Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

The large gravel/rocks will make a difference and I agree with doing the run first. It'll take the pressure off the hens a little. Just as well you made such a big coop.

How well will one new pullet integrate? I ask because Ivy and Peggy have caused the older hens to bond closer. There's a trio and a duo, whereas before there was a duo and a solo. I'm just wondering if one newcomer might be lonely. On the other hand, you'd know what best suits your hens.

I really appreciate the thought. I have considered 1 hen. It just doesn't feel wise to me.

I actually think I may have to double the flock and get 3 to be safe. I think adding a pair would not be good as I would still have the odd number. @Shadrach suggested matching the hens if I can. I think another EE might work. I'm not sure about the makeup of other 2. Maybe just 3 EEs. I don't know.

Availability plays into it as well, as you certainly know.

I'm not in a hurry. Everyone is fine and I have to eliminate the threat before I risk new ones.

 

[MaryJanet]

I really appreciate the thought. I have considered 1 hen. It just doesn't feel wise to me.

I actually think I may have to double the flock and get 3 to be safe. I think adding a pair would not be good as I would still have the odd number. @Shadrach suggested matching the hens if I can. I think another EE might work. I'm not sure about the makeup of other 2. Maybe just 3 EEs. I don't know.

Availability plays into it as well, as you certainly know.

I'm not in a hurry. Everyone is fine and I have to eliminate the threat before I risk new ones.

That's a good decision. Three pullets will give the hens lots to think about.

Once the run is hardened, Aurora will be safer, and the other hens too. If I recall correctly, you've always been present when they range in the garden, so predator risk is reduced even though Aurora wanders about on her own.

 

[Shadrach]

This is Tap, daughter of Mel, granddaughter of Ruffles. She's been surveying nest sites so I think she'll be laying soon.

 

[Shadrach]

All of Tribe 2 having an early supper with Knock from Tribe 3 with her three chicks on the left of the picture.

 

[LozzyR]

Eeeeeeee, so cute!! Catch and keep it!

Yes, I've heard skunks can make good pets if you remove their scent gland. Although we don't have skunks in Australia so I can't verify this.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Yes, I've heard skunks can make good pets if you remove their scent gland. Although we don't have skunks in Australia so I can't verify this.

Yes.. that’s true...

 

[LozzyR]

Concerned

After a couple of days of flock observation, something i feared may be coming true. I had hoped that by "cooping" them up theymight better bond as a flock. I will say there was very little pecking and enforcement of the pecking order while I watched them in their small quarters.

Unfortunately what i have seen over the last few days as they have free ranged is the following.
View attachment 2019016

Aurora is spending most of the day on her own. I am not pleased. I wish she would stay with the others, safety in numbers and all. I just watched Hattie sentinal from the deck and alarm for a large bird flying over. Aurora ran all the way accross the yard to catch up with them and hide under the deck table. This is not a great way to stay safe.

Maybe this will improve but I am very concerned and free range will continue to be limited to when I can directly observe and protect.

I don't sense that she is lonely. She seems to be heppily off on her own. I just wish Mal was here to help keep her safe.

I'm finding that with Charlie as well, she seems be on her own a lot. That's why I'm thinking of getting three pullets instead of two so the numbers are even.

 

[WhoDatChick]

 

[featherhead007]

Don't be envious; the price of this kind of life is high for the chickens and me.

BUT IT'S SO WORTH IT!

 

[WhoDatChick]

I don’t know about yall but that is way too cute! Now I want one