UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

As the heat of summer has continued to plague us in North Carolina, the chickens are struggling.

Even though I provide them with shade, it only mitigates the issue in a limited manner. As we move the tractor from one spot to the next, the ground is left with piles of feathers they have shed in an effort to cool themselves. I feel sorry for them as I watch them panting in the heat and have continued to give them treats from the refrigerator and freezer to help them cool down.

Well, one of those treats has caused a rather funny side effect …

The other day I gave the chickens some frozen elderberries to enjoy. The next day I noticed Olive’s backside and thought, “How odd.”

Later both Oscar and I were working in the chicken run, and, noticing it again, I said to Oscar, “What’s do you think is wrong with Olive’s bum?” He reminded me about the elderberries.

“Ohhhhhh. Noooo.”

Hahahaha – the elderberries stained the chickens’ rumps as they pooped out the elderberries and now ….

My chickens have black butts!

We will have to wait until those feathers fall out before that little issue is resolved. In the meantime, I laugh every time I see them!