Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

Yes that's a lot, it looks like they are cold hardy so that's a big plus! Oh I likely won't get any, not will my needing to get on a project!

I wouldn't leave mum with baby chicks to care for.

Awe, no worries, the momma hens will care for the baby chickies.....isn't that the point of having a broody & giving them chicks??

Nope, I'm not an enabler..... I'm not, I'm not, I'm not (is it correct that if you say it enough times, it becomes the truth?)

 

[lightm]

I do not believe I can edit the first pages any longer. I will try to add it to my signature but it is pretty full already. We shall see.

OK I did not know there is a time limit on edit. I see that you sneaked the primer into your signature. If it is still too crowded, maybe you can delete the last line about your coop since it is linked right below your avatar. Just a suggestion.

 

[BY Bob]

OK I did not know there is a time limit on edit. I see that you sneaked the primer into your signature. If it is still too crowded, maybe you can delete the last line about your coop since it is linked right below your avatar. Just a suggestion.

You are very helpful. Perhaps.

 

[bgmathteach]

My nerves are shot
This morning Bella still had a fullish crop but not completely so and therefore I gave her a tube feed. After that she had some corn and I picked her up and put her in her favorite spot in the shade under the butterfly bush.
Naturally Bernadette and Lulu hung out nearby and kept her company.
Everything was lovely and peaceful.
Maggie came by and although Bella was on alert, Maggie just pruned a few leaves from around her and continued to hang out with the Hooligans.
So peaceful.
I went inside to do some stuff and heard Lulu making a terrible noise (I mean even more so than usual).
I rushed out to find Minnie trying to kill Bella. This was no 'let me remind you about the pecking order' kind of thing. Minnie was going for total anihilation.
As I was rushing over I saw Bernadette (who remember is as brave as a bear) rush in and take on Minnie. Again, this was serious, she was hackles raised and feet going for Minnie's head.
When I reached Bella I really thought she might be dead. She was on her back with her legs curled up - like you sometimes find dead songbirds in the woods. One wing was stretched out and in a very un-natural position.
I scooped her up. I don't see any blood and I don't believe either legs or wing is broken.
I have put her back in the peace and calm of the hospital ward and frankly I feel like climbing in there with her!

I suspect it has more to do with Minnie being at the bottom of the pecking order When I had an injured chicken and needed to separate them, I always tried bringing in a low pecking order chicken, thinking they would be less likely to harass the injured/sick hen. NOPE! Every time I brought a low-in-the-order one in they were merciless to the injured hen (so, of course, out she went again.) I now only ever pick a mid-order hen for company/companionship for an injured girl when I do have to keep them separate. And, yes, there are times when you do...like after the crop surgery, etc. Especially with so many chickens, there will always be one that will harass a sick/weak/injured girl, so they have to go into either my hospital pen (built inside my main run), or in the house if they need amore sterile place for a few days. Regardless, I still put a hen in with then (n house or in hospital pen) because 'seeing', I don't think is the same as having someone to roost next to, etc.

@RoyalChick I hope your blood pressure is back down and that everyone is no worse for the wear, so to speak!

I'm so glad that Bella had Bernadette to come to her rescue! I suspect that Bernadette will soon be higher in the pecking order than Minnie...maybe even Dottie...before too long. She is smart, determined, and LEGGY. All of those will serve her well.

P.S. Isn't it amazing the bond they develop - so strong Bernadette would risk herself to help Bella!!

 

[BY Bob]

Isn't it amazing the bond they develop - so strong Bernadette would risk herself to help Bella!!

This is the thing people do not understand about chickens. They care for their friends.

 

[BY Bob]

Finally covered

I finally filled in the hole through which the hawk killed Sylvie. For some reason the magnolia tree has never grown in this direction.

They now have safe coverage from the coop to the fence gate around the south and west side of the yard.

 

[RoyalChick]

I suspect it has more to do with Minnie being at the bottom of the pecking order When I had an injured chicken and needed to separate them, I always tried bringing in a low pecking order chicken, thinking they would be less likely to harass the injured/sick hen. NOPE! Every time I brought a low-in-the-order one in they were merciless to the injured hen (so, of course, out she went again.) I now only ever pick a mid-order hen for company/companionship for an injured girl when I do have to keep them separate. And, yes, there are times when you do...like after the crop surgery, etc. Especially with so many chickens, there will always be one that will harass a sick/weak/injured girl, so they have to go into either my hospital pen (built inside my main run), or in the house if they need amore sterile place for a few days. Regardless, I still put a hen in with then (n house or in hospital pen) because 'seeing', I don't think is the same as having someone to roost next to, etc.

@RoyalChick I hope your blood pressure is back down and that everyone is no worse for the wear, so to speak!

I'm so glad that Bella had Bernadette to come to her rescue! I suspect that Bernadette will soon be higher in the pecking order than Minnie...maybe even Dottie...before too long. She is smart, determined, and LEGGY. All of those will serve her well.

P.S. Isn't it amazing the bond they develop - so strong Bernadette would risk herself to help Bella!!

I know! I keep thinking about that. Bernadette is taller than Minnie now. She isn’t as bulky but she stands over her.
Maybe I will put her or her and Lulu in with Bella overnight.

 

[RoyalChick]

Finally covered

I finally filled in the hole through which the hawk killed Sylvie. For some reason the magnolia tree has never grown in this direction.

They now have safe coverage from the coop to the fence gate around the south and west side of the yard.

View attachment 3205686View attachment 3205687

Good job!

 

[featherhead007]

Good Bernadette! She deserves a good treat for that!

And you deserve a hot strong cuppa tea (or vodka maybe!), Sounds like Bella has a strong survival instinct too!

Wow that's just wild! But after seems Fluffy kill a snake and Buttercup kill a mouse nothing surprises me anymore

How’s about a nice cup of Coco?

 

[Ponypoor]

How’s about a nice cup of Coco?
View attachment 3205707

Coco says “wait?! What?! What do you mean by that? Chicken cuppa soup?! Come here buddy I’ll give you some Coco!”