Hi guys, been so busy lately I haven't had much time to get over here. My ideal solution for the geese (or ducks) would be for them to have separate quarters. Removing the food and water overnight is also a way of managing the mess. I did think of a solution, a compromise, that I think would work, but I doubt we will get it implemented for this winter. My idea is to build a sort of secure mini-run just outside the goose pop-hole. Really secure... even rodent-proof. It would have a gate to the larger run and a divided leather or canvas curtain over the pop-hole to cut the drafts. I would roof it too to help keep the snow out. The geese could then go out for food or water - they don't mind the dark - and whatever critters are in the other half of the building (rabbits this year) would not be subjected to so much dampness indoors. I have a buyer for my five mixed-breed young geese who will be ready for them in about a month. So I will only have four in there this winter, but even four can spray a lot of water around. I will have to monitor the situation closely to make sure the rabbits are not suffering respiratory problems as a result. No Suzie, a roost hood is NOT a nightcap for roosters. LOL. I can just see the chickens lined up on the roost with matching knitted toques. Red, with pom-poms would be nice, I think. Sheila, I am going to post a link for you. It is for a range brooder, not a roost hood, but the construction would be similar and the purpose - keeping birds warm - is the same. You would need more of a long rectangle than a square and hung over the roost rather than over the ground, but I think the picture will give you the idea. And it's an interesting site anyway. Nice to be back here. I missed you guys! Here is a link that might be useful: Range brooder to modify as a roost hood.

Will your tractor pull a box blade with rippers?

It sounds like you had some percipitation followed by unusual cold and the bud was damaged. Tug on the center new spears - do they pull out. Treat with hydrogen peroxide as TZ said. You may also "carefully and gently" cut down the rotted material trying not to damage the bud to see if she survived. Meanwhile, if it were me, I'd plant another pindo since you have the knack for it now. In winter cover it with a plastic trash can on cold spells and during ice/snow. You may also plant it on the warm side of your home (southside) for better results.

I do have an update. I went home Friday determined to either separate it, break it or both :D . I *did* get it apart at last. Here's what happened if anyone else finds themselves in this situation. :o I spoke to customer service again. The 3rd person recommend trying to remove the 'test value' (the bolt on the side) to allow the pressure vacuum to be released. They also told me that if that didn't do it and something had probably fused within the threads then there wasn't much hope. I got the value off no problem and it didn't budge. The unofficial solution: (aka proceed at your own risk) I popped into boiling water, hoping to loosing it off or perhaps boil off residue that maybe in the threads of rubber seal. I let it cool over night in the water. No movement. Dried it off. I turned it upside down and again tried to soak the treads with oil. I left it for an hour and tried again. Nothing. Finally reached my 'by any means' point and grabbed a screwdriver, shoved it in the hole left by the removed test value, bracing it against the inside of the water pot. Then, grabbing the upper portion's handle and heaved: IT GAVE WAY. Course I had the scrub the heck out of after a week+ sitting around and being exposed to tools etc. :) So far, so good: I've ran 3 test runs with water with no problems and 2 caps this morning. It opened no problem! :o *fingers crossed it stays that way*