Oh Woe is Me and the Chickens

There is a mighty mite infestation in the chook house. One chook has already died. I’m battling on all fronts to bring it under control with an end focus of total eradication. I’ve made headway in some areas but the little buggers just keep on coming. To top it all off I think [okay I know but I’m clinging to the security of denial] there are fleas in residence in the chook house also.  A quick check revealed both dogs are flea free, a small but gratefully received gift. This current wave of stinking hot weather followed by heavy rain followed by stinking hot weather is a major contributing factor.

That and our seemingly inability to keep the sparrows – mite carriers – out of my chook house.

A huge focused effort was put into, yet again, sparrow proofing.

Today in a complete mystery 3 of my 4 fake eggs have disappeared. Gone. Vanished. Aside from the 4^th egg being found out in the run the whereabouts of the others remains unknown. I have my suspicions on who the fake egg stealing thief might be.........a four legged gate jumping wheat stealing 1 year old puppy. Last seen looking guilty and avoiding eye contact on the right side of the gate near said chook house.

To make matters worse in regular maintenance and cleaning in the chook house those tiny not quite microscopic mites disguised as particles of dust find it hugely amusing to jump on board...ME! OMG! While they present no actual physical harm feeling them crawling around just freaks me out. Long showers and on occasion more than one consecutively are an absolute must. Paranoia has kicked in and a gentle  breeze skimming across my skin has me rushing to rub, swish and scratch in the attempts to annihilate any unwelcome uninvited creepy crawly damn bug.

So let me sum up the joys of my life in this current moment [total sarcasm there];

1.       the chook house has a mite [and flea] infestation

2.       one chook has succumbed to the onslaught

3.       3 fake eggs have been taken in a previously unforeseen theft

4.       I have particles of dust crawling around on me [as in mites]

5.       As much as I hate to admit it I am still on the defensive in the attack on mites

6.        And bloody annoyingly I think the fake egg thief  may have lucked out and stolen [as in eaten] a real egg, as there is no evidence I cannot confirm this.

7.       Sparrows are still getting in and I’m damned if I can figure out how.

And now it’s time to don my go into the chook house and clean out nesting boxes and spray again suit – gumboots, daggy pants, long sleeved top, gloves and a hat.  Given it’s 30 odd degrees outside it’s not comfortable but I’ll forgo creepy crawlies for a bit of sweat. After all my reward is a cleansing shower and yet another hair wash.

Why do I have chickens you might ask??

Well, it’s obvious isn’t it??

They are so much fun!

Nameste

Breezi’s Spirit