7- 10 days old when I found them.

Snowy, Icy Dog Walk and downed trees 3/18/23

The recent storm knocked down many trees and branches, much clean up to e done around the farmyard and gardens.

The lake is still l icy but the snow on top is melting.