AntiqueB 2026: a 365 project thread

[BDutch]

Why, Pepper, why? Was it not cold enough before?

Is the ‘not knowing why’ making chickens such interesting creatures?

 

[AntiqueB]

There's always something new with chickens, that's for sure!

Added:
I always loved birds. I think it's the fact that they can't be forced. Whatever affection they give, they genuinely give.

 

[AntiqueB]

Roxy's odd feather. She died on Christmas, and was finally buried today. Two of my students dug the grave for me. They were very helpful, singing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

Roxy had multiple issues, including laying shell-less eggs, a likely case of gout, twisted toes, and a lazy cloaca. She survived flystrike, asking for help from me. She was relentlessly bullied, but was always happy. Pepper befriended her, and looked out for her.

Poor Roxy, though, was a case of the bullied causing more problems than the bully. Now that she is gone, the flock is a lot less tense, and there are no conflicts, despite having 4 pullets recently integrating.

RIP Roxy, my sweet little Roxy Doxy.
5/22 - 12/25.

 

[AntiqueB]

We have achieved integration!

I admire the people who say they do a look-don't-touch for 2 days before everyone gets along like a great big love fest! Integration in my experience has been months of separation, followed by careful supervision for short periods, often one flock member at a time being introduced to the newbies.

These 4 pullets were hatched late August, and moved into the garden run in late October, I believe. This was a bloodless and pretty seamless integration. I may be wrong, but I think it had something to do with having a cohesive, confident cohort of babies!

 

[pollipazzi]

View attachment 4279015
We have achieved integration!

I admire the people who say they do a look-don't-touch for 2 days before everyone gets along like a great big love fest! Integration in my experience has been months of separation, followed by careful supervision for short periods, often one flock member at a time being introduced to the newbies.

These 4 pullets were hatched late August, and moved into the garden run in late October, I believe. This was a bloodless and pretty seamless integration. I may be wrong, but I think it had something to do with having a cohesive, confident cohort of babies!

no more babies! they're so grown up! congratulations!

 

[AntiqueB]

50°F today (10°C), and spring is thinking of possibly coming!

 

[pollipazzi]

50°F today (10°C), and spring is thinking of possibly coming!
View attachment 4279673

hurry up spring!