This weeks weekend view is all about peonies, gardens and inspiration.
Peonies
I bought a few peony plants to add to the garden yesterday. I found them at Home Depot in the prettiest blush and whites- and so, I loaded up a few into the car. As in 18 of them. I know. I know. 18? Yeah, the new patio/ garden area we are working on is a big one and we will be working out in the yard all weekend to get it going.
Olive Basket
I had a lot of questions about how to create this olive basket- I did take some video footage while working on it and will be showing the two baskets side by side again as well as the how-to. And on Monday- am showing another way to use this-(and you might be surprised!) so stay tuned for that.
Mrs. Cochin
Our sweet girl Mrs. Cochin got sick on Monday and sadly, passed away a few hours later. She was one of 2 bantam Cochin chickens we had in the mix of all silkies- and so- they became Mr. & Mrs. Cochin. 🙂
We had noticed on Sunday evening when we brought her out into the yard that she wasn’t running around as much but she seemed okay otherwise. We thought she might be starting to lay eggs again and she always got a little quiet before she would lay an egg -so it wasn’t usual. But the next morning she was not doing well. We called our vet and he recommended a different veterinarian who sees chickens on occasion and we rushed her right over. The vet was not sure what was wrong but was going to give her some antibiotics to see if it helped but she passed just shortly after getting there. The veterinary manager who has chickens said she thought it was an infection from sour crop as she had just lost one of her birds to it recently as well. We are sure going to miss this sweet girl.
Someone had questioned why we would take a chicken to the vet and pay to try and save her. I understand that not everyone feels the same about animals but it didn’t ever cross our minds to do anything different. We would do what we could to save Any animal if we were able to.
Greenhouse
We are getting ready to plant veggies in the greenhouse. LOTS of veggies going in the garden this year and I am excited to get them going. I am going to start sharing more garden bits here- more about the process of starting seeds to moving them to the beds and also our plans for expanding the veggie garden area as well.
Wandering
I did a bit of wandering on the web again this week- here are some of the things I am loving.
Collect: Love this collection of cranberry glass– and I am not convinced I might need to add some to my collection too.
Inspire: Love this post about choosing paint-and this house & Farrow & Ball colors- beyond beautiful!
Make: Have a dough bowl but not sure what to do with it? Love this idea- so pretty for spring!
Have a beautiful weekend all!
Thank you so much for shouting out my dough bowl!
You are the best!
Happy day!
karianne
I am so sad to hearing that mrs Cochin has gone to sleep. She looks so gentle and BEAUTIFUL.
I just love chooks to me they are PEACEFUL WATCHING and listening to their little sound. I mean free RANGING.
Colleen
Yes they are such sweet birds and are so fun to watch!
My question re: why would you take a chicken to the vet would be WHY wouldn’t you do that? An animal in distress deserves to be looked after!!!
That is exactly how we feel. I understand that not everyone looks at animals the same-so I try to give them grace – but I simply cannot imagine feeling that way.
Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss! MRS. COCHIN will live on in your hearts and memory. My husband and I had chickens, ducks and geese at our last home. I was warned to not name them or become close, but we couldn’t help ourselves. We named and loved them all. They each take on special PERSONALITIES. I’m sure you already know this, but if I can be of any help to you, I noticed in a recent blog that your sweet husband makes them yummy plates delicious enough for humans to eat. Just want to make sure you are aware of adding “GRIT” TO their food. It helps KEEP them from choking from their regular meals. Choking is not always an obvious sign.
Hugs from me to you! 🙏
So sorry about your losS why would uou Not take her to the vet??
I guess some people would consider chickens to be more of a farm animal for eggs or meat and not a pet maybe? (we are vegetarians) And since vet visits can be expensive- maybe that is something they would not do or be able to do. I am not sure.
I So APPRECIATE your note! Yes we do add grit to their food- and are now adding ACV to their water everyday as well. The food my husband makes is a mish-mash of veggies & yogurt or sometimes cheese- all blended up. We named our birds too- they are so sweet and will come running when you call them. They bring a lot of smiles and joy as you know! ❤️
Courtney,
I know if I had chickens or any living animal, I would attempt to get professional help for it. Your sweet chicken sounds like she was a prize. I’m so sorry for your loss. My son and daughter-in-law has a bunny and they live in Austin. Their rabbit became ill during the unexpected snow and freezing temperatures. He lives in the house but the house was so cold due to the power being out. It took them some serious searhing to find a vet that would treat their rabbit.
Love your beautiful blog.
Karen
Finding a vet to treat animals other than dogs or cats can be hard for sure! Our usual veterinarian referred us to one who sees chickens or other small animals on occasion- but even he was not too familiar with chicken issues as they are not his usual clientele. I am glad that your son and daughter in law found someone who was able to treat their rabbit too!
so sorry for your loss of Mrs cochin- sadly not everyone treats their pets/animals with care and consideration of their health. she was a lucky girl!
She was a such a sweetie.
I cannot believe sOmeone would sAy SOMETHING Like that about a living creature!
Sorry
I was pretty surprised too. I understand some people feel differently- but cannot imagine saying anything like that to someone else.
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT MRS COCHIN PASSED AND THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED MEAN EMAILS REGARDING TAKING HER TO THE VETS. YOUR ACTIONS SHOW THAT YOU ARE A CARING PERSON AND HAVE A BIG HEART. I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME. PEOPLE NEED TO GET THEIR OWN CLOSETS IN ORDER AND STOP PASSING JUDGEMENT ON OTHERS!
Awl, I am so sorry you lost your sweet feathered friend. that is just so sad.
you sure are busy with all the gardening and such – how exciting.
remember peonies love sun. mine are now too much in shade since our trees have grown so fast – going to have to move or give away. they haven’t produced much due to lack of sun. same with my roses. doggone my bad planning. ugh.
I too used to have chickens.Very sad when they get sick and die. Matter of fact my woods have a CEMETERY of my dead chickens. Grit can help with sour crop. I too brought my chickens at times to the vet. I also once paid for a vet to come to our home when my rooster was very ill to put him to sleep.
A vet once told me its better to feed them store bought chicken food. I used to give them a combo of organic chicken food and crushed corn. Their treats were corn muffins. In time the pain will decrease but mrs cochin will always be in your heart.
My condolences on the loss of Mrs. Cochin. She was so beautiful and well loved. Thank you for all the things you share and the beauty you bring into our lives!
I am sorry about your sweet bird! She was quite lovely.
18 peonies sound like a dream, I have 6 plants that I put in last year, I would pack in more but we only have a small area for full sun…you can never have enough peonies!
I have no idea why this is all caps, I promise I am not yelling at you. 🙂
Weird, it switched to normal type when I posted…ignore the all-caps comment. 🙂