Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Its a US Federal holiday so no mail or most schools for instance. But lots of stores are open, some observe it and give everyone a three-day weekend, others don't. As @notabitail said, delivery companies (private) may be working, just not the US Postal Service.
Numerous others have said this other ways tax plus Mugs Monday:
Just about time to get to the roost! (About 5:30pm)

Hazel with Anna photobombing in frontView attachment 3752518

Popcorn
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Anna, she's got an interesting curve in her comb. Sweet as ever, lays tiny eggs right now.
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Tedi, biggest of the Spuds, and I think laying the biggest eggs
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Tedi's back as she's inspecting my boots and Diane Ida-Biter behind her, and I think Hazel in back
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Hazel by herself, her eye is often slightly bubbly. She readily took calcium pills coated in walnut-yogurt paste today. She knows now the high perch I put her on is for that. (It's also great for keeping everyone else away while she gets her treats.) She wasn't afraid I was going to dose her with medicine, for instance, as she was the first day - standing stock still, waiting for the coming doom!
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Diane Ida-Biter. Looking a little rumpled as she got several beat-downs from me for biting my hands today, and Popcorn piled on with a chase afterward a few times too. Popcorn seemed to be standing on her or dominating her at one point by the water bowl today, I have no idea why, I heard a warbling complaint and looked up to see Popcorn releasing her. Diane's got a crazy look in her eyes at times. I will get a picture again, her pupils are not round. View attachment 3752523
She hasn't attacked me in any other way except for a couple of half-hearted charges behind me at my boots. Interesting, she will let me pick her up and hold her on my knee, she might peck my hand once or twice but doesn't flap or fight me to get away. I want to be able to handle her as that could be necessary in the future so I make a point of picking her up as I do everyone, though the Spuds get more "picking up attention" as they're in training. She doesn't avoid me after all this, she hangs with me. She mostly lets me massage her crop when I'm holding her, etc. I can feed her by hand no problem. But present a hand, back or front, directly in front of her and she will make a wailing sound and then peck at it and try to grab skin. She has a thing for hands it seems.

This behavior is quite fascinating. I have never heard of a hen that behaves that way. I can't fathom what her motivation is.

 

[BY Bob]

I miss my late great BO hen. She would sneak up behind me and bite my butt, when I was sitting in my chair. None of the other kids do that!

Sansa used to peck my thigh until I gave her a walnut. I miss her when I sit in my chair.

 

[RoyalChick]

I have spent years trying to find a situation where everyone enjoys roosting together. I don't believe it's possible. I have 4 in one coop and 2 in the other. And that only works because there is wire splitting the roost in the Cluckle Hut so Phyllis can't abuse Lady Featherington and Glynda. Hattie sleeps in a nest box. I gave up a while ago. They are doing what they feel is best. The only advice i have is to try not to anthropomorphize too much.

I know. But I still like seeing the group of five all in a row. It looks nice and cozy.

 

[Ponypoor]

So I finally decided on four breeds on the Peavey Mart website. They are the Buff Brahma, Lavender Orpington (little Hattie), Midnight Majesty Marans, and the Olive egger.
(There are so many more that I want to get but they're SO expensive-- will have to get them next year)

I checked and there is a 3 bird minimum on each of the breeds, so even if I wanted only a couple of each I can’t do that.

Sheesh! I am rethinking this whole thing. Maybe I will just have the silkies hatch eggs this year. I sooooo wanted a couple of Brahma though, and some French cuckoo Marans

 

[BY Bob]

So I finally decided on four breeds on the Peavey Mart website. They are the Buff Brahma, Lavender Orpington (little Hattie), Midnight Majesty Marans, and the Olive egger.
(There are so many more that I want to get but they're SO expensive-- will have to get them next year)

They sound like good choices all. I'm excited for you.

 

[BY Bob]

I know. But I still like seeing the group of five all in a row. It looks nice and cozy.

It surely does.

 

[BY Bob]

To celebrate my 1,000th post, here's the Četiri Pernata Prijatelja.
View attachment 3752572

What a perfect photo!

 

[RoyalChick]

I checked and there is a 3 bird minimum on each of the breeds, so even if I wanted only a couple of each I can’t do that.

Sheesh! I am rethinking this whole thing. Maybe I will just have the silkies hatch eggs this year. I sooooo wanted a couple of Brahma though, and some French cuckoo Marans

First I would talk to them. They may be willing to do a mixed order of three. I remember reading about that last year.
If not, at least get three of one of your coveted breeds. Three Brahma would be a fine addition to your flock.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm going to be in there this week. Will try to get pics of the system

Excellent. Thanks!

 

[BY Bob]

First I would talk to them. They may be willing to do a mixed order of three. I remember reading about that last year.
If not, at least get three if one of your coveted breeds. Three Brahma would be a fine addition to your flock.

You are ever the practical solutions person here. I love that about you.