This is a scene I happen upon quite often lately. The chooks put the kittens down for their afternoon nap then slowly surround them. Babysitting. These two sister chickens are always the closest to the kittens. You may remember them from the spring when they were job sharing one small chick, who they eventually lost.
Now they have taken over the duties of babysitting the kittens. If I had zoomed out further you would have seen more chooks and all the peacocks, who often make up the outer circle but they all moved off when I appeared. 
But these two who would not leave their babysitting posts for all the tea in china. This little scene is usually in a sunny corner, I am not sure why the babies were put to bed in the calfs pen yesterday afternoon. Bobby was outside.
Now look below – do you see what I see?
Yes. Someone broke the sheep’s door. Maybe Mia and Mama are getting too fat to fit through the door anymore, or maybe they all decided to try and go through at the same time with Hairy being a bit rammy. Old barn doors that are frozen to the ground break easily. This goes on the repairs list. And when it thaws a bit more today I shall dig out the door and push it along to make the gap wider. 
We went for a walk yesterday. 
My friends and I, though Daisy is in a crazy mood lately
chasing everyone and larking about. Once we got out in the field she was more interested in finding a little grass to pull up.
Li’l Puss rides on my shoulder most of the time that I am in the barn ( he uses his claws if you try to shift him off before he is ready), and follows along behind when I am out and about. He has been seen jumping onto the backs of cows. Queenie does not seem to mind but Daisy always startles and looks back in that totally dislocated way that cows can and says Get Off. But L’il Puss will only get off if he is close enough to a fence for a dignified dismount. I will get a shot of this one day soon.
The Daily View.
Good morning. Today will be another warmish day so we will spend time outside doing repairs and mucking out pens while it is comfortable to work out there. John is still off work (he does not work in the winter) so this is the time of year to get ahead on the heavy chores if we can get outside.
Daisy, who went through a period of good behaviour, has started jumping and kicking again during the second half of her milking, I will test her again for mastitis, then as soon as her homeopathic remedies arrive (today hopefully) I shall begin to transition her to once a day milking (OAD). This will take the pressure off everyone (though The Bobby will need to be weaned from milk if her production drops too far) and I will move her milking time to late morning when it is warmer. The plan is that I can milk her once a day through to the spring when I will get her pregnant again. So let’s hope that plan works out. Once a day milking is much easier on the cow and the humans. My research tells me that I can expect anything from a 10% to a 30% drop in milk. Though the fat content will be higher and the cow will put on some weight. I will be vigilant as far as health goes as the risk of mastitis over that transition period is much higher. But it is time. I have pushed her far enough.
You all have a lovely day. We will.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
71 responses to “Chooks are very strict Babysitters”
Daisy has a very caring human !! There is so much more to this whole
“milk cow” than appears. I thought walking to and fro to pasture was
the biggest responsibility !! I continue to look forward to checking in on
the Farmy every morning !! I hope you have a peaceful day.
There was a whole book in your post this morning Celi. I am rooting for success with the lovely Daisy. I yearn for your sunny skies. It has been relentless rain here – the most in 4 decades. Have a great day. V.
Is it your best guess that the kittens will remain friends with the chooks? I’m surprised by the relationship, but it’s precious. I hope the homeopathic remedies come in today for poor Daisy. There is so much to balance there on the farmy! The daily view is beautiful. I must have missed the post when the car (was that the vehicle?) moved. I enjoy watching snow levels.
Historically if an animal is at ease with another when he is little then it will carry on but with less of the cuddly. Thing One will still hang out with Daisy but does not sleep with her anymore. Those baby animals just love everyone.. so sweet.. c
Thanks for responding, Celi. I think it’s just fascinating to watch the animals have their own little social interactions. There’s a lot to learn from them, I’m sure! 🙂
I am starting to wonder who rules the roost around the farmy – very intelligent animals or you! Happy Tuesday:)
I try to think that I am in charge.. c
Glad to hear YOU are in Charge:)
What an awesome babysitting service! Hope Daisy feels better soon!
beutiful post 🙂
Once a day milking, in the dead of winter, will be lovely….for all! And if you have to…you can get calf milk replacement. But the baby is looking old enough to start handling life without Mom’s milk.
Although, range cows will keep their calves until, and even beyond, the next calf is born. Not a good idea.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
I am glad you say that, I need to keep her healthy, we have a long way to go yet.. c
How cute are those hens!! All looks well in your world, Celi. 🙂 xx
It´s all looking so beautiful! Chickens are such funny Little things. Ours are often “herded” back into their área of the olive grove by our pups if they wander too far 🙂
I hope the chooks can keep the kittens away from the coyotes…
I’m in Napier for the next few days… Thinking of you 🙂
My home town, how cool of you to remember, say hi to the each for me and lovely Marine Parade.. c
Who knew that chickens would babysit cats and that the cats wouldn’t try and chase them? I sure didn’t, but everyone looks pleased with the situation. Those shush sisters sure are looking fine, fat and sassy!
That is so adorable with the kittens and I love reading about the others animals as well. You could be the new E.B White 🙂
P and I think it’s extraordinary that the hens would care for those kittens as they do. Wonderous. Good evening. c. Time for bed. 🙂
Ni Night.. c
Best story I’ve heard all week. (Gawd, I love those chooks and kittens!)
Well, I have learned something again: never mind the chook babysitters, did not know kittens went down like babies for afternoon naps :)! Love the look of the daily view today . . . and the assuredness in Li’l Puss’s gait!!
cats love naps.. c