07/16/2026
Y’all I am feeling it. Between the hard molts, slow digestion, broody chickens and the 100 degree weather and the wildfire smoke from the North, I can’t remember the last time I felt this overwhelmed. Taking care of my animals is usually the best part of my day, but guys, have you ever had to keep a silkie going through a very hard molt entertained indoors for days?! Her favorite source of entertainment has been p**ping, stepping in it, tracking it in as many places in her enclosed area as she can and ensuring p**p is getting stuck within her pin feathers. Once per day? HA! No no no, Dolly most LOVE a foot spa because my girl keeps getting one. Over. And over. And OVER again. Now, the p**p is gross, that is definitely one factor. But those of you who are not chicken keepers may not be thinking of another. During the summertime in Michigan, it’s a right of passage to bust out the fly swatter. I have a fancy leather one, I get this fly lunacy from my mother. I hate flies in the house, who doesn’t? But the thing is, when chickens go through a hard molt they’re prone to pin feathers breaking, causing potential wounds. Do you know who would just love a wounded p**py foot? A fly. I’ve dealt with respiratory infections this year, egg bindings, mites, and I am telling you what I better not have to deal with fly strike because that will be too much! So between the hens inside and spraying the ground down and changing out water for the ones outside all while the air is burning my lungs and having a chronic illness, I’m all the kinds of exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally. Keep me in your thoughts, I think it’s supposed to rain tomorrow!
