Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Young Mag is sick. I don't think he knows he's sick thankfully. His behaviour is normal but his comb and wattles tell a different story.
Instead of being red, or even pink his comb and wattles are purpleish and that is not a good sign. The usual cause is heart problems or poisoning; leads, nitrates, other toxic chemicals. I think it's probably his heart because unlike with poisoning where the comb and wattles stay much the same colour purple until they die or recover, Mag's comb changes shades at different times of the day. In the mornings when he's been resting he comes out of the coop looking pale but more pink. By the time evening comes and he's been active his comb looks bad.
There isn't anything I can do for him which is upsetting.

I'm so sorry Shad.

Do you have any of his offspring in the tribes?

 

[micstrachan]

Hi everyone,
Just got home and checked in on the birds. All appears well with a headlamp. Lots of poop to deal with tomorrow, so they’ve been eating.

Poor Ester (1.5-ish year old Barred Rock) is in a hard molt. Poor thing! I can see her under side is completely bare and her feathers are all over under her roosting spot. She’s in the coldest spot in the coop and not cuddled up with anyone. It’s 43° F out, so I think she’ll be ok, but still! It looks like it will dip below freezing the next couple of nights. Why??? (meaning, why is she having her first molt right now?)

 

[micstrachan]

Young Mag is sick. I don't think he knows he's sick thankfully. His behaviour is normal but his comb and wattles tell a different story.
Instead of being red, or even pink his comb and wattles are purpleish and that is not a good sign. The usual cause is heart problems or poisoning; leads, nitrates, other toxic chemicals. I think it's probably his heart because unlike with poisoning where the comb and wattles stay much the same colour purple until they die or recover, Mag's comb changes shades at different times of the day. In the mornings when he's been resting he comes out of the coop looking pale but more pink. By the time evening comes and he's been active his comb looks bad.
There isn't anything I can do for him which is upsetting.

Oh no, Shad! Poor Mag. I’m sorry. I completely agree a heart problem is the most likely issue. I sincerely hope it’s something else. Did this just start?

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

That is so nice but not as significant as if you invited Aurora to live at the Palace,

View attachment 2465661

Yikes! She is definitely an intimidating looking hen. I don't think any of my Princesses would be a match for her. Even Maggie is more bark than bite and in general they are all rather chill. They wouldn't know what had hit them!

If you are borrowing Aurora RC then you could borrow Tsuki too. They'd be too busy getting in each other's faces to bother the Princesses!

also, Happy Mug Shot Monday!

I don't know how you guys get such nice close ups. Tsuki turns her back and trots away if I get too close.

 

[micstrachan]

Lots of excitement at the Chicken Palace today
Today was a bit eventful for the Princesses. A young fox jumped on top of their pasture run and sent them scattering all in a fluster

Once they regrouped inside the Chicken Palace they felt safety in numbers and spent a long time putting their feathers back to rights.

Each time I think of letting them free range I get reminded why I don't. I think I will leave the electric fence on during the day for the next few days.

Yikes! Too much excitement!

 

[micstrachan]

They do indeed seem to learn. If I have it switched on for a few nights I go many weeks with nobody approaching.
The fox in this video looks very young to me so definitely needs schooling!
I have also had two juvenile raccoons who visit at night (if I don't switch it on) and they need a lesson too.
I will leave it on 24 hours for the next week.

That sounds like a solid plan!

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Lots of excitement at the Chicken Palace today
Today was a bit eventful for the Princesses. A young fox jumped on top of their pasture run and sent them scattering all in a fluster

Once they regrouped inside the Chicken Palace they felt safety in numbers and spent a long time putting their feathers back to rights.

Each time I think of letting them free range I get reminded why I don't. I think I will leave the electric fence on during the day for the next few days.

They do indeed seem to learn. If I have it switched on for a few nights I go many weeks with nobody approaching.
The fox in this video looks very young to me so definitely needs schooling!
I have also had two juvenile raccoons who visit at night (if I don't switch it on) and they need a lesson too.
I will leave it on 24 hours for the next week.

Pity you couldn't get it switched on while he was there. That would have shocked him! (I couldn't help it...sorry)

But seriously, that is some great footage and a beautiful animal. Glad he couldn't get to your girls though. Phew!

 

[micstrachan]

Danger aside, look how big your littles are now!!

I noticed that, too!

 

[BY Bob]

Young Mag is sick. I don't think he knows he's sick thankfully. His behaviour is normal but his comb and wattles tell a different story.
Instead of being red, or even pink his comb and wattles are purpleish and that is not a good sign. The usual cause is heart problems or poisoning; leads, nitrates, other toxic chemicals. I think it's probably his heart because unlike with poisoning where the comb and wattles stay much the same colour purple until they die or recover, Mag's comb changes shades at different times of the day. In the mornings when he's been resting he comes out of the coop looking pale but more pink. By the time evening comes and he's been active his comb looks bad.
There isn't anything I can do for him which is upsetting.

I'm so sad for you. Thanks for sharing the information as it may help one of us to recognize the same condition. I'm sorry that this is happening. How old is he?

 

[BY Bob]

Good looking couple!!

Than you.