Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

Wait, Bob, I missed why you’re away from your birds? You mean because you’re so sick and they’re coop bound?

 

[ValerieJ]

Wow, just tried to catch up. (I was away for the weekend at X-Games supporting my husband’s 2nd cousin.) Farewell Malificent and I’m sorry about Hinge.

Predators. We have several... hawks, eagles, owls, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions. Only one has gotten to my birds while free ranging and I’m pretty sure it was a fox. Amazingly, nobody was seriously hurt. My run has 1/2 inch hardware cloth on the walls, top, and skirt, but there is no weed where the overlapping panels meet. They are joined by J clips, but I think I’ll reinforce with metal zip ties in some spots. There is a gopher (?) making several mounds around the run, but has not gotten in yet. We had a rat problem for a bit, but I seem to have gotten all those openings closed, as well.

Tattoos. I wanted one when I was younger, but could not think of a single thing I felt connected to enough to have it on my body forever. Really love the feather idea, though. I, too, would likely get something chicken related if I ever got one. Thinking I’m kinda past that point in my life, but you never know!

What else? All three pullets are laying and two hens are squatting again, so they might start up. Did I tell you all I’m trying to focus on flock wellness instead of illness? I suppose I won’t really know if it’s working until the hens come back into lay.

On a different note, is anyone concerned about the coronavirus outbreak?

Focusing on flock wellness is a great idea! What proactive steps are you taking?

I'm a little concerned about the coronavirus. DH still travels a lot, but at least will not be flying anymore. Stopped that just in time! Whew! But, lots of exposure to different people every week. I watched the press conference today by NIH, and didn't feel significantly reassured. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[micstrachan]

The coronavirus does not sound especially virulent, so I’m not overly concerned yet. Will continue he to use common sense with hand washing, etc.

As far as flock wellness, I’ve omitted treats completely, except for the rare time I need to call them in from free ranging. I am fermenting feed, enhanced their run, and give them as much free range time as possible (my normal practice... glad the days are getting longer!) I also spike their feed with supplements occasionally (milk thistle, exvhibacea, goldenseal and olive leaf extract).

 

[RoyalChick]

Not really. 39°F (3.9°C). Pretty mild for January.

Looks very cozy.

 

[BY Bob]

Wait, Bob, I missed why you’re away from your birds? You mean because you’re so sick and they’re coop bound?

I am away for work. I was well enough to travel on Monday so off I went.

They are still coop bound, I'm just not there.

 

[micstrachan]

Sorry you miss your flock. I hate being away from home for that very reason.

 

[Shadrach]

I am aiming for about 1/2 that number. Another month or so, as we head into cooler weather, I'll be looking to get another few POLs. My older girls have now passed the 2yr mark, though still laying well, & I want to keep egg production relatively high. Hopefully it will then stabalise for a few years until the older girls start passing on.

Most of my middle age hens died this year.
Blue Spot from old age illnesses; she was probably 11 years old.
Dink, 6 years old. Goshawk, just so unlucky. Another half a metre and she would have been safe.
Ruffles. She would have been 8 years old in May. Completely unnecessary death due to one of those stupid people with dogs who despite all the stuff about dog training had no control over their dogs.
Gedit, 7 years old. Human stupidity as far as I can tell.

 

[Shadrach]

Oh no! Poor Hinge! How is she?

She seems to be recovering. I need to see her fly before I consider her fit.

 

[Shadrach]

Wow, just tried to catch up. (I was away for the weekend at X-Games supporting my husband’s 2nd cousin.) Farewell Malificent and I’m sorry about Hinge.

Predators. We have several... hawks, eagles, owls, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions. Only one has gotten to my birds while free ranging and I’m pretty sure it was a fox. Amazingly, nobody was seriously hurt. My run has 1/2 inch hardware cloth on the walls, top, and skirt, but there is no weed where the overlapping panels meet. They are joined by J clips, but I think I’ll reinforce with metal zip ties in some spots. There is a gopher (?) making several mounds around the run, but has not gotten in yet. We had a rat problem for a bit, but I seem to have gotten all those openings closed, as well.

Tattoos. I wanted one when I was younger, but could not think of a single thing I felt connected to enough to have it on my body forever. Really love the feather idea, though. I, too, would likely get something chicken related if I ever got one. Thinking I’m kinda past that point in my life, but you never know!

What else? All three pullets are laying and two hens are squatting again, so they might start up. Did I tell you all I’m trying to focus on flock wellness instead of illness? I suppose I won’t really know if it’s working until the hens come back into lay.

On a different note, is anyone concerned about the coronavirus outbreak?

It's great idea the feather tat.

 

[Shadrach]

The coronavirus does not sound especially virulent, so I’m not overly concerned yet. Will continue he to use common sense with hand washing, etc.

As far as flock wellness, I’ve omitted treats completely, except for the rare time I need to call them in from free ranging. I am fermenting feed, enhanced their run, and give them as much free range time as possible (my normal practice... glad the days are getting longer!) I also spike their feed with supplements occasionally (milk thistle, exvhibacea, goldenseal and olive leaf extract).

Good for you on the treat cut back.