Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LhickenChicken]

This isn't a current photo is it? I imagine with those 30C temps there should be no snow left on the ground out there - even in the far north - were I was working if we had 10" on the ground that was about it. Very little snow in fact.

I love his green eyes with his black colouring - very striking.

No, not current. Probably March.

 

[RoyalChick]

The Week just past at Fluffy Butt Acres

There have been some real highs and lows this week.

With great sadness @BY Bob had to report that the lovely Betty had died from falling in the pool. With her crazy feathers she really didn't stand a chance with cold water. She will be greatly missed by all of us and our hearts go out to Bob and Rose who are deeply distressed by the whole incident. This post includes a lovely last picture of Betty and I am sure in time Bob will feel up to posting a tribute with more pictures of her. Big hugs to Bob and Rose
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26798774

@RebeccaBoyd had us all on the edge of our seats as the drama of her multiple broodies and their chicks played out. I think the broodies are Holly, Momma Hen, Gryffyn, Goose and Ducky - hold on, is it really all of them? I think it is only four, but there are definitely 16 chicks! The lovely gentleman Branch is running himself ragged trying to be a good Dad to all of them, and Rebecca braved personal injury to bring us cute pictures of the babies - the mothers were not that keen on letting the chicks out to be seen. Momma Hen nearly took out her eye and blood was drawn. We thank Rebecca for her bravery to bring us these cutie pies!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26801725
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26804658
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26805000
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26807150

Talking of eyes and babies @Ponypoor also has chicks - tweens and tiny silkies. One has already pecked her eye which I am thankful to say is healing.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26794631
She has also been dealing with dual broodies which is quite a sight:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26797268
and a real escape artist - Martina: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26801322
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26811100

But of all the cliffhangers the one that made me most anxious was @knoturavggrl with Brownie - both were first timers and after much nail chewing we got to see her beautiful babies. It looks like Brownie knows what she is doing even though she is a novice.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26809875

Another development at @RebeccaBoyd's place is the Marshmallow Mafia. They appear to hunt as a pack and by hunt I mean birds and cats and they stalk Rebecca. Next week expect news that they have taken up residence on the roof - they are just debating exactly when to go up there.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802031
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802069

@GregnLety's Goldie (aka Hopalong) got her cast off. She has a limp but seems to be getting around OK so far.

@rural mouse got some amazing pictures of Kren and Whiskey going at it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26799552

@rural mouse is putting me (and maybe others of us!) to shame by doing a massive Spring coop-clean - but the ceramic eggs have still not surfaced.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26794825

@RoyalChick has had her own emotional rollercoaster week. Her beloved Eli lost her ability to walk properly (kept losing balance). She got blood for a test for Marek's but UPS lost the sample. Eventually it was found and tested with some strange results. Meanwhile Eli herself seems to be improving but may have gone broody. RC is also integrating her five (FIVE!) new babies so it has been a busy week
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802941
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26808244
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26807903

Aurora is the star of this week's caption competition - check it out here! https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ption-contest-05-05-23-pic-by-by-bob.1578072/
Grandma the Chicken starred in last week's caption competition: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-04-28-23-pic-by-grandma-the-chicken.1576679/

An assortment of chick pictures from the extended FBA flock this week - just because they always make me smile:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26798131
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26800261
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26800319
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810518
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810551
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810956
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26812037
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26811579

And finally, just a very cool picture from @fuentemoon, though not of a chick - footprints:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810358

 

[bgmathteach]

Thank you. Both your and @RebeccaBoyd's video have the same tut-tut-tut sound and Eli is definitely making that noise. She also flared up when I took Babs' egg from under her.
Not a good picture because it is almost dark - but she has now moved into the middle bay, effectively blocking access to the boxes on either side and she seems to be quite fluffed up.
I am not sure exactly what to do - because of her weird illness I am worried about nutrition. Vet said to keep supportive care with food and vitamins in case any kind of deficiency was making her worse.
My plan at the moment is to make her get up and eat a couple of times a day and to keep that little pot of chick starter food right by her. I notice she will eat ravenously from that but only if I come and touch her and stroke her. She doesn't seem to like me doing that but it stirs her up and she eats.
Does anyone else have any suggestions on how to handle it? I mean I could direct dose her with Nutridrench each day but it feels like it would be better if she ate of her own accord even if I need to pull her out of the box to make her do so.
What do you all think?

View attachment 3494498

I would make the chick started a mash with nutridrench for the liquid part, so sure she is getting plenty of vit. and minerals., and keep pulling her off at least once a day...and maybe 'petting her' a second time to get her to eat a second time.

 

[RoyalChick]

I would make the chick started a mash with nutridrench for the liquid part, so sure she is getting plenty of vit. and minerals., and keep pulling her off at least once a day...and maybe 'petting her' a second time to get her to eat a second time.

I am on the case. She seems to have laid an egg even though her comb is very pale. She is a confusing chicken!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

This, I don't know why, is quite hard for me to post.
I brought 12 eggs home, and put them in the incubator. I already had my two chicks and Pastel turned out to be a rooster. Splotch was my pullet.
Only three eggs hatched. One pipped but got stuck and died before even zipping.
There was a stunning cute cream one, and red chick, and a "chipmunk " looking chick. The chipmunk chick was so cute. I don't know why, but I came up with the name Basil.
He turned out to be a rooster, which was frustrating.
For the first few months, he was sweet. He would climb up on my lap and cuddle with me.
I went to grab him one day, and he attacked me.
This repeated day after day.
Eventually, I gave him to my Post Office Lady, who I love.
He was now a free ranging chicken, and he was sweet again.
My mom told me yesterday that Basil disappeared. I was bummed out.
I remember when he was a tiny little chick, and when he grew.
Basil was the most gorgeous chicken I have ever met.
He was red, with long, curly green tail feathers, and some random green feathers on his body and neck.
He had a cute beard, and some half waddles

RIP Basil, Fly high buddy!!
Sadly I don't have any pictures of him on this phone. I will try to have my mom send me some pictures.

