Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Kris5902]

Where are you rescuing them from?

They are coming from the other “chicken Farmer” on the island... the primary egg producer and previous supplier of meat chickens to the local Pub (they are still trying to empty the last batch of 7lb or heavier CX birds they received). He will no longer be doing meat chickens (thank heavens). This is the same person that ate my Pure Bred Double laced Barnvelder Rooster because he “wasn’t looking very good” when he molted. The Story behind these girls is he wanted to keep them for breeding meat birds but has decided to not do that.

Chickens should not smell, not like that.

To be fair, the person I am getting them from is on the Autism spectrum, and there are some other issues there. I think staying out of the meat business is a very good choice. He was also running pigs. Some people just aren’t able to properly care for animals. I really hope someone there steps in and takes on the care of the laying flock. It’s a weird co-op Farm situation there.

 

[micstrachan]

Been busy, so I've missed a few Mug Shot Mondays! I tried to make up

First, a turkey...

View attachment 2449959
Truffle...
View attachment 2449960View attachment 2449961

And a meatball! ( )
View attachment 2449948

Lovely mugs!

 

[micstrachan]

As it’s still Monday (just), I’d like to offer up a Monday mugshot in honour of Lucy, my mummy’s girl. (And that’s Chickie in the background!)

View attachment 2448891

Aww... Lucy!

 

[micstrachan]

For mug shot Monday, I have my Bully Girl. And it is just early Monday here still...View attachment 2448921
Just a little blurry, but she moved her head to peck my camera right as I was taking the shot! Silly girl.

It is once again raining here, and I have been up since 2am for some strange reason. I’ve now given up on sleeping, and am patiently waiting for light outside... another three and a half, maybe four hours at least! Another hour and a half before DH gets up to go cut meat. Four pigs for our neighbor. Yesterday we moved the cows again, so they are back next to my trailer, but across a fence line. This is ideal for me as I can sneak them feed and scritches, but don’t have to worry about them marauding about and messing with my chicken housing.

It’s adorable!

 

[micstrachan]

Brrrrrrr
It is going down to 9 degrees F (minus 12.7 degrees C) later this week.
I am not sure how much to worry about the Princesses.
The two Little Princesses (now nicknamed the Road-Runners) floof up so much at night that you can barely see their heads so I am not too worried about them.
Maggie has almost finished her molt and she seems quite fluffy too with just a couple of scruffy patches.
Diana and Elizabeth are both molting but not badly - they just look scruffy rather than bald.
So I am trying to decide whether to put them in the garage overnight or let them be. Tonight will be 18F (minus 7.7C) so I could see if they all sensibly huddle up together.
We did get a spell this cold last year and they were more-or-less fine outside - Maggie did get a touch of frostbite on her comb, but they were in the school project coop and I think the roost was too close to the ceiling not allowing enough room for warm damp air to rise up and out. The Chicken Palace has oodles of ventilation and tall ceilings so that shouldn't be a concern.
I am leaning towards leaving them out there. Any advice, or just words of reassurance? I keep thinking chickens live in places that get a lot colder so probably they will be fine. Right?

I think they will be fine. There will not have a draft blowing on them, correct?

 

[micstrachan]

Oh dear.
I woke this morning to an e-mail from the guy who has the farm where I got the Road-Runners earlier this year, asking if I want more chicks this year and to let him know.
On offer in the spring will be: Wyandottes (blue laced red) - which look stunningly beautiful when I looked them up because of course I have no idea about breeds!; Golden crele crested Legbars (which are the same as the Road-Runners but with gold on their necks instead of grey); Olive Eggers - which I assume are a kind of Easter Egger so I am worried about them being picked on for having muffs and beards).
I know this is a useless question to ask of all you enablers, but should I get more chicks or pass? Honestly my little flock of 5 seems quite lovely as is. On the other hand .. .. ..

Umm... you’re not really asking, are you? Of course you need more chicks! You have plenty of space.

I have my first Easter Egger in a flock of 13, and so far nobody is picking on her for her cheeks.

 

[micstrachan]

Mugshot Monday pic
(Spread your mighty wings)View attachment 2449050

Fantastic photo!

 

[micstrachan]

I had to go back & look @ the dress. I was so busy looking @ faces I never noticed the dress.

It’s fabulous!

 

[micstrachan]

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.

Well, you are practical. You are a good voice to have among us enablers.

 

[micstrachan]

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

Be still my heart! Rivit is stunning!