Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Scrambles83]

I believe dandelion is good for kidneys (yellow, watery urates).

Totally missed this earlier, sorry! As in feeding them dandelions or a supplement?

 

[BY Bob]

They are working something out, as lately I've spotted Hazel and Queenie foraging quite peacefully together when out of the run. Not to the degree that Popcorn and Butters are a definite pair, but they do not avoid each other, and regularly peck around alongside eachother.

I'm also entertaining the idea that Queenie has some foraging smarts that the others like...Popcorn is a generally adventurous chicken, but this afternoon when I let them out for some supervised free-ranging in our front yard, she didn't show it. Queenie wasn't in the group because she was laying her egg. The other four stepped out but didn't go far, and soon went back into the run. I thought they didn't like the wind. Then later when Queenie was done and I opened it up again they were all happy to go out but kept pretty well in a group, more or less. It was still windy but a bit less so. When conditions are windy and a bit nerve-wracking I've noticed they really stick together. It has struck me that Queenie is experienced living outdoors and they might take their cues from her and her confidence. Will have to observe more to see. She is very matter-of-fact while free-ranging, seems to know where to investigate to find good things. She is a little wary of me, more than she used to be, especially if I'm carrying a shovel or any kind of stick, and always stays out from underfoot, whereas the Buckeyes are totally trusting and think garden tools are probably related to a forthcoming treat. With any actual treats, Queenie is still low chicken on the totem pole in the gathering.

So tonight Queenie was sitting on the threshold and Butters was on the perch outside the open pop door. Everybody else was in. Somebody was sitting close behind and to the side of Queenie, looking out.

I went behind and peeked in the back and did a head count. As I did that and then went back to the run door to get in there and rectify things for Butters, Queenie stood up, turned around and went in. That's right, Queenie, good girl! It was then a matter of encouraging Butters to go in, and the others made room for her. I got the impression Butters didn't mind being outside, but was willing to go in. Or just was accepting of her place. I don't know.

The run is generally safe against larger animals but not small weasels, and a raccoon could reach higher than the hardware cloth and grab somebody on that perch. So I don't want anybody spending the night there. That's a project I want to do, secure some HC higher on either side of the perch and pop door entrance.

Very interesting. You have to believe that Queenie grew up scratching to survive and probably does know better where to locate food than those raised with a ready supply at hand. She had to be better. I agree with your hypothesis.

I believe that your tribe has learned of her strength and is likely more adventurous with her to lead the way. I have seen that in a way with mine.

When certain members are laying eggs the tribe is more static and when they are present the tribe is much more active. Aurora seems to be much more adventurous and will drive others to look for more food. When she is not there, when she is laying her egg, Lilly tends to keep the tribe more static in one area. For whatever reason when Aurora is present you will more likely find the tribe scattered throughout the yard.

 

[RoyalChick]

Totally missed this earlier, sorry! As in feeding them dandelions or a supplement?

Dandelions are a diuretic in humans (in medieval times they were called 'pissenlit'). I have no idea if they have the same effect on an avian kidney. My guess would be yes. The effect is very mild however - young dandelion greens are nice in salad and I have never noticed any effect myself.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

This Bantam is one full 100% chicken as far as I’m concerned!
View attachment 2590798

This Bantam is one full 100% chicken as far as I’m concerned!
View attachment 2590798

She is very pretty!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

We got her crop sorted Lozzy. It took a few days but it's empty enough in the mornings. I still don't think she is extracting enough nutrients from what she eats though. She eats the commercial feed but I'm givng her a lot of other stuff as well, mostly fish and egg which she loves. She's getting to her grave now and what I have to do is make it as quick and comfortable as possible.
She wouldn't survive without help now, mainly due to when she does fall over, she can't get back up. I have to check regularly. I've found her on her side a couple of times now and the rest of the tribe have moved on. I've got a few pictures of the problem. Could do with a video really.

That is sad. But she is getting the very best care and I think she would have been gone long already without your special love. She looks good!

 

[featherhead007]

She is very pretty!

She? Ah come on, he’s a rooster. A real manly man!

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I can’t find the original post. Was it taken down? Is Tractor Supply a sponsor or something?

I think Scrambles took it down.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

What would a cross between a Bantam partridge Cochin Rooster and a New Hampshire Red hen look like? Jaffar is very interested in the young new model in the tribe. ? Separation for now, but he won’t leave the hardware cloth separating them.

He’s in love!

 

[BY Bob]

Oh, the drama! Minnie was unwell again this morning, but better (not 100%) this evening. She hasn’t laid in a bit, which is worrisome. She’s not even quite 2 yet. Ester is the same age, and not laying, either.

Ruby is swollen in the belly already. Little Mill is a little swollen, too, but I do believe she’s laying, and will give everyone Lily of the Desert Alie Detox tomorrow (in damp feed).

Cashew is favoring a leg, and when I went to check her feet, one foot and leg are noticing warmer than the other side. No visible injury. No swelling. Gently touched both sides all over and no flinching. I think it’s the weight bearing that’s bothering her and assume she got hurt jumping down from the roost.

Dorothy laid a shelled egg (yay).

Ester is (slightly) warming up to me (yay again).

I hope everyone else’s flocks (I know, I know... tribes) are doing well!

Sounds like you have a lot to keep your eyes one right now. I am interested in what this is? Lily of the Desert Alie Detox

 

[BY Bob]

Chick tax , yes the photo bomber Coco too.View attachment 2591289

They all looks like carbon copies of each other! How do you tell them apart?