Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Holy moly!

That is why I get freaked out the fact that there are so many predators out there

They are permanent members of my community now.

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh Kris I have such a worry about the swallows, they will be back around May first. I always have about 4 pairs nesting in the barn - I am beside myself worrying if I should lock them out. Over 30 yrs they have been nesting here.

I don't want my chickies to get ill, but also want the swallows around. My next move is to call the Agriculture ministry and get some insight into which birds are the actual ones carrying the flu.

Tonight I kept everyone in.

My understanding is that in theory all birds can carry it, but that casual infection is unusual - it requires close contamination - like hanging out in a field where geese have been flocking.
It might be enough to keep your ladies out of the barn and maybe in a covered run for a few weeks around the migration time.
Also, does it get hot where you are? The virus is destroyed by the heat so not a summer thing - it takes a few days of temperatures in the 70s but that is enough to deactivate it.
It is very hard to know what to do. So far I am not stopping my ladies from going outside. I have plenty of birds but not large congregations of ducks or geese. I decided I would keep them in the Chicken Palace if I learn of a case within 30 miles and also if the ducks come back and try and nest by the pool like they did last year.
At the moment it seems centered on what they call the Central Flyway which goes up through the Dakotas (lots of cases in South Dakota recently). I think you should monitor the US cases to see how close it is getting.
There is a separate page for wild birds and for commercial and back yard flocks. It gives the state and county (which for big states you then need to Google to see where it really is!).
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...e-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai

 

[RoyalChick]

There surely was.

View attachment 3052508

I bet that made a difference. A force to be reckoned with!

 

[BY Bob]

Ouch! 'Finished' it's flight? Hmmm, evidently things were looking to good for it to leave.

The final roosting spot was quite a ways away. 5 or 6 houses. It lives here I'm certain.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes I see now.
Is it a Coopers? I can't tell. If it's the previous one, it will be eager for another strike, carefully watching for an opening. Oh, how awful, and scary for everyone.

It's very hard to identify but it sure looks like an adult Cooper's.

 

[BY Bob]

What really make me sad is that she seems happy to be off on her own digging in the hay and straw.

I throw down scratch grain for them and she comes around for that and gets right in the fray, maybe I should just let the figure it out.... But she is so wee.

I thought of giving her some eggs to hatch if she got broody, thinking it would help elevate her status, anyone have any thoughts on this ??

I have not had luck letting the bottom hen set a nest. It did Phyllis no favors at all.

 

[BY Bob]

I bet that made a difference. A force to be reckoned with!

I need every weapon at my disposal. I really think everyone is safe but Phyllis. She is just too tiny in appearance. I worry that it will attack again and I just hope that I can thwart it when the time comes.

 

[GregnLety]

Red's tribe goes to roost early typically before the sun sets.

and Navi and Duke playing

 

[featherhead007]

I’m not sure of my reasoning, but I allowed Arizona to go into the coop with the other chickens tonight. She was able to get up to roost (using the ramps) she’s still limping though, and I’m very concerned about her. Best wishes little lady.

 

[rural mouse]

It really is. Thankfully because of the hawks I have run most of the song birds away. The blue bird family is back and I won't chase them off as this is their home.

Saw a mountain bluebird today: first of the year. Also noticed buds swelling on some of the trees. Spring allergies are upon me. No idea to what, but lasts until the leaves burst out. Babies growing like crazy. Mera has back feathers almost fully present. Nox is almost there. Wings on all the girls are down free. The hobbit lasses have feathers coming on their backs, but not all the way across like the English girls. Hector is....Hector: pin feathers half inch long, growing slowly, about 4 across his back between his wings, but has feathers framing his chest.

Asphodel and Belladonna

Belladonna, Hector, Nox tail bombing

Asphodel (moved over), Hector' s back, Nox in front, Primula popped her head up, blocking Mera in the back.

Sleepy little things, just like the bigger ones