Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

It was warm enough that I chased EVERYONE out and flipped in shut for an hour (PITA had been loitering on the roosts to avoid the IDIOTS). They all needed some sunshine. When I opened it back up, I neglected to latch it open. As the girls came back in, the Idiots did too. In the furor, I think someone ran into it, swinging it closed again. It was good to learn that they have the sense to come up to the house and talk, asking for help. It was also good to learn that at least Twirp and Nellie can find same places to sleep. I do wish they had settled together, but....those are baby steps I hope they never need. Thermometer read 16F just a few min ago, so I'm glad I found them and no one was broody.

Yesterday, we moved one of the Whiskey barrel planters into the carport so there's a dustbath near a safe (ish) nest site. I also moved the little bucket (you'll see it this week when I post my new thirsty pics) from the water spigot to next to the heated waterer (not safe for chicks) in there. I tucked an egg into the nest area too, so we'll see if anyone (Indigo) does settle in. Last night, I was half wondering if Nellie and/or Twirp had gone broody suddenly on me (neither has shown any signs) on some undiscovered nest. Thanks to Momma Ol' Bat, I know know that this morning's temp wouldn't affect a nest if someone's sitting on it. If someone does go broody, I'm going to let them. I had decided that when the bluebirds come back is the guidline. Well, I'm reconsidering a bit. The redwing blackbirds and dark-eyed juncos are back, so good enough. I've been seeing geese too. The migratory birds are enroute, so if it's warm enough for them to start nesting, it's warm enough for the chickens. Based upon that, I expect to have at least one more night of chicken hunting in the near future, followed by rambling head counts.

@BY Bob tagging you with the reply as you asked too.

I saw our first bluebird checking out a nesting box yesterday. Spring is really here!

 

[Ponypoor]

And a SHRA TAX (fresh from yesterday)View attachment 3453653

Great photo! Can they jump down from there?! I am sure my silkies would think yes but would hurt themselves!!

 

[rural mouse]

I am giving her the eggs to hatch, and once she is done with hatching the Roo will go back home. I don't need any further birds (bit I would take a little Roo from one of her hens to raise with Mr P (oh yes the enablers have me thinking).

You're better off with a roo chicklet being raised by Mr P. Then he's already integrated in. Bringing in another adult roo is asking for a fight.

 

[BY Bob]

How long do you think you will isolate? 2 weeks? I think that is standard with most outbreaks.

I'm not certain on that yet. Antibiotic therapy runs out on Wed morning. I'm hopeful that all symptoms will be gone then and I can declare that it was bacterial and set them free.

 

[Ponypoor]

I saw our first bluebird checking out a nesting box yesterday. Spring is really here!

I haven't heard the frogs and toads chirping and croaking so the ground is still frozen here, another week and they should be out, that is my sign for Spring

That is really two Silkies haha

 

[rural mouse]

I saw our first bluebird checking out a nesting box yesterday. Spring is really here!

Hearing the blackbirds singing yesterday as I headed out confirmed for me too. Broody time is now here and allowed.....if the Idiots will leave be.... on the other hand, maybe one (or more) will prove to be like Branch and be perfect chick guardians

 

[rural mouse]

Great photo! Can they jump down from there?! I am sure my silkies would think yes but would hurt themselves!!

The do...routinely...with lots of noisy wings

 

[Ponypoor]

You're better off with a roo chicklet being raised by Mr P. Then he's already integrated in. Bringing in another adult roo is asking for a fight.

I am keeping them seperate, that is why I want to get Trulys mega stall enclosed - not just for chicklets. They can stay in there for breeding, it's 10x20 so for 5 silkies it will be good for.them. they can also roam the barn when the rest are outside.

The aim is to not have Mr P covering them. I figure 3 weeks should clear their system of his semen. And time for the Roo to be isolated here. Then they can all reside in the Summer House (thats what I am calling it), for a month or so to get just silkie eggs. And if a roo chick hatches from my friends silkies well that's would be great! Hence my search for DNA test for gender.

 

[Ponypoor]

I'm not certain on that yet. Antibiotic therapy runs out on Wed morning. I'm hopeful that all symptoms will be gone then and I can declare that it was bacterial and set them free.

Ooooo and there's goes the song....

I want to break free, I want to break free...

 

[rural mouse]

Ok, now for the mugs yesterday

Silver, leader of the ladies

Nellie, of the roosting in the carport (shelf is @18 inches deep where she was and she was all the way at the back)

Whiskey watching everything

Cheetah and Twirp (my other wayward lady, she's so tiny)

Cuckoo, contemplating wether or not something down there is worth the effort to fly down, and Nellie, again

Blanche, one of the good girls who called me outside

Kren, one of the Idiots, of whom I have the highest hopes of being like Branch (and Jessica's tail)

Jessica came out of the cinquefoil

Nox (with the bucket behind her, now moved to the carport)

Horus, the other Idiot, who works in tandem with Kren: divide and conquer seems to be their motto