Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

We have snow on our mountains again. It’s so beautiful here. Maybe I will take a drive up to my mountain property and check out what’s happening in “Mountain aire “ community

 

[featherhead007]

We have snow on our mountains again. It’s so beautiful here. Maybe I will take a drive up to my mountain property and check out what’s happening in “Mountain aire “ community

Ps.. I usually rent a car for those mountain roads. Why ruin my car?

 

[rural mouse]

Ps.. I usually rent a car for those mountain roads. Why ruin my car?

Yesterday's snow down here is gone. More trying to fall on the heights.

 

[Ponypoor]

I love my little George and he is perfect.

Seriously though, it is photo's like this that make me go outside and yell at him "WHY?" Your grandma and mother are frizzles. Why George, Why?

Again, he is perfect in every way. He can fly, no special care to keep him warm. Just.......every now and then Why?

Betty can fly up 4’ but no higher. And yes those feathers are a liability in this climate - she also has trouble now with being overbred, her feathers are not as sturdy as regular ones.

So while she is cute, those feathers are totally impractical.

She thinks she is water proof but also, not water proof.

 

[Sylvester017]

I have a mechanical splitter - still it too is satisfying. But I do know how to split wood the old fashioned way. It’s all about technique and a bit of good aim. Also having dry wood helps.

Splitting hairs tax

I think her swelling is down a bit from yesterday - it was moving over her eye, and that seems reduced today.

I’ll take daily photos now so I can see for sure.

Left side still good
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Right sideView attachment 3990155View attachment 3990156

That swelling is so weird ~ poor chickens have so many issues for such sweet birds! Usually insect bites want flesh (not fur or feathers like lice/mites) so insects target the face, comb, wattles on chickens w/the softer face skin preferred to bite. If the insect has venomous bites like little spiders do then is it possible that caused swelling in the bite area? The clear eyes just don't scream respiratory to me. I was wondering to myself if my vet would have drained the swelling or if he would've just used a topical or internal medication of some kind? Just thinking out loud...

 

[Sylvester017]

Spoiler: my response

Yes, that method was controversial, for good reason. While a shock to the system such as cold water can help sort of "reset" the autonomous nervous system when in fight, flight, or flee mode (this is why splashing cold water on your face during an anxiety attack can help you calm down), having that done to you without consent can be extremely terrifying, and damaging, especially when you're already in panic mode. Forced sedation isn't any better, though.

A weighted blanket, when given by choice (not everybody likes the feeling of being even lightly restrained), mimics a hug and increases the production of oxytocin (a feel good hormone), and decreases the production of cortisol (a stress hormone). As an added bonus, it can help relieve symtoms of certain sleep disorders and illness like fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome!

Aww, no way. They're just as important to the ecosystem as any other (native) animal and it's not their fault humans plant themselves in the middle of their habitats. It's on me to be more vigilant and careful!

Though I do wonder what barbecued hawk would taste like... LOL!


Tax, we did it!
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Hurray for the chicker-doodle build! Can't see the top ~ Is there a roof over the pen for protection from sun, rain, snow? You guys are really expanding/protecting!

 

[featherhead007]

Betty can fly up 4’ but no higher. And yes those feathers are a liability in this climate - she also has trouble now with being overbred, her feathers are not as sturdy as regular ones.

So while she is cute, those feathers are totally impractical.

She thinks she is water proof but also, not water proof.

View attachment 3990366

My CeeCee can fly up to twelve feet, but she likes to show off. I’d rather she didn’t do that, but who’s going to stop her?

 

[Sally PB]

Another classical fan here!

I also like stuff I can sing along with, so lots of soft rock and classic rock. Carpenters, anyone?

But I have been known to "sing" classical stuff. A really fun one: The third movement of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony.

 

[Sally PB]

Tax:
Squeak, my non-lap chicken on my lap today.

 

[TOMTE]

Hurray for the chicker-doodle build! Can't see the top ~ Is there a roof over the pen for protection from sun, rain, snow? You guys are really expanding/protecting!

Yup! Run has a roof! 10ft in the back and 7ft in the front so snow and rain slide off