Unwanted Visitors ...

This week has been a busy one ~ spent lots of time running off unwanted guests from the chicken coop.  We found two hens that had expired at the hands ... or paws of another animal.  This sparked hubs to get out the game cameras and set the heart-smart traps.  We even spent several mornings, before the sun came up, stalking the potential suspect.  You have to understand ~ we don't have just any chicken coop.  These girls are soooo spoiled.  They have a barn paddock all to themselves, they have an electronic door that goes up in the morning and down in the evening just before dark.  They are protected from predators.

Well here is what we found ~

We think Mr. Fox is the primary suspect.  He figured out where the hens live and when their door opens ~ and he was waiting, yes, seriously he was waiting for them to come down their ramp.  He was a beautiful animal ~ he seemed to look me right in the eye and was very graceful when we released him.

Rocky Raccoon ~ how can you not love this guy?  Look at that face!  He was probably just at the wrong place at the wrong time.  We have lots of raccoons that we trap and relocate all summer long and they have never bothered the chickens.  So he is off the hook for now.

Flower the Skunk was probably at the wrong place also.  We worry more about him with our dogs than with the chickens.  He will surely do a number on them (the dogs) if he gets close enough and they make him mad.  We've had many early mornings mixing up the recipe and scrubbing the girls, washing their faces as their eyes get so irritated.  Even after bathing them over and over again with the "special" wash they still are stinky girls.  They know it too ~ looking at us with those sad faces.

For now the hens are safe!  Back to free range during the day ~ and egg production has picked up again.

Have a blessed day!

Rain Rain Rain!!

We had several days of rain showers and what a blessing for the land and the animals.  Coming back home from the Phoenix area we stopped at the Salt River Canyon to enjoy the rushing water.  This is one of our favorite potty stops ... now that the rest area is open again!

This is a favorite stop for the grandkids also ~ rock tossing contests into the river below is quite fun.  The red bridge is the "new road", we stay off of this one.  We have our fun on the "old road".  

Oh no ...

We enjoy our birds every single day ~ rain or shine, warm or cold weather.  I always get nervous when I see these beautiful hawks hanging out in the trees.  I know what they're hunting for and it's not .. the suet or sunflower seeds.  Hubs took a picture real quick before we had to run him off.  Last year we had a Cooper's Hawk, the biggest hawk we have ever seen with a 3' wing span ~ He got ahold of one of our full grown chickens and while the hawk was hanging on to her she scrambled under the outbuilding.  She was fighting for survival and he wouldn't let go.  We heard the commotion and ran outside thankfully we were able to rescue her.  She was not injured except missing feathers .. but the girls were all "chicken" for several days after that.  I don't blame them ~ I was too.

Cauliflower Soup

This was my first attempt at Cauliflower Soup and it's delicious!  You won't be sorry!

1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets (about 5-6 cups)
1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 cups water
2 tsps chicken bouillon
3 Tbls butter
3 Tbls all purpose flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 to 1 tsp hot pepper sauce, optional (a must for my family)

1.  In a large pot, combine cauliflower, carrot, celery, onion, water and bouillon.  Bring mixture to boil then reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until veggies are tender.  Do not drain.  The liquid will barely cover the veggies.

2.  In another large saucepan, melt the butter for the roux.  Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth.  Whisk the milk in slowly.  Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir the mixture for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Reduce heat.  Stir in cheese until melted.  Add hot pepper sauce.  Stir into the cauliflower mixture until combined.

3.  Puree about 2 1/2 cups of the soup in the blender and pour back into the soup.  This makes the soup extra creamy.

Source:  Slightly adapted from Taste of Home.

Happy Tuesday ~ make it an awesome day!