Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

I don’t think it’s a bad thing, Bob. I think it’s great. They are quick and agile enough to get away from Phyllis if they need to.

Thanks. I'm sure they will wake up in time to get away.

 

[BY Bob]

Wow, I can't tell for sure but is there nobody at all on the main roost in the big coop?

You are correct. No one is on the main roost. 3 on the high roost, 2 in the nest box.

 

[LozzyR]

I have a question for you fine chicken folk. For those whose hens stop laying in the winter, what happens to their combs? Do they stay bright red or go pale until they start laying again?
Also, do you switch away from layer feed just for the winter?
I feel I should know these things!

My girls get a bit paler but not really pale, I keep up the layer feed, but at the moment (spring) they’re not at all interested in it. They’re also turning their beaks up at oats and sardines. Black beans and sultanas on the other hand…

 

[bgmathteach]

Stupid arrangement. I have replaced many alternators but never a power steering pump. That is a hideous place for a starter. What is the solenoid failed? Yikes!

Chicken Tax
View attachment 2895635

Thank you for a pic of Mal. I though she was just gorgeous!

 

[rural mouse]

MJ Video of the Day

This is now a thing for me. I am going to try and post a chick video every day for my friend @MaryJanet I hope that everyone will enjoy them as well.

Are they still using the nest box at all?

 

[rural mouse]

The very rarely observed Hamster Chicken. You're lucky to have such a rare breed of chicken and in such magnificent colouration too! I'm quite jelly.



(Don't mind me, sometimes I like to make a little joke)

I thought it was the even rarer Guinea Pig-chicken...

 

[bgmathteach]

Tax:

 

[micstrachan]

So I’ve been wanting to tell you guys about this all day, but I type with a single thumb on my phone and it’s very slow. Besides, I did not want to take my attention off the girls with hawks lurking nearby.

I did have an opportunity to just sit and watch the girls during free range time. They were nervous and didn’t venture very far out, but I was watching them in the one semi-dry patch of earth to dust bathe in.

Pecking order and flock dynamics are so very interesting. I have found that the hens only tend to discipline and peck at those directly beneath them in the pecking order. A step or two down, and they tend to let it go. For example, Bridge, who is generally pretty gentle, can be a bit rough on Buttercup, who is pretty high in the order, but not top hen. Bridge is top hen. However, Bridge will tolerate the “babies” eating right out of her same dish, especially Flo. I have already mentioned that Flo is an alpha in the making. She is in full molt, very nervous, and a bit standoffish. However, today I saw her challenge Bridge, raising her hackle feathers. Bridge did not submit, but did tolerate her. It was super interesting. Almost like Flo was her little prodigy.

Bridge decides who roost with her. Sometimes it surprises me when she allows the babies to roost beside her, but not Buttercup or anyone in that age group.

In my flock, pecking order is primarily dictated by age. Then within each age group, there is a pecking order, as well. Bridge is my only five and a half year old hen, and she is the alpha. After Bridge, there are the four-year-olds, who consist of Millie, Roxy, Cashew, Buttercup, and Lucky. Out of that group, Buttercup is by far the most bossy. However, Cashew clearly outranks her. After that, there are the two year olds. I only have Minnie and Ester left, since Dorothy passed away. Minnie outranks Ester, quite obviously. Finally, there are the one year-olds, who I call the babies. Flo is by far the top of that group. I think one day she will be the alpha. I have never seen a hen take their first hard molt as well as she is. She is quite robust! Poor Flash is definitely at the bottom. A couple of the higher, but not super highly ranked girls torment her a bit.

Sorry about the rambling, but I’m curious to hear from those who only keep hens and have a range of ages. How does the pecking order go in your flock?

Edited to add; Wait. Prodigy is not the word I’m looking for, but hopefully you get the idea.

 

[rural mouse]

We are doing Guinea Pig Chickens! So I added a turtle.

Looks like Elton Pig-chicken with Turtlini

 

[micstrachan]

Last night was very warm for this time of year.

Interesting! What was up?