I may have discovered the source of Godot’s strange behaviour. 
What do you think this is? One leg is black.
Here is a close up. Is that dirt, from when he was stuck under the bush the other day? or something more sinister. 
He was fine yesterday. No limping, active. Eating drinking, Flying. Is it dirt? It seems to be mostly on the back of the leg, where he rests it on the ground. And if he had been down long enough to melt the ground a little .. well.. I don’t want to catch him. It is awful to shock wild birds like that, we can watch it with the camera. Taking an image of something like this then enlarging it later is such a useful tool.
I will do it again in a few days, we can have another look.
The others seem to be doing fine in the cold. Everyone got an extra helping of dinner last night to see them through this cold night. Sheila’s bed is so high, we have to watch that Poppy does not just step out of their pen and make a run for the verandah.
Tima and those eyes.
The kittens and dogs were allowed inside all day yesterday. Having a wrecking party.
Mischief makers.
Boo is not taking his eyes off them. No-one sleeps when there are three rascally kittens sitting next to your head, bent on mischief.
Bitterly cold last night but thankfully not so much wind. I have not looked at the temperature. Knowing does not help. And cold is relative – once it is very cold, even colder is still Very Cold. I will let you know after I have been outside. Today the wind will swing back from the North to the Sou’ west again. And though still cold for the next few days, it will not be as bad as last night. The pig porridge is on. I make them warm feed on these mornings but they have to eat very fast. No-one gets finished before it starts to freeze to the sides of their bowls.
But they are stoic, yawning and stretching in the mornings just like any morning. Especially the kune, they show no signs of cold at all. Steaming through the snow like little trains. Tima is showing signs of being in heat (at the same time as Poppy too). Best we note the date just in case. (Three months, three weeks and three days remember). She is only just old enough, but I have no intention of seperating them in this cold. I doubt very much whether Tane is fertile yet, but we shall see. Tima is a big girl, robust -‘Rubenesque’ even. I don’t mind a surprise.
I hope you all have a lovely day.
Your friend on the farm
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
39 responses to “The camera sees all”
I studied Godot’s leg, and I think I can see a little raised edge, which would mean it is dirt. Fingers crossed! no wind here today so I hope I won’t have to carry my little poodle home from our walk…
Boo and the kittens must be having a marvelous time. I bet the pigs love you for the warm porridge 😉
Your Godot looks very much like he’s gotten into some dirt that is particularly clingy.
Boo and the kittens slay me with their cuteness.
I pray you and your animals stay safe in all this cold.
You’ve warmed my heart this a.m. with those sweet images of Boo and his kitties.
And I need plenty of warmth up here in the wind-swept, bone-chilling North that is Minnesota.
Would it be possible to email that picture of Godot’s leg to the vet? In the Trib yesterday there was an article about “visiting” your doctor using your iPhone. He/she says, “Say ah,” and by looking in your mouth can diagnose and prescribe med. This will free up ERs.
goodness, e doctors, surely that is not a good idea.. imagine the miss diagnosos’ no .. that is not a good idea at all.. c
Such beautiful pictures! The gang is looking great 🙂
Take care and yes, we’ll have another look at that leg later on.
Have a great day!
Giovanna
Those photographs exude warmth and glow… so many oranges, yellows and browns… and fluffed feathers, thick tufts of fur, and bristly hair to keep the two- and four-leggeds warm during the bitter outdoor conditions. I think too, it looks like dried mud on Godot’s leg, but I’ll think positive thoughts about that. I think Mr. Wind headed south as we have it here, but alas, he has changed his mind about staying down here because now he’s headed in a northeasterly direction – back to you!! Even though the wind is out of the south down here, it is bitter cold – the coldest day so far this season! I hope you have warm clothes? Insulated pants and such?
Oh no, you are cold too.. I never go out without my insulated bib overalls and my big mans duluth jacket, mnay layers under that and two pairs of socks, -10 swedish boots and two pairs of mittens.. I do not like to be cold at all.. often I am very warm inside all my clothing.. c
Yup, that looks like dirt to me too C. There is even some tiny flecks of it on his feathered part of the leg. Fingers crossed though! Just keep thinking Nz Nz Nz next week and that will get you through this cold snap! Those naughty kittens with Boo’s eye on them even with his head down is too funny and oh so cute! You must smile all day!
I love the pic of Tima eyeing me over the fence, it was just what I needed today.
I am thinking dirt, since it is just one leg. The other possibility is mites although I don’t think mites turn legs black. Hummm..it is good to keep an eye on it!
Linda
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I certainly hope that it is just dirt. If he is eating and not limping and his eyes look normal then lets just hope. I did a quick google of peacock legs and now my eyes are scarred forever, some sights should not be seen, ever. Especially not with morning coffee.
yikes! what on earth did you see.. oh.. silly me.. never mind.. i don’t think I want to know.. c
When I looked at Godot’s leg after I enlarged the photo. To me it looks like it is probably just dirt that is caked & dried between his leg scales. If it were bleeding blood vessels or a bad bruise the pattern of discoloring would be more uniform/continuous & a darker color. Here’s hoping Godot just has dirty legs. Uncle Boo is such a good kitten manager. He does look a bit daunted by those kittens when they are full of energy & Boo is ready for a peaceful nap. How is Marmalade doing these days? I loved opening today’s post to see Tima’s eye’s peeping over the title this morning. I’m sure all the pigs enjoy having a nice warm breakfast in such cold weather. I know I would hate eating something icey cold out of a frozen bowl on a day like this. Stay warm & safe.
usually frostbite involves swelling of toes, i dont let poultry outside when there is snow on the ground, after loseing poultry toes in the past.
could he have been digging in wood ashes.?
the oldtimers here used to keep hens inside henhouse when temps are below 40, i have noticed my egg production stays up with the 40 degree rule
The barn looks so toasty and cosy. Lovely pics and story again.
I love it–a kitten with a paw on Boo’s muzzle, the next kitten with its feet on the first one’s head…just too cute! Hope Godot only got some dirt on his leg. That shot of Tima is adorable!