Animal Behavior

Several animal behavior situations have arisen recently that amaze Susan and me and I wanted to share those with you:

1. Our goats have learned to unlatch the farm gate at the barn and go outside on their own. We find it hard to do at times but we think Chloe as the lead goat is the ring leader. Still trying to figure this out.

2. Our cat Tom was locked in the laundry room (so we could eat dinner in peace) but was able to open the outside door to go out. The door opens to the inside which is all the more remarkable. Now we have to lock all the doors to keep the cat either in or out.

3. A pair of cardinals continues to roost outside my office window and the male is pecking continuously at the window. This is due to the reflective nature of the window and the male is protecting his female against what he thinks is another male in the window. Meanwhile I am trying to work in my office. Last year, I tried everything possible to run them off (including expert advice from a birding friend) but nothing works until it gets dark outside and the reflection is gone.

4. Our baby chickens, that have grown up to be adults, are now transitioned to the adult hen house for their nightly roost. We had left the second hen house in the chicken yard and they were using it but we wanted to put it in the garage as it was not designed to be a long term chicken house. These chickens learn fast where to go at night.

So our animals continue to amaze us with what they do.