Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

It's California, I'm wearing comfortable shorts and Tshirt now.

Said T-shirt

 

[Cynthia12]

I have Jaffar in with me now. big birds are out in the barn/coop. littles are in the spare room.. I'm giving Jaffar some (daddy and me time) did I mention, I love this roo?

You know..I was only teasing when I said bad boy.

 

[LozzyR]

Yes. The foxes are why I built The Chicken Palace like a real house with massive security.
yesterday I caught this and all the hours I spent making the roof of their pasture runs secure felt worthwhile.

View attachment 2539162
View attachment 2539163
View attachment 2539164
View attachment 2539165
View attachment 2539166
RIP Scary who was carried off by a fox while the Palace was under construction.

Poor Scary. Gone but not forgotten.

 

[Cynthia12]

Anna brought the Pretties in today. They enjoyed a cuddle puddle on the back of the couch.
View attachment 2539875

That's a beautiful photo! BYC Calender worthy.

 

[BY Bob]

A Taste of Spring

This morning might have been one of, if not, the coldest mornings all winter. But by midday the sun was blazing in a blue sky andthe sun was warm.

View attachment 2540100

I went outside to trim up the butterfly bush before Phyllis was right and spring arrived. Well since I was out, I needed to take fresh water to the ladies along with some kind of snack. As soon as I opened the door, Phyllis bolted. She is done being in the complex with those others.

She went in and out so I did not want to contain her and I always want there to be 2 exits if a door is opened so I opened the side door as well. Everyone fluffed out thinking there was grass and found themselves trapped on the bricks.

View attachment 2540113
I went back to work and tried to renege to keep an eye on things as I worked. A short while letter I turned around and caught Phyllis in full explorer mode. Check it out.

A short time after I took this. Phyllis headed towards me and the house. Bear in mind there are no melted pathways, just Phyllis walking about on the snow. Next thing I know she is at the backdoor and Mrs BY Bob is inviting her in. After a stay of about 30 min, I went in and suggested it was time she came back out. When she did come out, she did not go back to the coop but rather hung out on the deck. View attachment 2540112
View attachment 2540115

By this time I was done with my busy trimming but I could not leave Phyllis alone without the protection of the flock. I would feel better if Hattie was there to keep eyes peeled for danger. Plus, a little black hen on a white background just screams eat me Mr. Hawk.

What to do.........

First, I dug a little pathway back to the coop hoping the others would come join her. No luck.

Meanwhile Phyllis was thirsty. She found a source of melted water that had some good extra flavor and seasoned it more with her feet.

View attachment 2540130

Phyllis did decide to try out my new pathway to see if it would enhance her exploration.

View attachment 2540132

She showed no indication of wanting to go back in.

What to do................

Did I say the sun was warm? My solution.

View attachment 2540122

I grabbed a book, a cup of coffee, and I was back in my chair!

Phyllis came over to visit and to eat some of grass that was exposed under the footrest which she had discovered on her first walkabout.
View attachment 2540133

Before long Sydney realized that something was up. Unfortunately, I did not shovel a clear path to the coop. That did not stop Sydney as she is a bird.

Flap flap flap flap flap!

There was Sydney on the path. Purple corn was her reward. I think Sydney is exceptionally beautiful against the snow.

Time for the photo shoot.
View attachment 2540141View attachment 2540142View attachment 2540143View attachment 2540144

The rest of the crew was just not interested in coming to see me but I was able to watch them. Aurora started me down several times.
View attachment 2540148
View attachment 2540149

Eventually dust baths were had and Lilly took a nap on the porch in the sun.
View attachment 2540170

Phyllis continued to roam the yard, even venturing out onto our frozen pond. Choosing to climb the snow drift on the middle of it.

View attachment 2540153View attachment 2540154View attachment 2540156View attachment 2540155View attachment 2540158

Phyllis had herself another day and I enjoyed myself reading and visiting with them. A great time was had by all.......... except Aurora who missed the party because she wouldn't walk on the snow.

I forgot to add, Phyllis even found time to lay an egg today!

 

[fuentemoon]

The season here starts with morels and ends with my favorite chanterelles in the fall I haven't been mushroom hunting the last few years, but it is a favorite activity and a big business around here. Oyster, lobter, turkey tail, lions mane, truffles...

So many mushrooms, all this rain has to be good for something!

 

[BY Bob]

Tried and true Cessna Skyhawks 172 with all the bells and whistles now!!

Sweet! Good for you. Enjoy!

 

[BY Bob]

Even if they can’t fly too far.

They can fly though.

 

[LozzyR]

I don't know why everyone is laughing at this post. Did I say something I shouldn't?
I was being serious. Sometimes I wake up and just really feel grateful for everything good in my life. Sorry, maybe too maudlin to share. It was something about the beauty of the sun on the snow that set me off.
Also, it is an inherited weakness. My Dad when he was in his 90s used to weep sometimes out of the blue, and when asked why, he would say "because everything is so lovely", or "I read some beautiful poetry".
Mind you, he also wept whenever he watched the news on TV and saw cruelty and war and so on.
I guess he just cried easily.
I will show myself out and come back when I am feeling more normal.

No, you be your authentic self, no judgement here. And I think it’s awesome that your dad cried easily; he wasn’t emotionally stunted like so many older Australian men.

 

[BY Bob]

My airport is 3 miles from my ranch

That is convenient.