Derperella, the (weird) Faverolles, & Friends

[Nambroth]

I'm sorry... So what are you going to do? Would you move to a new area where the environment is clean? However, then you're bringing your contaminated flock somewhere else.

No, that is not an option. I will need to have a closed flock.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

That's a shame. Marek's sucks. I wish your birds a healthy future.

 

[Nambroth]

I don't want this thread to be a downer, so I'm going to politely request that we discuss any further Marek's thoughts in the Trousers thread... I will continue to share Derperella's stories.. and the stories of her flock-mates here! They are still all healthy and happy at this moment and there is no reason why we cannot continue to enjoy their antics.

Please though, if you have not learned about Marek's and other communicable chicken viruses, use this time to learn what you can. There are some links in the Trousers thread that can get you started. Education can help us save out birds! I like to think that Trousers did not die in vain, and that he will help to educate us and help other birds.

EDIT: Here is the link again in case you want it. I know the other one might have gotten buried already: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/752543/rooster-with-mass-in-neck-possible-tumor-thymus-response

 

[artsyrobin]

and just because of derp- i have this lovely lady!

 

[pdx2phx]

and just because of derp- i have this lovely lady!

Pretty Lady! What is her coloration called? Lacing?

 

[artsyrobin]

Quote: She is a salmon favorolle- i was surprised when i first started researching there are alot of color variations- what is amazing is how darn friendly they are, nosey at times too...

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Is it true that they get picked on a lot in a mixed flock? I've heard that and I'm kinda afraid to get Faverolles now. My current girls can be so mean to each other. :/

 

[ChickenChatten]

After reading about Derp and everyone's Faverolles I really really want some too... They are just so personable and adorable! Hm... maybe next year. I'd probably spoil them rotten anyhow.

 

[Nambroth]

Is it true that they get picked on a lot in a mixed flock? I've heard that and I'm kinda afraid to get Faverolles now. My current girls can be so mean to each other.

Yes, sometimes. My two are so much more docile than the other hens that they are lowest on the pecking order. They will let the others push them around. I have read on the Faverolles thread that some of the owners do not experience this, so I suspect it depends on the birds. Perhaps well bred Faverolles are more likely to stand up for themselves? My birds are from a hatchery and they are smaller than my other hens, as well. They are meek, and usually quite sweet.
Flock size might also be a factor, and the amount of room they have. Sometimes larger flocks have enough birds that singles are not picked out, but even then sometimes it happens. There are a lot of variables at play here.

 

[artsyrobin]

it really depends on your flock, derp sounds like she and coho do fine with the other birds, in our case, mary lost her hatchmates(faverolles) with something that caused the loss of 17 birds last year- not quarantining an outside roo brought in properly- disasterous, so when all was said and done, she became a house bird over the winter- in that time she has bonded with another house hen, spicette, who has a bad hip and hobbles around- she is a buff orp EE mix, and they do ok, but that really isn't the norm here- i have seen her and the silkies went after her- so the favs are very peace loving birds- probably if they are raised together they'd work it out- just have to play it by ear, i'll bet though they'd get along with cochins

mary will hop up in my lap for some 'me' time, she is a glutten, will jump up to get treats even if they aren't for her... they have stolen my heart