Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

I feel like I missed Cashew's passing. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Thank you, Bob. Her ascites was causing her difficulty breathing. An avian vet was unable to draw off much fluid and it was likely she had cancer. She was declining somewhat rapidly, so I had her euthanized.I did not want her to suffocate.

 

[Cold-Blood]

Is everyone's chickens dying/ getting killed?!

 

[micstrachan]

I'm writing up Gucci's story. So far it is a 3 page word document. I will post it once it's done. Don't expect anything until next weekend at the earliest. I need to do a tribute post but it's hard right now.

In some ways it was better that Mrs BY Bob wasn't here.

 

[micstrachan]

Is everyone's chickens dying/ getting killed?!

My memory post was of all my chickens who have left us since I started keeping chickens. The losses span five years.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

This is the funniest thing I've ever seen. Butter so chill.

Also the previous mug shot can be easily turned into great meme with some caption.

As you can see there is a reason Butter has long been mom's favorite and in her eyes could get away with murder. Mom will let that hen do anything, except go broody. She got to thinking and decided if she ever got inclined she would have to break her. She is worried after her injury she may have arthritis that we do not know about and is afraid sitting for 21 days would not be good for her. Mom will also do head counts at night, but in truth she is only checking to make sure her favorite hen is in her favorite spot. You are also right the mugshots would make great memes. But I am not good at making those.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Maggie - more than half a cat

Maggie left us today. I knew it would happen. I mean in general but also specifically today. She stopped chatting to me yesterday evening. She still acknowledged me but didn't chat for the first time. And I think I mentioned I think the other two had already said their goodbyes. They are very subdued today.

She died just after I came in for our early morning chat. It sounds silly, but I think she held on until I would accept it. Probably not, but it felt that way.

I have loved all my chickens but Maggie was special. She has been a real companion. She was always all attitude, and always in my face sharing her opinions.

She was just over three and a half years old, which feels like no age at all, but probably isn't too bad in her circumstances. They say cats have 9 lives. Maggie, by my count managed to have five lives. She survived (in order):
- A fox attack
- Hardware disease (two screws and some shards of metal)
- A lash egg (serious internal infection)
- Some neurological event where she lost her balance
- Another lash egg

I will miss her terribly. I will miss her attitude and her company. And I will miss the soft leathery feel of her comb and wattles as she burrowed into my hand for treats. I will miss her energy, her endless nosiness, and how she insisted on killing the water before she drank it (you never know!). I miss her independent spririt that often had her wander off quite far for solo walks (sometimes I followed at a respectful distance to ensure her safety).

I hope you will all bear with me if over the next few days I feel moved to share pictures of her.

So long my friend. I hope you find a sun that never sets, unlimited muddy puddles, and the opportunity to freely express your opinions.

Maggie - all attitude....
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I'm so sorry for your loss. She had a wonderful life with you. Everyone needs a opinionated full of sass hen. I'm glad she held on for you to say goodbye. Please share as many pictures and stories of her as you can when you are ready.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

I have a problem. I am afraid it is a snake problem which is just great. Blueberry has lost 3 of her chicks in the last 2 days. No bodies discovered, no alarms from any of the chickens and she is not fazed at all. Due to the locations she has been taking her chicks I suspect either a snapping turtle or a snake. Leaning towards snake as I think a turtle issue would raise alarms in some of the flock. I also have been having eggs go missing from the nest on top of the hay pile. I cannot blame that on the egg eating cochins, they cannot get their fat butts up there. Last night I placed 3 golf balls in that nest if it is a snake he is in for a unwelcome surprise. Now, up until this point me and mom have had a agreement I would NOT kill a black snake. I'm on a mission, a black snake hunting mission. If I find it, relocating will not be a option. I will live with a black snake as long as it does not get into the house. I will even loose a few eggs to one, but if it is a chick killer it has crossed the line.

 

[RoyalChick]

It is Twofer-Tuesday
And here are the BFFs Maggie and Diana. I hope Diana doesn’t take Maggie’s loss to hard. She does seem to get on OK with Bernadette.

My other 2fer contribution for today is POW! Check it out - I am absurdly proud of it!

 

[RoyalChick]

I have a problem. I am afraid it is a snake problem which is just great. Blueberry has lost 3 of her chicks in the last 2 days. No bodies discovered, no alarms from any of the chickens and she is not fazed at all. Due to the locations she has been taking her chicks I suspect either a snapping turtle or a snake. Leaning towards snake as I think a turtle issue would raise alarms in some of the flock. I also have been having eggs go missing from the nest on top of the hay pile. I cannot blame that on the egg eating cochins, they cannot get their fat butts up there. Last night I placed 3 golf balls in that nest if it is a snake he is in for a unwelcome surprise. Now, up until this point me and mom have had a agreement I would NOT kill a black snake. I'm on a mission, a black snake hunting mission. If I find it, relocating will not be a option. I will live with a black snake as long as it does not get into the house. I will even loose a few eggs to one, but if it is a chick killer it has crossed the line.

Oh no! That is terrifying. So sorry you lost them. I am very much in support of your mission.

 

[BY Bob]

Is everyone's chickens dying/ getting killed?!

It has been a very rough year in these parts. I have lost 5 in the last 12 months. It's been even worse for @RoyalChick @Ribh has lost quite a few as well. Some very dear friends have left us. Some very unexpectedly. to everyone.