Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Ramping Up

Gucci went up the ramp twice tonight. The first time Glynda changed her mind and decided it was too early to go to bed and back down they went. Later on Gucci decided herself that it was time to go to bed and up the ramp she went. She waited on the porch for the others and they all went in together. It seems it is all no big deal for her at all now.

 

[RoyalChick]

Ramping Up

Gucci went up the ramp twice tonight. The first time Glynda changed her mind and decided it was too early to go to bed and back down they went. Later on Gucci decided herself that it was time to go to bed and up the ramp she went. She waited on the porch for the others and they all went in together. It seems it is all no big deal for her at all now.

Excellent!!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

A Lot of Moxie in the Little Girl

Do not doubt Glynda's moxie. She started stalking Éowyn and in this very rough video, she chases Éowyn off. At least that's what she will tell you. Right before the video starts, Glynda had attacked Éowyn's bum. That is why Éowyn is turned facing her.

That Glynda is one tough lady to take on a 20+ lb cat!

I replayed this a few times and showed DH. He was impressed but not surprised, based on his observations of the Buckeyes. We love the little flog there too!

Glynda atta watch where she’s running. She hit the water dish Kinda hard.

I noticed that too!

 

[BY Bob]

What to Feed the Joint Tribe?

I have reached a decision point as it relates to feed. Now that everyone is mixed I need to choose a joint feed. I have switched the big girls to feather fixer when Hattie started molting.

They clearly prefer chick feed. Once they were able to avail themselves of either Feather Fixer or Starter Grower they demolished the chick feed (Starter Grower).

The Rascals are now 15 weeks old.

I'm leaning towards one more big bag of Starter Grower to get them to 18 weeks. It has the protein that the bigs need to make feathers and the nutrition the Rascals need to grow. And they all love it.

What does everyone think? Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

 

[BY Bob]

Excellent!!

It's hard to believe. Not so long ago I thought it would never happen.

 

[BY Bob]

I replayed this a few times and showed DH. He was impressed but not surprised, based on his observations of the Buckeyes. We love the little flog there too!

I noticed that too!

I was impressed. She is one brave lady. Maybe a future alpha hen.

 

[rural mouse]

What to Feed the Joint Tribe?

I have reached a decision point as it relates to feed. Now that everyone is mixed I need to choose a joint feed. I have switched the big girls to feather fixer when Hattie started molting.

They clearly prefer chick feed. Once they were able to avail themselves of either Feather Fixer or Starter Grower they demolished the chick feed (Starter Grower).

The Rascals are now 15 weeks old.

I'm leaning towards one more big bag of Starter Grower to get them to 18 weeks. It has the protein that the bigs need to make feathers and the nutrition the Rascals need to grow. And they all love it.

What does everyone think? Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

Calcium for any eggs. The starter doesn't have it

 

[bgmathteach]

I know I speak for all here when I say, we will all miss their stories. In many ways they feel like family members, distant cousins, and we will all feel their loss in the stories that will not be told.

You have been through a lot. Something that I pray no one else here ever has to experience. We are all here for you and mourn with you.

I'm so very very sorry my friend.



Let me share a little poem I wrote a while back when I was particularly feeling all of the losses which I suffered through. Maybe it will help.


They enter into our lives
Full of life Full of hope
For what they could be

They enter into our hearts
Full of joy Full of warmth
Giving us love

They depart us far too soon
Full of sadness Full of tears
Leaving heartbreak

They want us to remember
All the happiness All the cheer
They brought to us

@RoyalChick I know we haven't met irl, but you are a wonderful person, and I can't imagine your pain and heartache. Please know we are all here for you. May Maggie emphatically tell you a story, Diana quietly lead, and Bernadette get leggier and more elegant each day; and may you enjoy their companionship for a long time yet to come.

 

[bgmathteach]

What to Feed the Joint Tribe?

I have reached a decision point as it relates to feed. Now that everyone is mixed I need to choose a joint feed. I have switched the big girls to feather fixer when Hattie started molting.

They clearly prefer chick feed. Once they were able to avail themselves of either Feather Fixer or Starter Grower they demolished the chick feed (Starter Grower).

The Rascals are now 15 weeks old.

I'm leaning towards one more big bag of Starter Grower to get them to 18 weeks. It has the protein that the bigs need to make feathers and the nutrition the Rascals need to grow. And they all love it.

What does everyone think? Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

I absolutely think this makes sense! 'Common' wisdom on feeding a mixed flock of youngs and olds is feed to the youngest and supplement for the older (i.e. oyster shells to make up for the calcium deficiency in the feed.) My experience is that heavy layers can't take in enough oyster shell to supplement, but ones who have slowed down seem fine. (I don't think yours are heavy layers at this point, correct?)

FWIW, I am making my own 'all flock' mix because I can't get any organic all flock....I mix layer & grower together. If you have a heavy layer that IS laying (I'm assuming Phyllis is still broody, so not laying atm.), you could always mix the two or put out one small dish/feeder of layer/feather fixer and the rest be the starter/grower. If you do this, that feeder of layer/feather fixer should probably be in the big coop.

My 2 cents only. You are a smart man and will do what you think best...and you will probably be right!

 

[lightm]

Calcium for any eggs. The starter doesn't have it

@BY Bob This is a really good point.

I have 6 adults and 2 babies, also 15 weeks old, so very similar to Bob's situation. We have been feeding the whole flock some regular layer pellets that is 17% protein since a month ago ...