Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Out of Jail

I removed Maleficent from the crate tonight and placed her on the roost. I am hoping that we have her broody broken. We will see in the am.

Here she is on thec roost tonight.

 

[LozzyR]

Just for you @LozzyR
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Aww, so gorgeous (and clean!!) I never realised the joy of owning chooks until I got some, the downside of that is when they die and you’re heart-broken.

 

[BY Bob]

Aww, so gorgeous (and clean!!) I never realised the joy of owning chooks until I got some, the downside of that is when they die and you’re heart-broken.

Heartbreak happens with any pet. If you view your chickens as pets it hurts just like any dog or cat. The heartbreak makes the joy all the more wonderful. Life takes contrast. I will never regret loving these animals no matter the loss.

 

[mixedUPturk]

Heartbreak happens with any pet. If you view your chickens as pets it hurts just like any dog or cat. The heartbreak makes the joy all the more wonderful. Life takes contrast. I will never regret loving these animals no matter the loss.

and thats what i stick around for! I am a farmer and a certified poultry breeder with a stringent plan but i still appreciate pets and what theyre for and you are a great pet owner


Plus chicken tastes better when i raise it at home.

 

[Ribh]

They Care

People who do not own chickens don’t understand thee deep affection these wonderful animals have for each other. I don’t know why I am surprised every time i see evidence of it. Whether it is Patsy laying next to Daisy (greatest hen ever) as she passed, the whole flock saying goodbye to Patsy, they way the flock yelled at me all day yesterday when i crated Mal and took her eggs, or what I saw this morning.

I had to leave town briefly this morning before first light. So Maleficent is crated in the coop. I will move her to the run when I return in an hour or so. I have been checking in on her using the webcam in the coop and every time I check Aurora is with her. She could be out in the run scratching and carrying on with the other two but she has decided to hang out with her friend.


The picture is not great but you can see Aurora standing by the crate.

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I have to thank @Kris5902 for the advice of keeping Mal with everyone. She has a support system in her flock to help her through this. It would have been much harder on her if I had removed her from the flock.

Thanks Kris.

By the way, I am so lucky to have all of you. I don't know why you all started reading my thread but I am very grateful. I have had some difficult moments all year and you have all made it much easier for me. I hope that I can repay you all over time. Thank you all for being my virtual flock and chicken friends.

I was explaining this to my neighbours, who are more than happy to receive my chookies offerings but think a chook is a chook is a chook & were most surprised to find me telling them, no; they have personalities, likes & dislikes & friends & enemies within the flock & knowing your feathered friends is just like knowing & caring for your dog or cat.

Mind you, I am surrounded by dog lovers & they are all in awe [& a little fear] of my cats. *sigh* No idea. I constantly hear: They're such BIG cats... Well, they're a Ragdoll X, gentle giants, & quite timid but they only know dog behaviours & my cats bamboozle them. The chickens are waaay too much for them to process!

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Broody Breaking Time

Today is the day. I think Maleficent has proven she will sit a nest to completion. I am going to have to crate her. I have a dog crate just for the occasion. I have been called Mr. Softie but I'm sad I need to take this away from her. However, it is for her own good. Here she us on the nest one last morning.
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I can't decide whether to put her crate in the run or the house. If I do the run I am going to need to move her to the house or coop at night. If I do the house she will be separated from the flock for a couple of days. Anyone have any opinions on the matter before I set up?

I am already convinced it is the right thing to do. The others came over immediately to check on her. Then they are started yelling together for me to let her out. She is making some horrible screams. I'm trying to plug my ears and ignore her.

It's so hard sometimes to do what you know is best for them but you can do it Bob! Be strong! I have faith in you and Maleficent

By the way, I am so lucky to have all of you. I don't know why you all started reading my thread but I am very grateful. I have had some difficult moments all year and you have all made it much easier for me. I hope that I can repay you all over time. Thank you all for being my virtual flock and chicken friends.

It's a pleasure and a privilege to be one of your chicken friends Bob. I'm learning such a lot from you and everyone and feel so supported when things start going pear shaped

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Here are 2 photos of Pepper with her adopted "big sister" Edwina taking a break from preening

Black chooks are hard to photograph, especially in the shade!

 

[MaryJanet]

Awww they're very cute

 

[Ribh]

Here are 2 photos of Pepper with her adopted "big sister" Edwina taking a break from preening
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Black chooks are hard to photograph, especially in the shade!

Lovely.

 

[BY Bob]

Success so Far

Maleficent is not on the nest this morning.