Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Hi friends. I left my phone at home, so am checking in on an actual computer! What a treat! I am out with the flock and dog at the moment, so will read today's posts later.

I wanted to provide a quick flock update.

Dorothy - Her body language is excellent, but no eggs (I'm fine with that, as long as she's not laying internally. It's possible if not likely she's still dropping softies). Today was her last dose of enrofloxacin.

Ruby - Would you believe her swelling went down??? I'm so happy. I did notice that when she sits, she still breathes a bit heavily and tilts toward her right side, I assume to take pressure off her left. Not sure what's causing her discomfort and will probably not know until a necropsy someday. I'm just happy she seems to be enjoying herself and doing normal chicken things. Today was her last dose of enrofloxacin.

Minnie - She had REALLY tough time yesterday after work and this morning. Clearly not feeling well and drinking TONS of water, but not really eating. I suspected a back-up of some kind somewhere. I felt a small egg in her vent and a soft, fluidy crop in the morning. Today I'm pretty sure she laid the fairy egg with a brittle shell and significant meat spot in it, but nothing that resembled yolk to my eye. She's more active tonight, but still tentative. She did approach me somewhat expectantly, so I may try to sneak her a treat of baby bird formula with molasses and yogurt in case she's backed up. If she is, I think it might be secondary since she might be coming down with a laying disorder. She's my second Buckeye and Ruby is my first. What is up with these girls? They do not jump onto my radar as high production birds prone to laying issues.

I hope everyone had or is having a great day.

There is so much to unpack here.

It feels like good news on both Dorothy and Ruby.

Hopefully Minnie will work her way through what is troubling her. I like the idea of sneaking her some food. No I don't have buckeyes on my list of high production ladies but that doesn't mean an individual or two can't develop troubles sadly.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes

I can't think of a predator that takes them with no sign like this. It is very troubling.

 

[BY Bob]

Fantastic and congrats to the girls at the Acres.

Wait... aren't Phyllis's eggs white?

They are supposed to be. The smaller egg is her's. That one seems more cream colored. I think it's peer pressure.


"Phyllis we all lay beige eggs. Get with the program!"

 

[BY Bob]

Kiddo had 6 of the 7 on the hammock with him yesterday! They adore him ❤

Awesome!

 

[BY Bob]

Oh...happy belated birthday to Bob's
Eve

This is very sweet but Eve's birthday is in May.

 

[BY Bob]

The flock has decided.


Whip is the lowest in pecking order. they don't let her roost on the high bars in the coop at night. She is relegated to the low bars.

I know someone has to be at the bottom, I just wish it didn't have to be anyone at all. Can't they collectively have an imaginary friend to be subject to this instead?

I have heard of tribes that are less strict in their pecking order. You would think a tribe like mine, where there is never a shortage of food, would be less interested in enforcing the order. Instead it seems like mine are even more invested in enforcing it than others. You always feel sad for the one at the bottom. I suggest you do what I do and treat them special.

 

[BY Bob]

Maybe if only one, perches lonely on the bottom , maybe the spirit of my BLU sits beside her. Because he certainly isn’t here.

This is so sad.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm waaaay behind but I thought I'd just pop in and say "hi" to everyone at Fluffy Butt Acres.

I took pictures of some of the chooks at the Hawkesbury Show on the weekend. I really don't like the cramped little cages and noisy conditions they are in for the duration. Some of the chooks looked quite stressed to me, but I suppose it is only for a few days.

Some of the chooks wouldn't have a bar of my photography attemptsView attachment 2639413View attachment 2639414View attachment 2639415View attachment 2639416View attachment 2639418

and others came running to the door hoping for a treat.

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It's amazing how many different shapes and sizes chooks come in!

I have never thought to bring chicken treats to the fair but maybe a pocket full of dried crickets is in order next time.

 

[BY Bob]

Really had to share this one!

View attachment 2639459

That is just what Sansa looks like when I have no walnuts in my pocket!

 

[BY Bob]

Looks more like they think you are the treat!

There are times I wonder