Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

When you put them out in dog crates like that do you do anything to teach them that the crate is their safe place to run back to?
I have always been nervous that they would exit the crate and not know to go back.

Well, the one with momma - they don't go too far from momma - at least at first. The others that were in the wire dog crate (instead of the pen) only 1/3 of them could fit through the dog crate wires, so they didn't go too far from their 'friends'. And they had to work at getting through.

The momma (number 2) who used to have that dog exercise panels around her plastic dog crate - again, they were with momma - and If you recall, I had some smaller panels for cavy exercise pen - initially I lined the dog panels with the cavy panels along the bottom to keep them in - I did this for a week until I was sure the bigs would be fine with them - then for another week, kept momma in the pen, and let the kids flit through the pen wires. After that, opened the pen door and let them all mingle. The real reason I didn't let all mingle after the first week was to be sure the bigs didn't eat all their food - I just can't afford to feed everyone the starter crumbles, and the littles can't reach the bigs' feeders.

I really wish I could have DC momma in the pen with the bigs, but her cage is not safe enough to be outside - the rats can fit between the cage and will eat the littles. I'm hoping in about a week they will be big enough that I can put her crate/cage out in teh 'under the coop' safer space. No big animals can get in...but the rats can

 

[featherhead007]

Well, the one with momma - they don't go too far from momma - at least at first. The others that were in the wire dog crate (instead of the pen) only 1/3 of them could fit through the dog crate wires, so they didn't go too far from their 'friends'. And they had to work at getting through.

The momma (number 2) who used to have that dog exercise panels around her plastic dog crate - again, they were with momma - and If you recall, I had some smaller panels for cavy exercise pen - initially I lined the dog panels with the cavy panels along the bottom to keep them in - I did this for a week until I was sure the bigs would be fine with them - then for another week, kept momma in the pen, and let the kids flit through the pen wires. After that, opened the pen door and let them all mingle. The real reason I didn't let all mingle after the first week was to be sure the bigs didn't eat all their food - I just can't afford to feed everyone the starter crumbles, and the littles can't reach the bigs' feeders.

I really wish I could have DC momma in the pen with the bigs, but her cage is not safe enough to be outside - the rats can fit between the cage and will eat the littles. I'm hoping in about a week they will be big enough that I can put her crate/cage out in teh 'under the coop' safer space. No big animals can get in...but the rats can

Rats!

 

[bgmathteach]

Rico

Oh, my - what a handsome boy! He has a devil's crown going on there - classic bad boy look that attracts the girls

 

[Marie2020]

I know a little about it. Is he a baby? What did they say the operation was exactly (there are two different kinds I am aware of)?

In terms of your question, I imagine they will tell the parents after the surgery what to do and it is probably best to stick with that. Tears are the natural way of keeping the eyes clean and usually the purpose of the surgery is to allow the tears to drain away naturally down the tear duct once they have finished washing the eye.

He's nine now. I know that he's had a lot of eye infections due too this condition.

As for his parents this is complicated. It a difficult situation to be honest but as you can imagine I can't disclose this on line. I only wish I could.

Thanks so much for getting back RC

 

[Marie2020]

Tina: Shall i go into the coop or up on the perch. Decisions decisions

 

[Marie2020]

Awww. I hesitate to pass on your thoughts as she seems quite full of herself already - but secretly I agree - she definitely is a pretty chicken!
I am very curious to see what she looks like as an adult - she is getting progressively more dark grey feathers on her back. The breeder where I got her said she would have gold/red on her breast feathwrs like Bernie has - but I don't see even a hint of that.

Bernie’s gold breast feathers for reference.
View attachment 3572708

He is such a handsome boy

 

[bgmathteach]

Have a good night all.

My grandson has a missing tearduct and he's having an operation this week. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Are there any suggestions on keeping this eye clean after the operation? I say himalayan salt in sterilised water but my family would appreciate some input from you guys. I have told them how helpful you have all been. Plus has anyone heard of this medical procedure being done before and the timescale on this healing??

My Advise? Follow the doctors orders to a 'T'.

Best of luck with him for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

 

[Marie2020]

My Advise? Follow the doctors orders to a 'T'.

Best of luck with him for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Thank you

 

[Marie2020]

Well, the one with momma - they don't go too far from momma - at least at first. The others that were in the wire dog crate (instead of the pen) only 1/3 of them could fit through the dog crate wires, so they didn't go too far from their 'friends'. And they had to work at getting through.

The momma (number 2) who used to have that dog exercise panels around her plastic dog crate - again, they were with momma - and If you recall, I had some smaller panels for cavy exercise pen - initially I lined the dog panels with the cavy panels along the bottom to keep them in - I did this for a week until I was sure the bigs would be fine with them - then for another week, kept momma in the pen, and let the kids flit through the pen wires. After that, opened the pen door and let them all mingle. The real reason I didn't let all mingle after the first week was to be sure the bigs didn't eat all their food - I just can't afford to feed everyone the starter crumbles, and the littles can't reach the bigs' feeders.

I really wish I could have DC momma in the pen with the bigs, but her cage is not safe enough to be outside - the rats can fit between the cage and will eat the littles. I'm hoping in about a week they will be big enough that I can put her crate/cage out in teh 'under the coop' safer space. No big animals can get in...but the rats can

That must be a big worry. I really hope you can find a way around this

 

[Ponypoor]

Oh, my - what a handsome boy! He has a devil's crown going on there - classic bad boy look that arracks the girls

Do you mean attract or attack! Hahahaha

Today Mr P broke up him attacking Rose twice!