Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

This. I take Shad's point but @BY Bob doesn't have acreas & acreas. He has a suburban backyard & 2 small coops & a hen who is something of an outsider who he wants to give a more friendly society. I personally think if he wants that it is going to require some intervention ~ but I am probably the worst person to talk about this situation as my mad lot get along beautifully & I've never had to deal with something like this so I've been able to let my girls work things out because they do so peacably.

I really do appreciate your thoughts because your tribe gets along so specific. There is some magic you have which I would love to capture.

 

[BY Bob]

Bob did ask, so I've said my bit. I just hope whatever happens it works out for everyonne.

I asked and I want to hear. I especially want your opinion as well as others.
I have great respect for your thoughts and I believe that while we work in different worlds, our basic philosophy on chickens are close to each other. I have them in a very different environment than you are used to and that may force me to do things you might not. That doesn't mean I'm happy about it.

Please do not stop yourself from telling me what you think.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I'm going to have to find a name for this young hen. Trouble is she looks very like four of the others.
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She looks like a "Clover" to me. Four leaf clovers are lucky.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I have frankly been hoping that the "birds of a feather" would work this out for me. Maybe it will. I do appreciate your advice and you know I have always tried to let them be what they want to be. I just wonder if a little help isn't in order.

I am leaning towards moving Phyllis to the "The Hut" each night whether she roosts outside or in the big coop. (I am going to move her if she roosts outside anyway. It's not safe enough. ) I'm not sure I want to interfere any more than that. Perhaps I can help her to reset her home by doing that. If I could get her to do that she could avoid all of the roosting abuse. If she doesn't take to it in a week or so, I could always stop doing it. This feels like the least invasive step with the potential for the outcome I think would be best.

The Phyllistines view The Hut as their home and will go back there on their own. So opening things up should not be a problem.

I like this plan Bob.

It gives them enough autonomy to make their own decisions while still nudging them in the direction you want them to go.

 

[BY Bob]

Agreed. We've disagreed before so we'll survive this one too ~ & yes he asked so we're all sticking our oars in his pond. In the end he will decide what's best for his situation. I have because his lot are like nothing I've ever experienced when it comes to getting along with each other.

I would hope that we debate with respect here. I have asked everyone to weigh in so I can gather all possible ideas before committing to a course of action. I am pleased when we do so and are respectful to others. Thank you all for that. (And you and Shad especially)

 

[BY Bob]

Got Belle out this morning, she was out for an hour and furiously ate pellets, scratch, honey toast scraps and some fresh pear. She drank, preened and has just gone back in.
With everything she did, it was like she was on speed, had to fit it all in within a timeframe
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Broody hens do have an internal clock. Can't let the eggs get cold.

 

[BY Bob]

It's taken me a while but I've got the basics for a medical kit together finally.
Flubenvet 1% not the mixed in feed sort so I can dose direct and know just what dose I'm giving.
Coxiod. Never used this before but it's what you can get here for coccidia.
Harkers 4 in one. I'm told its good.
Vaseline.
Waiting for Betadine. It's expensive here.
Panacur. Effective but not officially sanctioned and not suiitable for moulting chickens.
A proper full bale of straw. Reasonably cheap and beetr quality than the stuff I got in Spain. They've been buying little bags of straw type stuff for rabbits. What this has meant is the coop hasn't been cleaned out often enough. I can clean daily now.
I brought syringes and stiching stuff with me.
Looking for Metacam still.

Excellent news.

 

[BY Bob]

Have you had anyone shred another's feathers before? More protein needed?

I have not ever seen this before. I will provide more protein sources. I wish I knew how this happened.

 

[BY Bob]

Also just to add info for you - this morning there was no super-loose poo in the poop tray. I'm still watching but everything with Hazel seems to be improving. So if this continues, then the diarrhea/loose poo is somehow related to the molt. She was drinking enough to compensate, or her drinking was causing it. Can't say (chicken/egg conundrum )

I am thrilled to hear this. I'm so glad.

I think this is an excellent example of giving them a chance to work through things on their own. Monitor but not interfere until it is absolutely necessary. Now you also know that this is normal for her when this happens next year while she is molting. You know to watch her to make sure she gets through it but you also know that she can work through it herself.

 

[Ribh]

I would hope that we debate with respect here. I have asked everyone to weigh in so I can gather all possible ideas before committing to a course of action. I am pleased when we do so and are respectful to others. Thank you all for that. (And you and Shad especially)

We're the opinionated ones. Luckily we also like each other.