Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Shadrach]

I've jumped a lot of posts. Sorry people. I probably wont catch up on all the threads.
Meanwhile.
First picture, Nolia on the left and Bracket on the right.

I haven't got many decent pictures of Hinge. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe because when I do get her close, I'm fixing her up from the latest Hawk strike.
She's survived three now.

Rivit. She's just starting to assert her place in the tribe. She's Lock's sister.

 

[RoyalChick]

They should be okay in the coop. Do you have a thermometer in the coop?

I do! I have a combo thermometer/hygrometer one just above their head height by the main roost and one outside in the first covered run. My thought is to be able to see if there is a build-up of humidity where they sleep. It isn't as good a system as that sounds though because the variability between the two devices is a confounding factor.

 

[RoyalChick]

Pass.
You have a lovely stable flock.
I would wait, probably at least another year to see if they develope health issues.
If they do, then you will know not to get more from where you got them.
That would give you time to look for a breed/s that you would want to keep for the rest of your chickenering life.

I'm such a spoilsport.

I think you are wise. I might end up ignoring you of course, but I want to acknowledge right now that you are probably right!

 

[Ribh]

I've jumped a lot of posts. Sorry people. I probably wont catch up on all the threads.
Meanwhile.
First picture, Nolia on the left and Bracket on the right.

View attachment 2449427

I haven't got many decent pictures of Hinge. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe because when I do get her close, I'm fixing her up from the latest Hawk strike.
She's survived three now.
View attachment 2449429View attachment 2449431

Rivit. She's just starting to assert her place in the tribe. She's Lock's sister.View attachment 2449432

They are all stunning, Shad. So nice to see Hinge & Rivit.

 

[BY Bob]

Aurora Knows when I'm not Around

So I was gone Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Somehow Aurora knew I was not there and forced Phyllis to sleep here on Friday and Saturday nights.

But on Sunday night, when I could do something about it, she let Phyllis sleep in the coop.

Fortunately, run security is greatly enhanced since the Maleficent incident. Even more so since I destroyed the ratacombs and closed off their entry point. Still this is not where I want poor Phyllis sleeping in the winter. I will be home for a few weeks, every night, so I can intervene. I need to figure out a long term solution though. It seems everytime I think it is settled, it is not.

 

[BY Bob]

I've been in contact with him all is well, just busy.

Thanks CCCL.

 

[Ribh]

I think you are wise. I might end up ignoring you of course, but I want to acknowledge right now that you are probably right!

He gives lots of good advice that is mostly ignored so I'd guess he's used to that. You know your own flock best & do what feels right for you & your girls.

My experience is integrating new hens gets easier each time. The old hands have been here before & get less upset than they otherwise would. They are secure in their standing in the flock & are able to re~establish the new pecking order with minimum fuss. This in turn teaches the younger birds. Whichever way you go I'm sure it will be successful.

 

[Ribh]

Aurora Knows when I'm not Around

So I was gone Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Somehow Aurora knew I was not there and forced Phyllis to sleep here on Friday and Saturday nights.
View attachment 2449477

But on Sunday night, when I could do something about it, she let Phyllis sleep in the coop.

Fortunately, run security is greatly enhanced since the Maleficent incident. Even more so since I destroyed the ratacombs and closed off their entry point. Still this is not where I want poor Phyllis sleeping in the winter. I will be home for a few weeks, every night, so I can intervene. I need to figure out a long term solution though. It seems everytime I think it is settled, it is not.

She is very naughty ~ & very smart. Can Mrs BY Bob intervene when you're not there?

 

[MaryJanet]

I've been given two possible leads for vets who at least will see chickens, about 1 hour away. I'll have to follow up.

Mine is a 40 minute drive away, longer if the traffic is against us. I have found the consults well worth the effort, the money and the effort to make the money in the first place. Very reassuring.

My strategy is to schedule early morning appointments. That way I can scoop the patient off the roost the night before and put her in a travelling compartment lined with a soft towel. Sometimes I use a picnic basket, sometimes I use a cat box. The patient spends the night contained then off we go. The early appointment means she's out of her box sooner.

The other thing is to take two to the vet at the same time so they have each other for reassurance. Sometimes the chicken chatter in the car is delightful. And the other chicken might as well have a proper check up while she's there.

That's all I can think of, except to say good luck. I hope you can form a good ongoing relationship with one of the vets.

 

[LozzyR]

I think you are wise. I might end up ignoring you of course, but I want to acknowledge right now that you are probably right!

I think I have to agree with Shad. Having just lost the last of my ISA Browns, losing treasured pets early due to poor genetics is heartbreaking. As much as I am toying with the idea of getting a couple more hens (blue egg layers perhaps?!) I am equally not inclined to get any more just yet. My remaining girls are all purebreds, so I’m hoping that longevity is one of the traits that is part of being a pure breed. Although looking at Shad and my Frizzle breeder friend’s experiences, after several generations the barnyard mixes seem to be who’s living the longest.