Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Shadrach]

Dear friends, quick question; do stressed chickens stop laying? It would make sense that they do. I have had one egg from my new girls, the day after we brought them home, then nothing. I am assuming it's just due to stress (and possibly Faverolles aren't the most prolific of layers?), rather than any reproductive issues? Apart from a little cramped, they seem to be doing ok and have settled their differences within the group.

If you type in stress related illnesses in chickens, or some variation of this into Google scholar you'll get quite a lot of studies. Not only can stress switch off a hens egg laying it also makes the susceptible to other diseases that a 'happy' chicken would quickly overcome; just like humans.
A real problem is the types of things that cause stress and if you read enough about it you may have a different view of much of the advice and keeping condition promoted on the various chicken forums.

 

[Shadrach]

Damn. I shouldn't have mentioned it at all

The makeup industry (except where it serves the interests of dramatic productions) emphasises physical beauty and it fosters vanity. It drives us to be seduced by what we see of someone instead of that someone's character. It has disempowered women for decades, taking money from women but not men until recently.

These effects alienate people from self-esteem.

I opt out 100%.

I started moisturising when my doctor told me to, but other than this, I flatly refuse to participate in a market that oppresses others.

The entire cosmetics industry is pretty dire and now of course we have cosmetic surgery adding to the problem.

 

[LozzyR]

If you type in stress related illnesses in chickens, or some variation of this into Google scholar you'll get quite a lot of studies. Not only can stress switch off a hens egg laying it also makes the susceptible to other diseases that a 'happy' chicken would quickly overcome; just like humans.
A real problem is the types of things that cause stress and if you read enough about it you may have a different view of much of the advice and keeping condition promoted on the various chicken forums.

I can’t wait for this week to be over so I don’t have to keep them cooped up in quarantine. Also, can chickens get dandruff? When I’ve had the two salmons in the pet carrier whilst I moved quarantine, after I put them back, there looked like slivers of coconut in the box.

 

[Shadrach]

Ok, I see there are some good conversations I need to catch up on, and I will! (after they go to roost)
But I’m slso trying to be better with photos. Here is my view right now:
View attachment 2046358
Chickens, ball throwing stick, and chicken butt washing supplies. LOL!

That is a great picture I think. There is something about pictures of chickens interacting with the human environment that I find fascinating. I am constantly amazed at not just how they adapt, but how quickly they learn. Here the chickens behaviour inside my house is noticeably different from their free range behaviour. They are better behaved than any cat or dog here with regard to where they go and how they treat my coop.
Inside my house they will let me do things that outside they will show some reservation about. It's more a change of attitude that is evident if observed carefully.
They don't go in my bedroom as a rule and on the odd occasions that a younger chicken has, it has got told off by a more senior. Same with the work surfaces. If I see one on these surfaces I take them off and scold them. I leave my front door open all year round whether I'm there or not and I never worry about returning to find the house wrecked. When I first moved in both the hysterical tarts (the two sofa dogs there are here) came into the house on a couple of occasions. They ripped the mosquito net trying to get on the bed, overturned a cair and coffe table playing I assume, and pulled a suacepan off the stove containing some pasta. The other thing is while the chickens get under my feet, they don't invade my space the same way cats and dogs do. The chickens may be demanding regarding food at times; my own fault for feeding them in the house, but otherwise they go about their business and I go about mine. If I do things such as sweep up or anything that involves carrying objects which they seem not to like they leave and may return when I'm done.
The only drawback and difference between cats and dogs and chickens is the chickens crap on the floor. Yup, they drop dander etc but check out what the dogs and cats bring into the house. Chickens are spotless by comparison and, they don't bring in fleas.

 

[Shadrach]

I’m on a roll!

It's a bit out of focus. Was this taken after the second glass of wine?

 

[Shadrach]

Chickie's not eating her layer feed either. I need to see what I can give her that's nutritious and will keep her healthy. Might have to hit @Shadrach up for his 'de-treeing' snack again!

Try a little cooked pork cut into small pieces.

 

[Shadrach]

Didn't take her long to undo all that bred to be different stuff then. A more suitable tree and the opportunity and you might find yourself getting them out of the trees at roost time.
I'm always pleased to see a chicken in a tree. It's where they belong.

 

[Shadrach]

Eggs from the last two days. Ester has always laid light, light pinkish beige eggs. They’ve been fading and are almost as white as Dorothy’s now. Should I be worried?
View attachment 2046441

No, you shouldn't be worried. It takes new layers a while to hire competent people for the spray booth.
I've found even once the egg laying has the size sorted there are still mild colour variations.

 

[Shadrach]

Although I don't even purchase makep, out of respect for everyone else I'm always well-groomed and I wear interesting outfits, even when lounging around at home.

I mostly look like a dirty bag of nails.
Years ago in a different life I had money to spare and I liked to buy good quality tailor made cloths. I've still got some of them but I so rarely get the opportunity to wear them these days.
I'm one of those people you can scrub up and put in a thousand pound tailor made suit and I'll still look like a rogue. Smooth is not in my character.

 

[Shadrach]

I can’t wait for this week to be over so I don’t have to keep them cooped up in quarantine. Also, can chickens get dandruff? When I’ve had the two salmons in the pet carrier whilst I moved quarantine, after I put them back, there looked like slivers of coconut in the box.

Yes, chickens get a kind of dandruff. It's what we call dander.
Dust bathing, or rather damp soil bathing often helps with skin conditions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-chickens-bath-in-dust-and-not-in-water.74441/