This hit me slightly harder than I thought. I refuse to cry though, because this is the risk with free ranging. That's why I can't let my five free range, I am so scared to lose them.
If I lose them, I will immediately go to, "Its all your fault, Pastel."
Edit: The two other chicks are Bolt and BBQ. I apologized to them for about half and hour. They were very close with him. They changed a lot when I gave him away.
I'm sorry, Bolt and BBQ.

 

[bgmathteach]

Don't forget my Marek's issue. I think day-olds and hatching eggs are a no-go for me unless I was to go the long and heartbreaking route of trying to breed a flock that was resistant to whatever strain I have in my environment.
By the way, with the exception of Piglet I don't think they are imprinted on me. They clearly view me as the agent of imminent murder and will do anything to avoid me. Piglet is an optimist and believes anything new in her surroundings will result in food so she is more friendly.
I could certainly try and put one under her at night - I would love to hear from anyone who has experience of having a broody adopt an older chick. She is also less than a week into being broody so wouldn't she be puzzled by the appearance of a chick?

I have not had success with setting a hen with older chicks, I have had decent luck with chicks that were just a few days old. Much older than that and the hens have consistently rejected them. That said, all my hens already had chicks of their own, so it was addition to their clutch.

One week is borderline. Two, yes, I think they would!

 

[knoturavggrl]

The Week just past at Fluffy Butt Acres

There have been some real highs and lows this week.

With great sadness @BY Bob had to report that the lovely Betty had died from falling in the pool. With her crazy feathers she really didn't stand a chance with cold water. She will be greatly missed by all of us and our hearts go out to Bob and Rose who are deeply distressed by the whole incident. This post includes a lovely last picture of Betty and I am sure in time Bob will feel up to posting a tribute with more pictures of her. Big hugs to Bob and Rose
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26798774

@RebeccaBoyd had us all on the edge of our seats as the drama of her multiple broodies and their chicks played out. I think the broodies are Holly, Momma Hen, Gryffyn, Goose and Ducky - hold on, is it really all of them? I think it is only four, but there are definitely 16 chicks! The lovely gentleman Branch is running himself ragged trying to be a good Dad to all of them, and Rebecca braved personal injury to bring us cute pictures of the babies - the mothers were not that keen on letting the chicks out to be seen. Momma Hen nearly took out her eye and blood was drawn. We thank Rebecca for her bravery to bring us these cutie pies!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26801725
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26804658
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26805000
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26807150

Talking of eyes and babies @Ponypoor also has chicks - tweens and tiny silkies. One has already pecked her eye which I am thankful to say is healing.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26794631
She has also been dealing with dual broodies which is quite a sight:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26797268
and a real escape artist - Martina: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26801322
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26811100

But of all the cliffhangers the one that made me most anxious was @knoturavggrl with Brownie - both were first timers and after much nail chewing we got to see her beautiful babies. It looks like Brownie knows what she is doing even though she is a novice.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26809875

Another development at @RebeccaBoyd's place is the Marshmallow Mafia. They appear to hunt as a pack and by hunt I mean birds and cats and they stalk Rebecca. Next week expect news that they have taken up residence on the roof - they are just debating exactly when to go up there.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802031
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802069

@GregnLety's Goldie (aka Hopalong) got her cast off. She has a limp but seems to be getting around OK so far.

@rural mouse got some amazing pictures of Kren and Whiskey going at it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26799552

@rural mouse is putting me (and maybe others of us!) to shame by doing a massive Spring coop-clean - but the ceramic eggs have still not surfaced.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26794825

@RoyalChick has had her own emotional rollercoaster week. Her beloved Eli lost her ability to walk properly (kept losing balance). She got blood for a test for Marek's but UPS lost the sample. Eventually it was found and tested with some strange results. Meanwhile Eli herself seems to be improving but may have gone broody. RC is also integrating her five (FIVE!) new babies so it has been a busy week
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26802941
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26808244
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26807903

Aurora is the star of this week's caption competition - check it out here! https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ption-contest-05-05-23-pic-by-by-bob.1578072/
Grandma the Chicken starred in last week's caption competition: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-04-28-23-pic-by-grandma-the-chicken.1576679/

An assortment of chick pictures from the extended FBA flock this week - just because they always make me smile:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26798131
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26800261
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26800319
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810518
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810551
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810956
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26812037
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26811579

And finally, just a very cool picture from @fuentemoon, though not of a chick - footprints:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26810358

Awesome job on the synopsis, Thank you

 

[featherhead007]

Good morning! looking good!

Early morning cup of Coco.

 

[bgmathteach]

Eli has always been an over-achiever!
Why else roost 11' up in the rafters?

Eli as tax - on her brief walk outside her nest box today just before delivering the motherload of poop.
View attachment 3494571

Hmmmm...I hate to say this, RC, but THAT is most definitely a broody stance if I ever saw one!

 

[RoyalChick]

Hmmmm...I hate to say this, RC, but THAT is most definitely a broody stance if I ever saw one!

Oh I am now convinced she is broody. But that wouldn’t make her lose her balance.
I think I just need to make sure she eats and see what happens. I love the idea of giving her the chicks but it feels unlikely to work.