Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LaFemmeKatia]

I had a day with my church friends today. We packed bags with personal needs items to give to the homeless in our area. Toothpaste, socks, toothbrush, soap and towels, granola bars, shampoos, pet food for the dogs and cats, knitted caps, and other things. Then we went to the areas where they live, and passed the bags out. They stay near the river (camping style)
One of the church ladies didn’t forget about my birds either, and bought this:
Note, five lbs! Wow. View attachment 2926083

Your church group sound like awesome people. I am always thankful for the good folks living in the world.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Lil Bit went to his new home this morning and I couldn't be happier. It turns out I knew her and was good friends with her in high school. But afterwards like many we had drifted apart. Not only did she take Lil Bit, but 1 of the remaining Corona Brothers. He get's to join her dad's golden comet flock of 20. He has 1 6 year old rooster for that flock and wants a young back up boy. She brought her youngest and Lil Bit got to ride home in her lap.

I love a happy ending.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Aww poor baby. It's rough weather to be missing feathers up your way.

Why is everyone molting so late this year?

This is my tribe’s first serious molt (they are all about roughly 19 months old). It’s their second winter but their first as full-grown adults. For the first time since they began laying, egg production is at an all-time low.
Remember, these are my first-ever chickens, so I am learning all about how things work.
My first concern is making sure they are getting proper nutrition to support them through this process.
This hasn’t affected their activity and behavior, somehow. They are as active as ever and enjoying their days. Don’t ask me how! If it were me, I am pretty sure I would be a miserable, cranky old hen!

 

[RoyalChick]

I find this fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

I'll agree that jumpy is good, especially right now. Of course I liked it better when they felt safe to live their chicken lives in peace. That is not to be right now.

Well truth be told a chicken life is to be watchful and jumpy. Even with me standing there I prefer someone to be alert - they have better eyesight than me for sure!

 

[RoyalChick]

I have been wondering if I should get higher protein feed for my ladies at this time. They all seem to be at various stages of molting, and three of them look terrible! I feel bad for them. And of course we are having frosty mornings now and I can’t help but think they are uncomfortable.

This is the same place I am with Diana but TBH she seems to be fine with it. I have not noticed any change in her behavior - she is first out into the cold in the morning for example. She did lap up the sun yesterday but then she and Maggie have always been sun worshipers so the only difference really is that she took my chair (which is undoubtedly warmer than the ground right now). I will bring her in if I am worried but I am really just hoping she grows new feathers really fast!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Winterizing

Yesterday I needed to cover the end of the run and porch with shower curtains as sustained winds up to 50 mph (80 kph) were due last night. I believe that @micstrachan asked how I secured it so I took photos of the process.

First, the end of the run takes a full shower curtain. I screw it on with the same screws and washers I use for the hardware cloth.

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I then staple it to the bottom of the 2x4 as you can see above.

Then I use boards with screws to attach it via the 3 frame boards on the end. This pinches the shower curtain tight. See below:

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I then staple it to the bottom board, top and bottom, and then replace the protective bricks.
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With that we are done. It stood up to last night's wind storm beautifully.

This is a really great idea! Do you do all sides, or three, or what?

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I Finally Get Her Goat

I'm not sure who posted this was available but thank you (please take a bow). Mrs BY Bob finally got her goat (or two ). The large lady on the left is Matilda and the young Lad on the present is William.

View attachment 2927054

I Finally Get Her Goat

I'm not sure who posted this was available but thank you (please take a bow). Mrs BY Bob finally got her goat (or two ). The large lady on the left is Matilda and the young Lad on the present is William.

View attachment 2927054

They are adorable!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Mice?… glue traps! Somewhat noisy when they get caught, but the traps work well for me!

I hate glue traps, it seems like a bad way to die. I don’t like the bucket of water thing either.
I actually use the old fashioned snap traps. Sudden death. I have a lot of success with these.
We have mice come in the house somehow, and I use these in places like under the sink (inside the cabinet so I don’t catch a dog or cat).
Speaking of the cat… he is on third step corrective action for not doing his job!

 

[featherhead007]

I hate glue traps, it seems like a bad way to die. I don’t like the bucket of water thing either.
I actually use the old fashioned snap traps. Sudden death. I have a lot of success with these.
We have mice come in the house somehow, and I use these in places like under the sink (inside the cabinet so I don’t catch a dog or cat).
Speaking of the cat… he is on third step corrective action for not doing his job!
View attachment 2927796

“When I look this good, why chase mice?”

 

[featherhead007]

“When I be look this good, why chase mice?”