Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[rural mouse]

Twirp is THINKING about going broody. The past 2 nights, she has bedded down on the days collection of eggs (before I get home) and is picky when I try to collect the eggs. Last night, I not only let her keep the ones she was on, but slipped her the other 2 eggs. Wasn't sure if she'd stayed on the nest yesterday or not. Today, she came out, scarfed breakfast, then hung out with the rest of the outside birds most of the day. (I just came in from raiding the eggs, leaving the nice clean eggs, and tossing the mucky ones).

Silver, PITA, and Thing all came out of the coop this morning with everyone else for breakfast.

They both went back in after, but I'm suspecting it's their way of avoiding the hormonal idiots.

Hatching eggs now is a BAD idea here, but if Momma can do it outside, through a cold snap, then I have to let the girls interested try. We will see if Twirp goes full broody. (She'll be a fantastic mom if she does hatch eggs as she's demonstrated her willingness to attack the Idiots, complete with drawing blood). So far she's not commited....

 

[RoyalChick]

Having watched Diana closely today I do believe that she is declining. However she had a lovely day today. She did all her favorite things:
- She had a nap in the sun
- She drank the wild water
- She found worms when I moved a log
- She engaged deeply in a big heap of damp leaves
So all in all she had a nice day. I just wish she was a bit more sprightly.

Here she is working on the leaf pile.

 

[RoyalChick]

Exploring the leaf pile seems to be a family activity. They are all peacefully together!

 

[featherhead007]

Jaffar is so entertaining today. He’s done with the ladies and wants to hang out with me. He’s following me around everywhere. (No I don’t have a pocket full of meal worms)

 

[GregnLety]

Just weighed Gorda, 11.1 pounds

We are hoping for 2 big hens of course. With both parents over 10 pounds these could be some big girls.

 

[RoyalChick]

No doubt who this visitor is.

 

[GregnLety]

RC, do you have any dogs? Foxes are easily deteŕred by dogs.

No doubt who this visitor is.
View attachment 3376398

 

[RoyalChick]

RC, do you have any dogs? Foxes are easily deteŕred by dogs.

No. I am really a cat person.
I like the idea of having a huge livestock guardian dog, but truth is I am not that comfortable around dogs so I don’t think I would be good at training and maintaining discipline.

I have wondered whether a donkey would be good for protecting against foxes. I do love donkeys!

 

[GregnLety]

No. I am really a cat person.
I like the idea of having a huge livestock guardian dog, but truth is I am not that comfortable around dogs so I don’t think I would be good at training and maintaining discipline.

I have wondered whether a donkey would be good for protecting against foxes. I do love donkeys!

I know donkeys deter coyotes so maybe foxes too.

 

[RoyalChick]

I know donkeys deter coyotes so maybe foxes too.

I think so. Apparently they are fierce defenders (they kick).
It is a big commitment though and I haven’t figured out if I could really take it on. There are donkey rescues I could adopt a donkey from. I have never cared for an animal I can’t lift up so am feeling a bit intimidated by the idea.