Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[lightm]

For my flock who were born mid March 2021, the three Isa brown type layers never molted until 2 years in so they do not apply to your flock.

Inky (basically a production blue) went broody multiple times and molted like 3 times during Fall-Winter 2022.

Wendy and Tina (RIP) are production red, and maybe close to your OG. Wendy molted in August 2022 I believe, and Tina molted November-December 2022.

 

[Ponypoor]

Mama Storm had her babies (4 weeks) out in 53F, RAIN. Honestly, I'm coming to the conclusion that chicks do NOT need the constant temp decreasing 5 degrees a week. They need a spot consistently 90 degrees (space getting bigger as they grow) so they can go warm up, but they utilize it much less after the first couple of days-first week. Then they only use it when they feel cold/at night....and I suspect they grow their feathers in a bit faster too. And get less pasty butt.

Not something I want to run science tests for. Too many variables, not fair to the chicks.

Yes I agree - they are tough little monsters, and the temperature guide is just that, a guide. And yes a place to run and warm up be it mama or the brooder plate.

 

[Ponypoor]

It was way way better this time. No fever, just some particularly achy joints but thats not abnormal for me so Idk if that was because of the vaccine for sure or not. Thank you for checking on me!!

Just waiting on surgery day now

You and me both! Dark Brahmas are on my list too! They are so beautiful There are precious few decent breeders here for that color variety though. Buff and Light are apparently more popular . Is this true in Canada as well?

I have a hatchery about 4hr drive from here and will try for a few next Spring chicken math not withstanding!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Molting question my OG’s are a little over a yr now. When should I expect to see molting this year or not till next?

The “babies” are of course doing smaller less dramatic juvenile molts but no sign of any molting yet from the bigs so it made me wonder when it would be likely to occur.

Inquiring minds tax:
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The Buckeyes went into hard molts in the Fall after their first year, about 15-16 months old. I recall late September and October. Hazel first, she went off her feed, lost a lot of weight and only wanted dandelion leaves and worms. She, Peanut and Butters had bare patches. Look for plume feathers where they roost or dustbathe. Molting isn’t readily visible when it begins…

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Chickens don’t like change of environment, and have trouble adapting to new conditions. Poor little chicks. Being picked on isn’t fun for them.

Yes, I know, but I’ve kept some features throughout for them - the tote, the brooder plate in a box, the feeder. They’ve adapted very well and figured out things pretty fast, it hasn’t stopped them from dust bathing or sunbathing, or racing about chasing each other. Yesterday they discovered that the new spot is right next to the old spot, and they started going around over there too. So the building they’re next to and the tree line/skyline from there might be familiar. That’s where I’ll have them for the next several days. Only one day were they in a completely new area and I admit it was a bad idea, too windy and cold and only one structure for cover (the log sawhorse).

 

[BY Bob]

And.....Quartz didn't follow Storm out of the coop this morning. Sitting there in the coop alert, but moving with a limp. Won't let me catch to do a physical check, but rejoined Mama Storm, so trying to keep up and rest at the same time. Dunno if Storm will let me check this evening or not, but the earliest I stand a chance of catching the little one is bedtime. Praying is simply a sprain/strain and Quartz is able to rest the leg enough to make a difference.

Oh gosh. I hope you were right and it was a simple sprain.

 

[Ponypoor]

I find a few sardines helpful while mine are molting. I don't trust the other fish because of the contamination in various water sources. Sardines IMHO I believe they eat from the top so feel that's the safest option

I love sardines and toast so it’s gonna be a fight between me and the chooks

 

[Ponypoor]

Jaffar made it through too, because he’s a “tough old bird”

An don’t sell yourself short Alex, it is a tough job getting all those critters off the poor beastie. Enough to make one cry

 

[BY Bob]

Has to be hard on all the wildlife, and livestock - one wonders how cattle and horses manage in that heat.

Indeed. All wildlife suffers when the weather is like this.

 

[BY Bob]

Same experience for me. Tube feeding much less stressful. And for small volumes the drop at a time or soak a piece of bread works well.

I have always been very handy at dosing with liquids. I can't explain why.