Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Doors and Windows

The old saying about closing a door and opening a window applies to me today. Not to mention Chicken math. For me I feel the perfect flock size is 4. It fits my yard, my coop, and the ladies seem the most happy in a group of four. Sadly with the loss of Maleficent I am at 3.

I am not sure I am even emotionally ready to address my flock size right now. However opportunity does not wait for when you are ready.

Someone who is looking to reduce their flock has offered me has offered me 3 twenty week old pullets, a Polish, a Barred Rock, and a Wyandotte. This would bring my flock to 6, the maximum capacity of the coop.

My wife is all in on the Polish. I would like to add a pair at least to make it easier on the Polish. I think @Ribh has me convinced that I need a barred rock. Here are the two ladies in question.

If I just take the two, then I still have space to take the leghorm mix that @CrazyChookChookLady is hatching for me with the school. Until then I've got an odd number. I also think 2 might be easier to integrate than essentially another flock of 3 to my flock of 3.

I guess I need everyone to help me have the discipline to not fall in love with the Wyandotte when they most assuredly show her to me tomorrow and try to get me to take her too.

I must stay strong.

 

[dirkandlorie]

Doors and Windows

The old saying about closing a door and opening a window applies to me today. Not to mention Chicken math. For me I feel the perfect flock size is 4. It fits my yard, my coop, and the ladies seem the most happy in a group of four. Sadly with the loss of Maleficent I am at 3.

I am not sure I am even emotionally ready to address my flock size right now. However opportunity does not wait for when you are ready.

Someone who is looking to reduce their flock has offered me has offered me 3 twenty week old pullets, a Polish, a Barred Rock, and a Wyandotte. This would bring my flock to 6, the maximum capacity of the coop.

My wife is all in on the Polish. I would like to add a pair at least to make it easier on the Polish. I think @Ribh has me convinced that I need a barred rock. Here are the two ladies in question.
View attachment 2021749

View attachment 2021750

If I just take the two, then I still have space to take the leghorm mix that @CrazyChookChookLady is hatching for me with the school. Until then I've got an odd number. I also think 2 might be easier to integrate than essentially another flock of 3 to my flock of 3.

I guess I need everyone to help me have the discipline to not fall in love with the Wyandotte when they most assuredly show her to me tomorrow and try to get me to take her too.

I must stay strong.

Don't look to me to keep you strong, I fall in love with every chicken I see! In fact, that picture of the polish you posted has me dying to get one. And I promised my husband I wouldn't get more chickens this year! Now how am I going to explain to him that it's somehow your fault I'm breaking my promise? Lol

 

[BY Bob]

Don't look to me to keep you strong, I fall in love with every chicken I see! In fact, that picture of the polish you posted has me dying to get one. And I promised my husband I wouldn't get more chickens this year! Now how am I going to explain to him that it's somehow your fault I'm breaking my promise? Lol

This is clearly not the help i was looking for.

 

[Ribh]

I'm no help either. I like Wyandottes. Personally I think you need to consider a coop extension. Rocks are beautiful. Are you sure about the Polish...?

 

[BY Bob]

I'm no help either. I like Wyandottes. Personally I think you need to consider a coop extension. Rocks are beautiful. Are you sure about the Polish...?

I have no choice on the Polish. My wife is obsessed with them.

What a group. No help here. I should have known better

Tomorrow is going to be crazy. Run hardening, putting up the quarantine coop, getting new friends. I will be extremely busy tomorrow.

 

[micstrachan]

Ok, I’m going to be brutally honest, since I’ve had two glasses of wine.
The Polish is very likely to get bullied by the existing flock. There’s the crest (like bangs that blind her) and the vaulted skull (subject to brain damage if pecked) to deal with. It’s like the polish is taking one for the team so the barred rock can integrate, too. I’m only on my second barred rock, but my first one, Bridge, who is top hen and the only one remaining from my original flock, is the coolest chicken. So calm and confident. I think you need one. So my vote is yes; take both. Of course, I’m totally generalizing and each hen has her own personality.
Do you have a way to quarantine?

 

[BY Bob]

Ok, I’m going to be brutally honest, since I’ve had two glasses of wine.
The Polish is very likely to get bullied by the existing flock. There’s the crest (like bangs that blind her) and the vaulted skull (subject to brain damage if pecked) to deal with. It’s like the polish is taking one for the team so the barred rock can integrate, too. I’m only on my second barred rock, but my first one, Bridge, who is top hen and the only one remaining from my original flock, is the coolest chicken. So calm and confident. I think you need one. So my vote is yes; take both. Of course, I’m totally generalizing and each hen has her own personality.
Do you have a way to quarantine?

Yes. I will be setting up the quarantine area tomorrow morning

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, and I must say... people say Leghorns are flighty and unfriendly. Um... NO. I’ve had a pure Leghorn and a Leghorn mix. They aren’t flighty; they’re ALERT. They’re also super friendly, curious, BOSSY and smart. Would make another great addition to your flock and might become the alpha, eventually.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes. I will be setting up the quarantine area tomorrow morning

You’re still up! Sounds like this is a done deal? I’m excited for you!!!

 

[BY Bob]

You’re still up! Sounds like this is a done deal? I’m excited for you!!!

Thanks. Packing it in now. I'm getting the 2 for sure. Busy day tomorrow.