Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RoyalChick]

She must have flown over. She's a nimble bird, your Phyllis.

Also, I adore her wattles because she looks like she's wearing a red bow tie

Phyllis is indeed always in full formal attire - always ready for the next debutante ball!

 

[MaryJanet]

Phyllis is indeed always in full formal attire - always ready for the next debutante ball!

She's quite dashing.

 

[ValerieJ]

It will be discussed. I don't like to do that. Flight is her best way to escape trouble. I'd hate to take that away.

I did it with the leghorns before I knew how many predators were actually around here. It never really stopped them from flying anyway as they adjusted the way they flew.

I need to know how before I do anything.

I know how you feel. I haven't ever clipped any of the wings of my chickens for the same reason. Being able to escape a predator is important...but then flying into predator territory might be worse.

I have bird netting over their free range area now, but you certainly wouldn't want that over your beautiful back yard.

It's a dilemma for sure. I hope you come up with a good solution.

 

[RoyalChick]

Could it have been a piece of shell? We kept canaries when I was a kid and they always removed the shells after the chicks had hatched.

Oh no definitely not. It is baby poo for sure. And it is coming thick and fast as they grow! I did some research and found this (do not watch this before eating!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnoVJE8NMaM

I know it is not the same species of bird - but clearly the same process!
These are very diligent parents, I do hope all 3 babies make it.

 

[RoyalChick]

Big or small, she'll always be ready for the "Lord Mayor's Ball" as my nana used to say.

Snap - I had the same thought - I hadn't got this far when I posted.

 

[WhoDatChick]

The little white chickens will be the death of me! I was JUST NOW going out to take some pics of the broodies that I have banished to the new yard... and I saw no sign of Cutie.. Cochin bantam.... I searched everywhere I could think of and came to the conclusion that she must have gotten scooped up .... without a trace!? Then I go... could she POSSIBLY be back in the nest!? No way! There is only one small space over a six foot fence that she could get back in the yard... she’s tiny remember.... but what do know... that’s exactly where she was!... this is the gate she flew over! And here are the banished gals pacing to get back to their nests! That is the front of the gate and then a pic from in their yard .....
Talk about a determined broody .... I mean.. how did she even maneuver that!? She had to go straight up... and I even have string going across the top!!

 

[featherhead007]

The little white chickens will be the death of me! I was JUST NOW going out to take some pics of the broodies that I have banished to the new yard... and I saw no sign of Cutie.. Cochin bantam.... I searched everywhere I could think of and came to the conclusion that she must have gotten scooped up .... without a trace!? Then I go... could she POSSIBLY be back in the nest!? No way! There is only one small space over a six foot fence that she could get back in the yard... she’s tiny remember.... but what do know... that’s exactly where she was!... this is the gate she flew over! And here are the banished gals pacing to get back to their nests! That is the front of the gate and then a pic from in their yard .....
Talk about a determined broody .... I mean.. how did she even maneuver that!? She had to go straight up... and I even have string going across the top!! View attachment 2133079View attachment 2133080View attachment 2133081View attachment 2133082View attachment 2133083

Looks impossible! How did that occur?

 

[WhoDatChick]

Looks impossible! How did that occur?

I know!! I have no idea!! But I’ve never been happier to see a broody on a nest!

 

[BY Bob]

The little white chickens will be the death of me! I was JUST NOW going out to take some pics of the broodies that I have banished to the new yard... and I saw no sign of Cutie.. Cochin bantam.... I searched everywhere I could think of and came to the conclusion that she must have gotten scooped up .... without a trace!? Then I go... could she POSSIBLY be back in the nest!? No way! There is only one small space over a six foot fence that she could get back in the yard... she’s tiny remember.... but what do know... that’s exactly where she was!... this is the gate she flew over! And here are the banished gals pacing to get back to their nests! That is the front of the gate and then a pic from in their yard .....
Talk about a determined broody .... I mean.. how did she even maneuver that!? She had to go straight up... and I even have string going across the top!! View attachment 2133079View attachment 2133080View attachment 2133081View attachment 2133082View attachment 2133083

She a little escape artist like Phyllis! My gosh.

I love your coop by the way. The names listed on little boards is a neat touch.

 

[micstrachan]

Aww, poor baby Happy Cheeks.

Aw, thanks. It came on suddenly and Cashew abandoned her. Her symptoms were actually very Marek’s-like. I didn’t think chicks could get it that young, but according to a necropsy vet at UC Davis, while rare, it can indeed happen.

Here are Happy Cheeks and Cashew together when things were good.

And here she is having a little “wait for me!” flight when Cashew took them out for a little free range time.