Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

I can't believe how quickly the flock dynamics have changed! New positions on the perches, and they were looking all around the yard, before entering the barn/coop. Chickens aren't stupid, that's for sure.

Very smart, indeed!

 

[LozzyR]

Poor Lucky started her molt in full force. Poor thing. She’s just standing there like a statue. The molt isn’t super evident yet, as she’s got really thick feathers, but it’s definitely happening... Her feathers are everywhere. Oh, and the reason her comb doesn’t look like a proper rose comb is because it got pecked when she was little.

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Beautiful lacing! Or is that pencilling?

 

[micstrachan]

She's at it Again

As part of last night's roosting movie I caught something else. Miss Hattie is at it again. She was roosted for no more than 50 minutes when she hopped down to eat again. She ate before she roosted. How could she be hungry after 50 minutes on the roost. Nevertheless there she was eating.

2 interesting things of note.

1. Watch the difficulty Hattie has finding the water dish. It's like she can't quite see it and has to feel her way a little.
2. Watch the main roost. Once it is clear that Hattie is not returning, someone moves to where she really wants to be on the main roost.

Wow, so Hattie slept on the floor? Maybe her molt is making her extra hungry. There is something about chickens drinking that I find super adorable!

 

[micstrachan]

OK Sarcasmo the Great! What I meant was something like, "Was a hen laying a egg and singing?" Maybe he was replying to her so she knew where to go.

Was anything else going on?

Sometimes others hens join in the chorus when someone is singing the egg song in my flock.

 

[micstrachan]

Beautiful lacing! Or is that pencilling?

Yes, lacing! She’s a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte. Not as magnificent as high bred ones (where the red is mahogany and the blue is actually blue), but I still think she’s lovely! She is one of my fatties, do I’m hoping she slims down during molt like most of mine tend to do.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I have the watch and monitor call here. They give it for the dogs. It's not exactly an warning, more of a heads up. They give it when they're under a bush somewhere and I approach. I give my ID call when I get close.

Ooooh, what's your ID call like Shad. Do you trill or cluck? Or do you just call out "Oi! It's me!"?

I'm always talking to my girls too.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I usually say “Hello ladies!” When I see the girls.

I'm more informal. I usually say "Hi girls!"

But if I'm a little tired I sometimes come out with "Hi puppies/kitties"

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Roosting Shenanigans

It's been a while since I watched and recorded roosting time at Fluffy Butt Acres. Losing Phyllis the other night inspired me to arm the cameras and record roosting. So here we go.

It was a little different from the start as Lilly roosted before Phyllis. Here is Lilly coming in.

Hattie comes next along with Phyllis. Notice that since I put the food back into the coop, most hens snack and top off before roosting.

Phyllis is being harassed and tries the high roost.

Sansa comes in and Phyllis keeps dodging.

Sydney is next.

This is interesting because Sydney gets up on the high roost to only jump back to low roost and then back to high again. I can't figure out why?

Aurora finishes the process.

Poor Phyllis. Everyone is having a go at her and she just wants some peace and quiet.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Sad day for my little "Rocket" She jumped down from her high perch, landed wrong and snapped her left leg in half at the knee. (I don't know what to do, her whole leg doesn't work anymore) She's also in a bad molt to make matters worse!

Oh no! I'm so sorry Alex.

So you think it is broken, not dislocated? It sounds like an awkward place to try and splint.
Of course you must do what is best for her.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Shadrach. You are absolutely right. She has no chance of recovery, It's very hard to lose such a wonderful hen like Roxy. I'm saying my goodbye's now.

You are very brave Alex. So sorry about Roxy. RIP.