it hasn't been a good week

losing marguerite and cleo this week within two days of each other was bad
cleo i always figured would not last long,
she was always so weak compared to her sisters

marguerite was old
this strain of chicken doesn't seem to live too long
sharon died a while back of retained eggs
we just thought she was broody
but this strain doesn't live too long
their brother larry died at about 4 months old
most likely of heart failure, as he like marguerite died in his sleep

i am grateful for that

just like little cleo dying in her sleep as well

i put momma duck in with phoebe and lillianna now
she's getting along with them more or less
the girls are bullying her a bit
i told her to bite them back.....after all she is WAY bigger then they are

i been spending a lot of time with them
i've been having them out to graze and bath
momma learned how to climb in and out of the small baby wading pond
she is learning to follow the girls
and that if i call them over, normally i have a treat for them
blueberries or worms

i am cleaning pens
i got part of the close to the house pen done
it was loaded with worms under the hay
they ate a LOT while i was mucking it

i'll most likely finish it today
then i will be doing the day pen out back
all the wet hay is going to go in the garden to smother weeds


i have to say
this is not only a bad week here
but losing two of my favorite birds in two days shouldn't be allowed
it's just not right

vi