Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Not only are they a handsome pair but they look like chickens.

Ivy begs your pardon.

 

[Shadrach]

How funny that I came up in conversation!

Chickadee is doing well and still lives in my backyard! She is very friendly, but does NOT let me hold or pet her. She will stand next to me and is okay with me handling her baby chicks, but has never been one for affection of any sort. Last month, Chickadee surprised me and she actually let me pet her! This was such a special moment for me and one that I will always hold close to my heart!

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You can see just how tiny she is in this photo!

I used to get that a lot. Mum would bring the chicks round. I'm sure she said "this is bucket boy and if you get lost or I die find him." The mums were not the slightest bit interested in being petted or picked up but they were quite happy to let me handle their chicks; unless of course the chick got upset. In that case I got a very irrate mum intent on digging whatever she could into whatever she could. I've had some nasty scratches and bits of flesh dug out by irrate mums.

 

[Shadrach]

Didn't Treacle like to get in Shad's lap? And don't forget he was Fat Bird's taxi service every morning!

The males seemed to fall fairly neatly into two groups. They were either very easy to handle and generally affectionate, or they wanted to fight me. Fortunately I managed to come to a working arrangement with all the hostile males in time. Chickens ime are very reasonable creatures. Once they are shure you are not out to harm them and know you will take care when you walk amoung them they'll tolerate most of the rest of your human failings.

 

[Shadrach]

Yes, but I think Shad is in the closet about his enjoyment of chickens sitting in his lap. I think he prefers them wild, cautious and alert for better chance of survival. Shad, please jump in and set me straight any time!

I may be in the closet but the door is open.
I find the what I like and what's best for them line hard to draw. Bear in mind that Cillin was orphan and Treacle was his son, but more to the point, he was Mel's son and Mel trusted me and spent a lotof time with me while Treacle was a chick and after. So, the circumstances often dictate what happens later on.
Course, that does really explain Treacle's leather fetish but hey, it takes all sorts right?

 

[Shadrach]

Hi,it’s literally raining outside and there is a violent storm going on.There’s still no sign of Lilly I have no idea if she’s even okay.I’m probably sure she’s hiding under the back trees but she’s afraid of humans and dosent come out.I still haven’t heard any good news and They brought Era back in the coop,who is frantically crowing for Lil.I told them to open up the coop door for a few miniutes and go away so that maybe Lilly would come back to the coop?if no one was there and it was raining and she saw Era crowing?Well of course she didn’t,the caretaker spotted her in the end of the grassy garden but when they ran to catch her she disappeared.Now there’s been no sign of her since morning and it’s literally afternoon.The rain is really heavy and I’m really scared.There’s nothing to do but go and hunt for her tomorrow.I’m really panicking that she won’t thrive through this heavy rain.My fingers are crossed.

Sad to read Lilly hasn't returned.

 

[micstrachan]

Please tell me chickens will eat box elder bugs

Spoiler: bugs

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I don’t think so. We get them a certain time of year (early summer maybe?) and I think the chickens ignore them.

 

[micstrachan]

A fighting chicken who thinks it will live is less stressed than a frozen chicken who thinks it's going to die.

That's only an opinion.

I think so, too. But maybe I’m anthropomorphizing. Did I spell that right?

 

[micstrachan]

We started with three birds and could not ever really settle on who was the top hen. It seemed they each took turns. However, after Ginger died a couple of weeks ago, a new order has definitely arrived, and it's not what I ever would have guessed. Honestly, it's been a bit unnerving for me to watch. Mrs. Howell has become an evil dictator. The most obvious behaviors are displayed when eating treats. A very menacing glare, sometimes along with a stern warning cluck to back off, which if not heeded results in pecking. They used to all get along so well.

I’m sorry about Ginger. Hugs!

 

[rural mouse]

I found my first one today and Diana enjoyed it. She didn’t eat the lantern fly I served up so I had to squish it.

The side of the house I took that pic on is COVERED in those things. I can't open the door when the sun is on it but I can't get the chickens to follow me all the way over...yet...one of my crock pot waterers is under the porch on that side...it gets cold enough....but no more bugs either....sigh

 

[MaryJanet]

I think so, too. But maybe I’m anthropomorphizing. Did I spell that right?

Yes, but with an American z. Nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with an s either.

I may have been anthropomorphising too.