Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[GregnLety]

Checking in for any updates on Ponypoor.

Last update was a potty break 2 hours ago so I expect we can hear from her again in an hour or so.

 

[BY Bob]

15F (-9.4C) this morning, and going to get that low or lower tonight. Broke down and setup a warming pad on part of the roosting platform area. At least there will be an alternative to the snuggly nest box in case anyone (looking at you Popcorn) decides to hog the entrance to it. Heating pad with foam and cloth cover removed, then inserted into two rag pillowcases and an old t-shirt, then chopped hemp sprinkled on top.

I cannot figure out how to take a video or still on demand with my Arlo system. I did get an SD card. This is a screenshot from my tablet, looked up how to do it, that’s easy enough!
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This morning Peanut was on the perch over the coop warmer panel that’s just below their coop in the Little Run. But once the sun started coming over the hill she moved to the Big Run to try to catch some rays. Standing there in the thin winter light, shivering and hunkered down, loyal Hazel by her side, it was hard to watch her. They do really like that corner, and I had had the panel there before. So I stole the second warming panel from under the red worms (yes, they don’t do well below 40F and they are in a cool work/storage room) and set it up in that corner. Hmm I might buy a third panel….

Peanut likes the edge of the doggy pool dust bath (very soft vinyl) or maybe she’s trying to get the last of the sun’s rays. But most of the day she parked herself right next to the panel, her front, side or bum pointed at it, making forays out to eat and drink and forage a little. She ate some mealworms and pellets this morning. Her poop today was very liquid but I think normal - some runny green and runny white, with a small marble of regular poop in there.

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If you are going to take extensor with your phone, turn it sideways, you'll get the full screen.

Do you not have icons on your Arlo when using the app? You may have to touch the screen to bring them up.

 

[BY Bob]

I agree on stopping bullying, but I’m not clear on your reply. Are you thinking about times someone blocks the entrance to the coop?

Peanut got into the coop, but not into the nest box area where she’s been sleeping since the molt began. Popcorn was perched in the divider between the nest box and the roost areas, blocking it (but this is all within the coop). Hazel didn’t boot her off, I think because she herself usually roosts on the bars, and maybe she had clocked out for the day on taking care of Peanut. Hazel does tend to run interference for Peanut during the day now. Maybe Peanut didn’t care?

- Do you mean if Popcorn is nasty about being rearranged, bring her into the human house for a while?

- After the rearranging at your place, the next night they tend to roost far from the coop door, you mean? Cause they get the message… Or far from the human access door?

Ok. First I misunderstood your situation. She was in the coop. I thought she was outside the coop.

Should Aurora or Lilly force another hen to sleep outside the coop. I would go out, move the hen, Phyllis or Maleficent into the coop. Then i would gather up the offending hen, coming afterthem through the coop door. Reemerge on my coop, the coop door also opens. This then results in the bad hen sleeping as far from the coop door as possible the next night so the l this doesn't happen to them again.

Does that explain it better?

My point, if you want Peanut in a nest box for warmth, move her after dark. You don't have to accept where they wind up if it is not best for them.

 

[Ponypoor]

My happy girls with their corn on the cob.
View attachment 3327493
After removing all of the straw and scrubbing the floor with salt pine and eucalyptus, I added the wooden stand my friend made for them then covered it with cardboard. They now have fresh pine straw and some of the local farm staw on top for warmth.

The side perches have also been cleaned and oiled. It smells heavily in there now . Job done ✔
View attachment 3327494View attachment 3327498

Wonderful! I can smell it from here!
Looks great!

 

[BY Bob]

Wonderful! I can smell it from here!
Looks great!

Where are you now?

 

[Ponypoor]

Please be careful. Are you using a weather app so you know what is coming up? Where are you now?

I was checking the weather but the squalls just move so fast and unpredictable! And most of the time I hadn't any cell signal and was relying on truckers giving info on the CB radio... away from the lakes now thankfully!

I am in Ignace, going to Kenora, I had a time change so gained an hour. Its 3:19Central Time

But 4:19 eastern time!

And just about bedtime for the kiddos!

 

[Ponypoor]

Where are you now?

Ignace it darn tooting cold and vicious wind. -14C brrrrrrr!

Ok back on the road!

 

[BY Bob]

Ignace it darn tooting cold and vicious wind. -14C brrrrrrr!

Ok back on the road!

Keep going safely

 

[BY Bob]

Winterized

The complex has its shower curtains on now to stop the winter wind. That was today's project.

 

[bgmathteach]

The chooks got their daily corn and are out and about talking up a storm.
Freya loves corn.....

Freya

I love that first pic of Freya, you should submit that for POW! The detail of her muffs is wonderful.