Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

Hazel was the only one who stood still enough for a picture today, and the light was just right for showing some of the colors in her feathers.

I removed her ziptie a couple days ago. I had noticed her fiddling with it in the morning. Then again later that day, and I checked it and looked for irritation on her leg, finding none visible. Decided it could come off, and she'd be the Buckeye w/o a zip tie, especially if it continued to bother her. But didn't have a tool at hand. Then late in the afternoon, close to roosting time, saw her grab it and pull it high up her leg and pull it and chew, and that was it, I wasn't sure where small clippers were so grabbed some small dissection scissors and cut it off. Then gently stroked & massaged her leg for a couple of seconds. She let me do that, I don't know for sure if she liked it but I was imagining how it might feel good if something had been bugging her there all day. Myself, I love how their feet and legs feel!

No one else is showing it bothers them, but if it does it's gone, maybe gone soon regardless. It's been very helpful in teaching me who is who, and I'm learning their individual characteristics and features pretty well so far but I still get it wrong now and then. Hazel's comb is unique, like a fleur-de-lis when seen straight-on. Her beak is still doing fine, a tiny crack visible but nothing changing.
View attachment 2513474

View attachment 2513476

Hey Jaffar , notice my beautiful comb? The human says it's a fleur-de-lis, whatever that is! Let's see yours again!
View attachment 2513517

Sure baby!

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh no! She has done it again.
Minnie is roosting at the other end of the Chicken Palace all on her own.
Why? What could it be about?
I am less worried tonight because the snow has stopped (yay!) and she had every chance of joining them and chose not to.
But it still seems pretty sad.

 

[RoyalChick]

Sick Tsuki

Tsuki did not come running when I went out to fill the breakfast bar this morning.
I checked the coop and she was sitting on the floor facing the window sitting well back on her heels. When I took her out and put her on the ground she fell over on her side and had trouble sitting up.

I have taken her to the vet and am awaiting news.
The way she is behaving reminds me of your description of Ester @micstrachan. She is moulting a bit, but nothing like Ester was. She was eating and bullying the other hens as usual yesterday.

I expect to hear something this afternoon. I will up date when I do.

Oh no, I do hope the vet can fix her up.

 

[RoyalChick]

I was smiling indulgently when I read this Bob, then I realized that I am in the same position. Deana and Tsuki haven't laid for almost a year. Boy, do I feel foolish...

I tell you, layer feed is just too complicated to keep track of. Calcium on the side every time!

 

[BY Bob]

Hazel was the only one who stood still enough for a picture today, and the light was just right for showing some of the colors in her feathers.

I removed her ziptie a couple days ago. I had noticed her fiddling with it in the morning. Then again later that day, and I checked it and looked for irritation on her leg, finding none visible. Decided it could come off, and she'd be the Buckeye w/o a zip tie, especially if it continued to bother her. But didn't have a tool at hand. Then late in the afternoon, close to roosting time, saw her grab it and pull it high up her leg and pull it and chew, and that was it, I wasn't sure where small clippers were so grabbed some small dissection scissors and cut it off. Then gently stroked & massaged her leg for a couple of seconds. She let me do that, I don't know for sure if she liked it but I was imagining how it might feel good if something had been bugging her there all day. Myself, I love how their feet and legs feel!

No one else is showing it bothers them, but if it does it's gone, maybe gone soon regardless. It's been very helpful in teaching me who is who, and I'm learning their individual characteristics and features pretty well so far but I still get it wrong now and then. Hazel's comb is unique, like a fleur-de-lis when seen straight-on. Her beak is still doing fine, a tiny crack visible but nothing changing.
View attachment 2513474

View attachment 2513476

Hey Jaffar , notice my beautiful comb? The human says it's a fleur-de-lis, whatever that is! Let's see yours again!
View attachment 2513517

Her feathers are beautiful. Great photos today.

 

[BY Bob]

Sick Tsuki

Tsuki did not come running when I went out to fill the breakfast bar this morning.
I checked the coop and she was sitting on the floor facing the window sitting well back on her heels. When I took her out and put her on the ground she fell over on her side and had trouble sitting up.

I have taken her to the vet and am awaiting news.
The way she is behaving reminds me of your description of Ester @micstrachan. She is moulting a bit, but nothing like Ester was. She was eating and bullying the other hens as usual yesterday.

I expect to hear something this afternoon. I will up date when I do.

Oh my gosh. I just..........all I can do is send hugs.

 

[BY Bob]

I was smiling indulgently when I read this Bob, then I realized that I am in the same position. Deana and Tsuki haven't laid for almost a year. Boy, do I feel foolish...

Well I'm glad you can learn from my stupidity.

 

[BY Bob]

Oh no! She has done it again.
Minnie is roosting at the other end of the Chicken Palace all on her own.
Why? What could it be about?
I am less worried tonight because the snow has stopped (yay!) and she had every chance of joining them and chose not to.
But it still seems pretty sad.

Maleficent would do this from time to time except it was outside. At least Minnie is safe in the Palace. Remind me, was Minnie on the end or sandwiched between the older ladies the other night?

 

[BY Bob]

Safely Tucked Away

The coop door closed as it should tonight. All fixed for now.

 

[RoyalChick]

Maleficent would do this from time to time except it was outside. At least Minnie is safe in the Palace. Remind me, was Minnie on the end or sandwiched between the older ladies the other night?

Minnie was on the end. I wonder if she feels rejected and is sulking.
You are right she is safe.
Another thought occurred to me is that she is showing me I do have space for more chickens! I mean she is on a whole other roost that I know can hold 4 because they sometimes congregate there for a chat during the day while they look out of the window.
Hmmm. Maybe it is a 'sign from Minnie'!