Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LozzyR]

So destructive and there are billions of them.

But yes, they are cute.

Is it a groundhog?

 

[RoyalChick]

Put a ‘cap’ at the top of the flashing / post so they can’t get up the pile. It will need to be wide though, about 2’ radius (4’ span). I did this for the squirrels, put a plastic cap on the bird feeder pole.

Yes - that sounds right.
I need daylight to look for materials to do that properly - I have rigged up something temporary for tonight using empty milk jugs - probably won't work, but I have to retreat for the night after gouging my head on a branch (yes scalp wounds do bleed a lot!).
Also, I came face to face with a baby raccoon - he is very, very cute. He is also in the tree that grows inside the electric fence of the chicken garden - basically he is just above the roof of the Chicken Palace!

 

[Kris5902]

I have done exactly that. And indeed the Groundhog and the raccoons cannot climb it.
However, it never crossed my mind the raccoons could do this. I am going out to oil that metal support right now!
View attachment 3244349

Next they will be bringing their pie climbing rope and little raccoon sized grappling hooks, and tossing the soils of the raid down to their waiting groundhog minions! I’m just hearing the mission impossible theme in my head upon seeing this picture…

 

[RoyalChick]

Next they will be bringing their pie climbing rope and little raccoon sized grappling hooks, and tossing the soils of the raid down to their waiting groundhog minions! I’m just hearing the mission impossible theme in my head upon seeing this picture…

Oh don't! That is too close to reality.
And yes, @LozzyR the one on the video in the daytime having a grand old time eating a peach was a groundhog.
The Ninja climbing thief at night is a raccoon and they are smart and very capable!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Next they will be bringing their pie climbing rope and little raccoon sized grappling hooks, and tossing the soils of the raid down to their waiting groundhog minions! I’m just hearing the mission impossible theme in my head upon seeing this picture…

Groundhogs - woodchucks also climb, but they are not master climbers like raccoons.

 

[Kris5902]

I’m going to fess up… I haven’t seen my old one eyed male, but have three regular Raccoon visitors I have been letting “steal” some feed and dirty eggs. I haven’t seen any mink, and I think the coons are why. My nighttime lodgings are pretty raccoon tight. So long as they leave the chickens be I actually do t mind them. They are adorable, and the tow truck driver on one of the other islands has a thing for them, they come inside the shop and house and he feeds them. My thinking a happy full raccoon is a safer raccoon. But like bears, something to still be very aware and careful of!

 

[BY Bob]

Is it a groundhog?

Yup.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Sadly folks, there is a reason behind that old saying "Don't count you chickens until they hatch." The worrier in me had me go check on momma a few minutes ago. She had stepped on and crushed the chick that had made the most progress. Sadly this is a risk I take letting her hatch with that bad foot and it has happened once before. The other 2 eggs are working on their pips and are cheeping up a storm. I probably will not sleep at all tonight worrying but I'm going to let her be.

 

[BY Bob]

Sadly folks, there is a reason behind that old saying "Don't count you chickens until they hatch." The worrier in me had me go check on momma a few minutes ago. She had stepped on and crushed the chick that had made the most progress. Sadly this is a risk I take letting her hatch with that bad foot and it has happened once before. The other 2 eggs are working on their pips and are cheeping up a storm. I probably will not sleep at all tonight worrying but I'm going to let her be.

I'm so sorry. That's sad.

Here's going the other 2 make it out safely.

 

[BY Bob]

Belated Thirsty Thursday

Hattie still had tail feathers when I shot this.