Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Kris5902]

We had a week of it. Just had two passable days and this afternoon a storm brewed up just over the ridge.

This is really unusual for us, normally we would be hot and dry by now, and starting to think about bringing the Hay in... it will have to wait I suppose until we have a dry week or two. I actually moved some of my chickens around yesterday, and this morning had to set up an impromptu tent for Roostie! Good thing I moved the hospital tractor over some towards our doors and window (I stapled it’s tarp up to the crate)

 

[Shadrach]

This is really unusual for us, normally we would be hot and dry by now, and starting to think about bringing the Hay in... it will have to wait I suppose until we have a dry week or two. I actually moved some of my chickens around yesterday, and this morning had to set up an impromptu tent for Roostie! Good thing I moved the hospital tractor over some towards our doors and window (I stapled it’s tarp up to the crate)

It's been unusual weather here,certainly in my experience. I had the stove going a few days ago!
But, it's been great for growing. The sun often shines in the morning and the storms don't arrive until the afternoon. We've already had two crops of mixed grass out of the largest filed here. The problem is storage.

 

[Kris5902]

If you have to move a chick, do not pick it up from above.

Slide your hand underneath the chick taking great care that you do not damage it's legs. Usually you can get the chick to clamber onto your open palm, that's how you should lift them.

Unless such an emergency should happen you should not attempt to handle the chicks until they are fully mobile and out of the nest, tempting though it may be.

I really need you to come to our Farm and lecture the C*** out of everyone here @Shadrach ! Please??? I keep saying this over and over to no avail... sure the 8 year old can almost be excused for poor handling but all the adults involved? I call the first bit of the quote “the hand of doom” swooping in like an arial predator spooking everyone and violently snatching the babies up I can only imagine what a mama hen would think of the maneuver. This is why, of the first chicks I hatched out here, the Roosters want to attack the kiddo (just her, other kids are generally ok... just arousing some suspicion)

 

[BY Bob]

Sounds like peeping to me Bob.
You may have chicks in the morning. That's when I tend to find them.
Be aware that if she does hatch and the chicks get to the front of the nest, she may well peck at them. New mums get very anxious when the chicks are at the front. They know the chicks should be at the back usually in with the eggs. In straw nests quite often the chick can't get back underneath mum and at that point should it happen, you need to intervene. If the chick stays out it will die of hypothermia, or get injured or killed by mum trying to get it where it should be.
If you have to move a chick, do not pick it up from above. Slide your hand underneath the chick taking great care that you do not damage it's legs. Usually you can get the chick to clamber onto your open palm, that's how you should lift them.
You will need to lift mum with the other hand enough to put the chick under her rear end, but not directly under her keel bone.
Unless such an emergency should happen you should not attempt to handle the chicks until they are fully mobile and out of the nest, tempting though it may be.

Great advise. Thanks Shad. I know none of this. I am very grateful for the help.

 

[BY Bob]

One more thing. If you do not already have corrid or similar on hand get some now. If a chick does get coccidiosis you don't get much time.

I always have corrid on hand. I scrubbed the coop on Saturday so I hope we don't have to worry about that!

 

[BY Bob]

Quick Update

I just checked her quick. No chicks yet. Here she is. Should I be worried about that egg which poking out from under her?

 

[Kris5902]

Quick Update

I just checked her quick. No chicks yet. Here she is. Should I be worried about that egg which poking out from under her?
View attachment 2196422

I don’t know, I’ve never had a Broody... I think they know what to do, but I’m a worrier. Always getting concerned about eggs rolling over in the incubator, locations of pips... I admit I fuss a lot. Too much.

 

[MaryJanet]

Wattles, What Wattles!

While I sit here tapping my fingers waiting something to happen, I can't remember what, here is a selfie of Aurora for your viewing pleasure. I love how her eyes are looking down at the camera. It's a great shot of how their eyes work. Real binocular vision.
View attachment 2195625

I hadn't paid due respect to Aurora's ear muffs until this picture. Magnificent.

 

[MaryJanet]

I don’t know, I’ve never had a Broody... I think they know what to do, but I’m a worrier. Always getting concerned about eggs rolling over in the incubator, locations of pips... I admit I fuss a lot. Too much.

She may have already covered it. Or perhaps it's not talking to her.

 

[BY Bob]

Quick Update

I just checked her quick. No chicks yet. Here she is. Should I be worried about that egg which poking out from under her?
View attachment 2196422

Nevermind. She tucked it in