Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[notabitail]

Day 17: The Battle Rages On

By the time Sydney emerged today the batteries were drained on both of my devices because I had spent so much time on BYC. So no videos exist of what I'm about to describe. Sorry.

First of all, it is even cooler today than yesterday and Sydney was almost 3 hours later than what was usual in coming off the nest. I think starting tomorrow I may try charting the coop temp when she comes out. I have a thermometer in the coop.

Phyllis was back at it today. She tried a surprise attack from behind by leaping into the air with the intent of landing on Sydney's back while Sydney was turned away. This attempt failed. Phyllis got beat up.

I will say this for Phyllis, she is determined. She came at Sydney head on the second time. Sydney saw this coming and it ended with Sydney standing on Phyllis until Sansa came over, launched her own attack, and snagged a feather out of Sydney's back.

The third attack was instigated by Sydney. She saw Phyllis and went full turkey! Wings out and spread, every feather fluffed out, stare down, and then full out assault! Phyllis did not run but she got stood on again for her troubles. As none of the other hens were nearby, it lasted as long as Sydney wanted.

The fourth incident was different. This started with a stare down between the two. They were beak to break. Only Sydney's head was moving. Phyllis was dead still. It looked like Sydney was trying to see under Phyllis' mop top. Frankly I was a little concerned that she might peck Phyllis in the eye. Instead Sydney did wack her on top of the head. It was an interesting technique as she almost struck more from the side than above.

There was no make up time today. They did not groom together.

It has been very hard to let all of this go on without interfering. I keep telling myself this is all natural and needs to happen. What I did do today was keep anyone from interfering with Sydney's dust bath. If any of the other hens wandered over, I politely shooed them away.

Right before she went in for the day I had a device with which I could snap a few shots. Here is the mom to be.
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I've got to say, this broody stuff is interesting.
None of ours are broody, but Gaby terrifies Dominica every day, even pulling her neck feathers, and Agathae has bit Gaby's fluffy butt once. I'm wondering why mine do that.
Oh, and keep the in box charger from your Samsung phones, Bob. It should be a fast charger. That way your phone won't take as long to recharge.

 

[Ponypoor]

Pony Sunday

Reenie

Lulu

Truly

Two old ladies

Better late than never

 

[Ponypoor]

I did. yes Bobo was last one in defiance .

Always one to drive you to distraction!

 

[Ponypoor]

Opaque white plastic over a frame (a greenhouse thing)

Really hot though, that’s the west side of the barn and would get sun from noon till sundown.

I think it will need to be chicken wire but set back from the beans about a foot, prevent them from using the wire as a growing frame. Once they get growing upwards about a couple feet I should be safe !

 

[Ponypoor]

FYI, 5 more hens may not necessarily work. I have 8 hens and Foxy's bald patch is as bad as Babbs'. As mentioned before, it is mostly from Light mounting on her.

I don't have a good picture of her head at the moment.

See - a Roo is needed!

 

[Ponypoor]

Photos? again?
5 Light Brahmas, 5 Buff Orpingtons (to compete with that Lady Featherington), and 5 Wyandottes. View attachment 3479424View attachment 3479425View attachment 3479426View attachment 3479427
If there are any of these that you think I should enter into the cutest fowl contest let me know.

That’s only 15 thought you said 16?

They are cute.

 

[Ponypoor]

Photos? again?
5 Light Brahmas, 5 Buff Orpingtons (to compete with that Lady Featherington), and 5 Wyandottes. View attachment 3479424View attachment 3479425View attachment 3479426View attachment 3479427
If there are any of these that you think I should enter into the cutest fowl contest let me know.

First one is cute in the flowers

 

[Ponypoor]

My coop has been in such upheaval ever since Brownie went broody. She isn’t leading and all the other hens are in a tizzy.

I had no fighting prior to her going broody but today, I pulled Brownie off the nest to make sure she ate something and on her way out the pop door Doodle attacked her rather viciously, Brownie retaliated and ended the scuffle the clear winner. She then went outside and grabbed some food out there.

Meanwhile in the coop 3 of the girls dove for her nest trying to lay eggs in it while Brownie was away. We stayed till Brownie came back in and made sure she got settled back on the eggs.

Soooo much drama and upheaval. I somewhat understand the pecking order chaos with Brownie not doing her lead hen duties but I had no idea broody girls were targeted to be picked on. Crazy chickens!


They are absolutely adorable

Yep, I make sure when I haul Curly and Fluffy off the nest no one bothers them, otherwise there can be brawls and picking on. Crazy birds!

 

[Ponypoor]

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“You say Broody like it is a bad thing. Maybe I just decided I like sleeping in the nest box, and am keeping these eggs warm.” Coco

Ooooo is she broody? Is that a good thing if so?

 

[Ponypoor]

If you give yhe beans their own structure to climb you can encourage them not to climb the chicken defense wire

Yes that is the plan - I think once hey get a couple feet growth should be safe - just need to keep them safe from the chickens until they get some height. Then if an odd tendril escapes into the fence they can trim it off