Hello from Chicken Paradise Hawaii! Clear blue skies again today.
The spring chicks, one year on
Ryu was born last spring, so he’s nearly a year old now. He’s grown into a really handsome rooster — hard to imagine from when he was a chick. The girls born that same spring are almost ready to start laying, and their combs are turning red. A beautiful bunch, every one.
Haku and Ryu grew up together, one white chick and one black. Haku has stayed mostly white. Maybe there’s some Leghorn in there, though the build looks a little different. Haku is the prettier of the two, and timid. Ryu is the bold one — he recently challenged the much older Iruka to a fight, and was simply brushed off.
Thank you, goats, our grass-cutting crew! In front is mom, Yagiko. The white one over there is Ghost, and the black one is Boo. They’re all girls, and Yagisuke is the only boy — who has wandered off somewhere. Boys are adventurers, I suppose.
Collecting eggs (carefully)
Excuse me, could you move a little? Ouch, ouch! Three hens in one box and only one egg, plus another in an empty box. Sumire, will you be angry if I take the egg? Yes, you will. Sorry!
The little ones’ room has broody hens too, and they’re on edge. One was sitting on three eggs. This egg has a little blood on it — I hope nobody’s bottom is hurting. And oops, I reached under scary Kombu by mistake. Kombu, you’re terrifying. Mikan, don’t peck the eggs, they’re not food! (Well, we humans do eat them. Not very fair, is it?)
Four eggs in this popular spot, two with Namiko in the dark at the back. Thank you, everyone. And Natsu is napping just outside the coop, keeping watch. Good job.
Another secret exit
Wait, Kuromame, weren’t you outside a minute ago? Someone has made a secret exit again. There are hens outside the play yard — how did you get out? And why can’t you get back in? Ah, there’s the hole. Closing it up!
The play yard is fenced with bird netting so it feels open, but sun and rain have weakened it and holes keep appearing. The chickens aren’t trying to escape; they dig along and suddenly find themselves outside. An outer fence around the farm stops them going further, but the yard is meant to be their safe zone, so I’m covering the bottom with strong, fine mesh that no one can get their neck caught in. It takes time and money, but it’s for everyone’s safety.
While I worked, Eri hopped onto my shoulder to join in. Thank you for watching Chicken Paradise Hawaii — see you next time!