Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Kris5902]

Thanks Shad. It's not ast all how I envisioned this but here were go. I'm going to learn a lot about behaviors for sure. I've never had a flock where every hen is a different breed before. I am anticipating some issues for sure. Hopefully I am up to this.

I’m sure you’ll do just fine! Best rooster of the year award goes to @BY Bob... he even lets the ladies in for mealie worm treats when they knock!

 

[micstrachan]

I lost my first three hens to a fox. I was sobbing so hard, I couldn't get words out. It took about two hours to regain my ability to speak.

Awww... they really steal our hearts, don’t they. How long ago was that?

 

[BY Bob]

The guard ravens are back! Yay! This pair has been watching over the yard for years. I have personally watched them chase off a hawk. Hadn’t seen them in awhile!
View attachment 2023456

Most excellent

 

[BY Bob]

Yes I have a family of crows(not sure if a Raven is the same as a crow) that stay on or around my property and they do chase hawks away. I have seen them do it in all seasons not just when they have baby crows. I was thinking of feeding them corn so they would stay around when I get chicks in a few weeks. This will be my first time raising chickens and I worry about aerial predators as I see hawks all the time.

Crows are excellent hawk deterrents.

 

[BY Bob]

I discovered this discussion the other day. I've been off BYC for a while, but we recently lost one of our first ladies and wanted to find some solace I started at the beginning and am only on page 175. I need a few days off to catch up! Thank you BYBob. Reading about your special girls you lost made me realize crying over my little Rosie wasn't crazy.

It is never crazy. To feel great sadness you must experience great love. There can't be one without the other.

The last time my heart was broken by a loss my wife did not want me to keeping experiencing grief. Her first thought was no more chickens. It broke her heart for me too be so upset.

I explained to her that the time of joy was far longer than the time of loss and grief. I would never give that up over the hurt at the end.

It's ok to grieve. Remember though as @Shadrach has told me there is a point where "it's time to look to the living". That joy is out there waiting for you to come back.

 

[BY Bob]

I lost my first three hens to a fox. I was sobbing so hard, I couldn't get words out. It took about two hours to regain my ability to speak.

I did not know that about you @MaryJanet

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

 

[MaryJanet]

Awww... they really steal our hearts, don’t they. How long ago was that?

Ummm I think it was early 2017 so three years ago. I remember events in vivid detail, but I'm always a bit dim on when something occurred.

 

[BY Bob]

I’m sure you’ll do just fine! Best rooster of the year award goes to @BY Bob... he even lets the ladies in for mealie worm treats when they knock!

You are too kind. At least I don't have to tidbit for her.

 

[MaryJanet]

I did not know that about you @MaryJanet

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

It was a tragedy and it was my fault.

I failed to act on the advice of my neighbours who told me they had lost hens to foxes.

That's why the henhouse is so very secure.

 

[MaryJanet]

I did not know that about you @MaryJanet

I'm so sorry that happened to you.

Thank you for being kind, but I don't deserve it. Those three chickens lost their lives because I thought I knew best.

They were called Alice (a leghorn), Dora and Nigella (production reds).