Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RoyalChick]

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.

I feel like we all need @Shadrach to stay up all night watching the broody cam and giving advice live. Sort of emergency tele-medicine for chickens. It would certainly calm me down!

 

[RoyalChick]

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.

OK I am now officially a nervous wreck!
I am also so glad I didn't share my fears that the projectile pooping that my new chicks do was a sign of coccidiosis. I am now convinced it is simply 'fun' to poop in my face!

 

[BY Bob]

I feel like we all need @Shadrach to stay up all night watching the broody cam and giving advice live. Sort of emergency tele-medicine for chickens. It would certainly calm me down!

I would love that.

 

[BY Bob]

All Set

I have the feeder and water set up all finished and ready to go. I just can't figure out where to put it! I need it to be in full camera view without blocking a nesting box.

Here is the setup.

I think I found a place that will work as long as Phyllis doesn't roost right at the end of the roost and poo in it overnight.

I can extend Broody Cam's coverage a little wider when the time comes.

I guess I have done all I can at this point. It's up to them now.

Oops! Forgot the marbles. Yikes!

 

[BY Bob]

Roost Cam

Roost cam has been reoriented as well. Moving forward roost checks will be done the old fashioned way. This way we can see more chicks!

 

[BY Bob]

OK I am now officially a nervous wreck!
I am also so glad I didn't share my fears that the projectile pooping that my new chicks do was a sign of coccidiosis. I am now convinced it is simply 'fun' to poop in my face!

I keep having these cartoon pictures of poo flying in your face. I can't stop giggling.

 

[RoyalChick]

All Set

I have the feeder and water set up all finished and ready to go. I just can't figure out where to put it! I need it to be in full camera view without blocking a nesting box.

Here is the setup.
View attachment 2196652

I think I found a place that will work as long as Phyllis doesn't roost right at the end of the roost and poo in it overnight.

View attachment 2196663

I can extend Broody Cam's coverage a little wider when the time comes.

I guess I have done all I can at this point. It's up to them now.

Oops! Forgot the marbles. Yikes!

Was just about to type 'marbles'! Actually I used rocks, but think you should put something in.

 

[RoyalChick]

I keep having these cartoon pictures of poo flying in your face. I can't stop giggling.

It really is like that. They look at me, they turn around, they elevate their little butts, they lift their little wings and they let fly! It is getting a bit more solid so not shooting quite so far the last 24 hours.

 

[MaryJanet]

All Set

I have the feeder and water set up all finished and ready to go. I just can't figure out where to put it! I need it to be in full camera view without blocking a nesting box.

Here is the setup.
View attachment 2196652

I think I found a place that will work as long as Phyllis doesn't roost right at the end of the roost and poo in it overnight.

View attachment 2196663

I can extend Broody Cam's coverage a little wider when the time comes.

I guess I have done all I can at this point. It's up to them now.

Oops! Forgot the marbles. Yikes!

Is a little verandah/poop shield possible?

Shields up!

 

[RoyalChick]

Some entertainment while we all wait anxiously .. .. ..

Minnie is a slow morning riser. She takes her time and likes a good long cuppa before she really starts the day. Dotty is learning to fly and can't wait to test those wings.

Chick bomb!