Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

That's great news! It's one big happy flock now.

It's more like 2 flocks that roost together but it's getting better.

 

[BY Bob]

You really know your girls individually and it shows in the care and attention you give them.

Thanks Kris. I have had the luxury of time with this group. They know me well and I have their confidence. It helps a ton. I've also learned a lot about them along the way.

In the last 2 weekends alone I have had the luxury of almost 32 hours of observation and interaction. That is unprecedented and a ton of fun.

 

[RoyalChick]

What about wallowing in mud? Not so much “damp soil”, but really wet mud... lol I swear it’s an environmental adaptation thing! Sometimes it’s like chicken spa day with a mud wrap here

In general the Chicken Palace and runs are pretty dry - but there is a drain that empties out into one of the runs (don't ask!) and so now and then there is a small area of mud. The ladies make a B-line for the mud and wallow in it. I am guessing this will be very popular in the summer as a good way to cool down the hot chicks' hot feet!

 

[BY Bob]

In general the Chicken Palace and runs are pretty dry - but there is a drain that empties out into one of the runs (don't ask!) and so now and then there is a small area of mud. The ladies make a B-line for the mud and wallow in it. I am guessing this will be very popular in the summer as a good way to cool down the hot chicks' hot feet!

It most assuredly will be. Anyway to keep cool.

 

[BY Bob]

Another Sign of Successful Integration

I was a little worried about egg laying with Sydney having laid in the Prefab yesterday. I should not have been. Check this out.

Sydney's is in the lower box with Hattie's. Notice the actual nest making behavior. Aurora does not believe in nests.

Here they are together for size comparison. Top to bottom

1. Sydney
2. Hattie
3. Aurora

She is right there in size already.

The best part was when she came to the door singing the egg song or escort call,

Lilly was answering her!

 

[ValerieJ]

It's more like 2 flocks that roost together but it's getting better.

I have two distinct flocks that have separate coops and runs, to accommodate having two cockerels. But, even within the groups I find there are best buddies. In my case, it is mostly broken down by breed.

 

[Kris5902]

In general the Chicken Palace and runs are pretty dry - but there is a drain that empties out into one of the runs (don't ask!) and so now and then there is a small area of mud. The ladies make a B-line for the mud and wallow in it. I am guessing this will be very popular in the summer as a good way to cool down the hot chicks' hot feet!

And another Catch up comment I think I missed making... the chicken palace is just lovely looking! Did you use vinyl mesh throughout?

 

[Kris5902]

Another Sign of Successful Integration

I was a little worried about egg laying with Sydney having laid in the Prefab yesterday. I should not have been. Check this out.
View attachment 2046862

Sydney's is in the lower box with Hattie's. Notice the actual nest making behavior. Aurora does not believe in nests.

View attachment 2046861
Here they are together for size comparison. Top to bottom

1. Sydney
2. Hattie
3. Aurora

She is right there in size already.

The best part was when she came to the door singing the egg song or escort call,

Lilly was answering her!

Awesome! You’ll have a true single flock again in no time.

 

[BY Bob]

I have two distinct flocks that have separate coops and runs, to accommodate having two cockerels. But, even within the groups I find there are best buddies. In my case, it is mostly broken down by breed.

I believe in the friends by breed as well. I wish I had more pairs but trying to please my wife has resulted in a flock of single breeds. It is a beautiful flock but the cohesiveness may be missing. We shall see as time goes on.

 

[BY Bob]

Another Sign of Successful Integration

I was a little worried about egg laying with Sydney having laid in the Prefab yesterday. I should not have been. Check this out.
View attachment 2046862

Sydney's is in the lower box with Hattie's. Notice the actual nest making behavior. Aurora does not believe in nests.

View attachment 2046861
Here they are together for size comparison. Top to bottom

1. Sydney
2. Hattie
3. Aurora

She is right there in size already.

The best part was when she came to the door singing the egg song or escort call,

Lilly was answering her!

I may have those bottom two mixed up. That might be Aurora in the middle now that I look at them more closely. That one in the middle is definitely more “pink”. Well I’m not certain now.