Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Lulu update
Lulu is looking great this morning running around, eating, drinking and chattering.
The vet just called with results of her blood test and he said that I definitely didn't imagine that she was poorly. Nothing dramatic, but she is slightly anemic and her liver function tests are slightly off. Nothing to be alarmed about but not quite right.
Her white count is normal so he does not think it is an infection.
He did not see any lice or mites - though he says they are very common in NJ and especially now and into the Fall so I should be vigilant and treat them periodically. But as he saw no evidence he is not thinking that is the cause.
His best guess was something she ate. Which brings me back to that weird bag of pink food.
He says that if she is off again I should bring her straight in for a re-check.
Now about that bag of food. Seriously, is there anything I can do to get it tested? Or should I just chuck it and forget it? Obviously they are not eating it but it is in a bin in the garage. Maybe I can use it to poison the mice and the raccoons (just kidding!).

And because Lulu is so cute here is a picture of her being cute with her BIG sister Bernadette.
View attachment 3235404

No really bad news and she has perked up so all good. I have the same curiosity regarding the feed but I would let it go and just chuck it. I have no idea how you would get it tested.

 

[BY Bob]

My guess (but it is only a guess) is that a natural stream is way safer than a pool. A pool has slippery vertical walls that tower well above the water level. Very hard to get out.
I imagine a stream has dirt/mud branches that would allow a chicken to get itself out.
I think @RebeccaBoyd has a creek where her chickens play so she will have a better answer.

I agree with this. They float for a while and should reach a side where they could stand and walk out. They cannot walk out of my pool.

 

[RoyalChick]

They grow really fast.

They say there is no other protein that grows as fast as chickens.

Meal worms maybe?

 

[Marie2020]

@Marie2020 this is what I was thinking and why I asked when you last wormed them.

Thanks Bob. I'll start tonight

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Question for future planning.
- I have a stream that runs through our property. 90% of the time its meandering and fairly shallow and there is a steep embankment on both sides of it. When it rains heavily it most certainly can pick up and gets considerably faster and deeper. This isn’t fenced off and there is a small bridge that connects the back part of property to the front. Having read about multiple pool scares from past posts experienced by BY Bob I am wondering what level of threat this is likely to be if I do end up free ranging them. Will they avoid moving water more then likely or take up the challenge of attempting to fly to opposing river bank or possibly dive off the bridge into the water? Curious what your guys thoughts/experience are with chickens and streams.

I really would not worry at all about the stream. You may find it to be a favorite hang out spot for them when they are older. Mine love my creek, it helps keep them cool during the summer and they take full advantage of the snacks it provides. All of mine fish for minnows and crawdads. Mine also has a steep embankment in several spots, they still dig in it for worms. Unless we have heavy rains and the water level rises and its starts running swiftly, there is normally always a handful of mine around the creek at all times during the day.

 

[knoturavggrl]

I really would not worry at all about the stream. You may find it to be a favorite hang out spot for them when they are older. Mine love my creek, it helps keep them cool during the summer and they take full advantage of the snacks it provides. All of mine fish for minnows and crawdads. Mine also has a steep embankment in several spots, they still dig in it for worms. Unless we have heavy rains and the water level rises and its starts running swiftly, there is normally always a handful of mine around the creek at all times during the day.
View attachment 3235464View attachment 3235466View attachment 3235467View attachment 3235469

Oh what awesome pictures! Thank you for sharing them and for the info. Wonderful news that it will be a source of enjoyment for them vs a worry

 

[RoyalChick]

I really would not worry at all about the stream. You may find it to be a favorite hang out spot for them when they are older. Mine love my creek, it helps keep them cool during the summer and they take full advantage of the snacks it provides. All of mine fish for minnows and crawdads. Mine also has a steep embankment in several spots, they still dig in it for worms. Unless we have heavy rains and the water level rises and its starts running swiftly, there is normally always a handful of mine around the creek at all times during the day.
View attachment 3235464View attachment 3235466View attachment 3235467View attachment 3235469

It is the ultimate wild water. I love that they can cool their feet in it!

 

[RoyalChick]

Three sun bathing beauties.

 

[RoyalChick]

I am so glad she stayed calm - it is one of my (many) nightmare scenarios I worry about in my head is freeing a bird in a panic with lots of flapping and struggling and me with a dangerous cutting tool!

I just realized why that weird scenario is one I worry about.
As a teenager my Mom had me help untangle a quite sizable bird from the very fluffy chest fur of her favorite cat, Fred.
I had to carefully snip away his fur to release the bird’s feet which were hopelessly matted to his chest.
It had a happy ending but it was a blood-pressure-raising experience.
Fred was a large cat. Maybe Davis-sized, not Éowyn sized, and had long thick fur.
My guess is he jumped up to grab the bird and the bird ducked and got caught in his fur.
My Mom took on the task of immobilizing Fred and I had the joy of snipping and dealing with the terrified flapping bird.

 

[RoyalChick]

Flapping bird tax.
Bernadette shakes it all about.