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.

Listen to me, Tisha, just stand by her the best you can---you do know only part of the story---and even if it is in response to outside factors, the pain to HER is still real. I've included a link that might help. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/factitious_disorders/hic_munchausen_syndrome.aspx My sister Margie, was diagnosed with Manchausen's years ago by one of the many Dr's she saw sometime after our Mom died. We know she did have Lyme's Disease from a tick bite she got in Ct. while delivering a horse----down here in the South----it had barely ever been heard of at that time---the aches and hurting joints all played their part in her suffering, though. Margie, after years of missing Mom so much, (They were celestial twins in the universe. They loved and fought each other more than anyone else on earth..) she began to rely more and more on painkillers---her husband would call and I would go over and try to help, but finally gave up----she was too much out of control and would go into screaming frenzies---we were never very close and that made it easier for me to just stay away from her. Margie's husband called early one morning to say she had died sometime in the early morning hours in a bathtub, with a syringe with partially dissolved painkiller medication in it. We went to St. Mary's Hosp. in Richmond to see her. I walked in the room with my family and and it was the FIRST time I'd seen peace on her face since our Mom died in 1984. Margie died July 27, 1997. I was relieved to see peace, not pain. She had a wisp of a smile on her face----the same sweet smile she had when she was a little girl.... I'm telling you this because you will always be plagued with questions. You will NEVER know the whole truth. It's her journey, Tisha and you can only help so much. Someday, you might not be able to help at all. What you CAN do is try your best to support her, even if it's a 'Thinking of You Card' in the mail--it's something positive for her to connect with....being remembered. Just let her know you still care about her. ---And you can pray for relief and support for her, and guidance and patience for you. One thing that has gotten me through some rough times is the uncanny way 'Lucky Pennies' would always show up when I needed a boost. I would be doing some dirty job, tired and worried----and suddenly, there would be a Lucky Penny, right in front of me, waiting. I always heard the words, 'I Am with you' in my heart, with each penny I picked up out of the dirt and grime. It helped immensely. It never hurts to say a little prayer. I send you warm support, prayers, and a great big hug to help you along, Tisha.

You can buy a pan to put beneath the set, and follow the manual's instructions so you don't void the warranty. I don't know what she meant by "prop up" the machine, but definitely get the pan.

I'm not familiar with Oakley climate- is it more bay or more-say- Concord like? They like all the heat they can get,but hate frosts at that size. Its already sending out growth,so what you should do is just wait a little longer and in April or May find a spot that gets all day sun,has good water drainage,and I would recommend mixing in some perlite with the soil you dig up- LIBERALLY- with perlite,maybe some compost ( mild) and if you can,a hot wall nearby will help. I wouldn't worry about the foliage- its just been roughed up going from wholesaler to Lowe's,to you,inside,outside,etc. They can be grown in large pots. But,in ground is what you really want..a tree you can pick real fruit from. Container growing is nice if you have ten different tree's..something like that. But one plant? Just remember my law- PROTECT FROM 32F FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS. After that they can take a light frost or short 32 in stride.