Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Oops. Did not mean to post yet.
Hattie.

And Bob, that last photo is spectacular. You should enter it on the caption thread. Or do they pick randomly?

I would have to enter it but that's a good idea!

 

[BY Bob]

There is something very satisfying about a hen happy and comfortable and with a nice full crop. I was so happy to see Minnie’s crop bulge just now.

I think you found the problem finally. They perk up pretty fast after a worming.

 

[ManueB]

I could never part with even one of those adorable creatures. I hope they went to a good home

She should feel the pain of her family being taken from her. Sorry if I sound harsh, I just am when I encounter self absorbed people that have no consideration for the animals they are supposed to care for.

From what I can tell they went to good homes (the females with a breeder that had access to huge pastures and the males in a family with children that seemed very keen on them).
She does care for the animals. She was wrong in that she didn't sufficiently think ahead. At first she had no problems moving them around with just a bucket, they came when she called them, so she didn't halter train any of them and when she began having real difficulties it was probably too late. She didn't realize how much nine adult donkeys would eat ; they had two babies the first year and another the next. And adding the three cows who also each had babies, meant she needed more pastures than were available to her.

I would agree with you that many people aren't aware that donkeys, or horses, need stability regarding their social life, and even the places they live in. People here are very used to moving them around pastures all the time, sometimes every week, but I'm not sure it's so good for their peace of mind. I think my neighbor was sorry of the outcome too, I don't know to what point she got the lesson.

 

[ManueB]

There is something very satisfying about a hen happy and comfortable and with a nice full crop. I was so happy to see Minnie’s crop bulge just now.

I'm also very happy she's doing better!

Worms were also probably the culprit in Caramel's case, and much of what you described of Minnie's attitude made me think of her.
I'm a bit worried that it will be a recurring problem within my flock.

 

[BY Bob]

Happy Monday from Davis

 

[RoyalChick]

I think you found the problem finally. They perk up pretty fast after a worming.

But now I don’t understand how it isn’t a perpetual issue. It is impossible to eradicate roundworms from the soil (you literally have to replace a couple of inches of top soil).
I get that keeping them very confined creates additional issues - but although they don’t fully free range I think mine have plenty of space. They haven’t even explored half of it yet!
So is it just a question that sometimes they get sick from them and other times they can live with them?
I found this that suggests pumpkin seeds are somewhat effective as a preventative (not as a therapeutic). I have no idea if this is a reputable veterinary journal or not - I just sent it to a friend who is a retired research vet to see if he had any reaction.
I really don’t want to be continuously treating them!

https://www.researchgate.net/public...gainst_gastrointestinal_helminths_of_chickens

 

[RoyalChick]

I'm also very happy she's doing better!

Worms were also probably the culprit in Caramel's case, and much of what you described of Minnie's attitude made me think of her.
I'm a bit worried that it will be a recurring problem within my flock.

Yes that is my worry too.

 

[featherhead007]

Rocks-Anne isn’t well. Crop puffy and has breathing problems. No energy, and moving very slow. Clear discharge from her beak! I’m scared for her. She was fine yesterday.

 

[RoyalChick]

Up-periscope!
It is Monday morning and there are signals to send.

 

[RoyalChick]

Rocks-Anne isn’t well. Crop puffy and has breathing problems. No energy, and moving very slow. Clear discharge from her beak! I’m scared for her. She was fine yesterday.

Oh no! That doesn’t sound good. Poor Rocks-Anne.