Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Interesting development tonight; the Faverolles have been putting themselves to bed in the tractor still and I’ve been transferring them to the henhouse at dusk (sneak cuddle-attack!) Tegan goes first, probably to get the best spot, then River and Nyssa come after. Tonight, there was a fair bit of clucking from the salmon girls. I went out a couple of times to see what was wrong; if that cat had shown up again or something else. I couldn’t see anything amiss. The second time I went out, I worked out that Nyssa wanted to go to bed in the henhouse instead of the tractor, but couldn’t work out how to get there! I herded her into the run (after making sure Charlie and Lucy had gone to bed) and she went straight into the house! Then I guided River in and she did the same thing! I still got a cuddle in transferring Tegan to the run, but I put her down in front of the house and she walked in too. They know where their new bed is!

And that is another successful integration! Congratulations!

 

[LozzyR]

That's awesome! Finally getting out and about.

They finally discovered the big coop. I’ll be sure to get some photos when they’re on the top step peering in.

 

[LozzyR]

And that is another successful integration! Congratulations!

We’re not quite there yet. I’ve still got the run divided in two, plus Charlie still barrels at the new girls like a bowling ball and they scatter like pins!

 

[BY Bob]

They finally discovered the big coop. I’ll be sure to get some photos when they’re on the top step peering in.

Those are my favorites! They always make me smile.

 

[BY Bob]

Observations from Saturday

Phyllis only has the Tips Dyed on Some Feathers

I got a really close look at Phyllis' hairdo yesterday and I noticed something I did not realize. Phyllis not only has bannock and white feathers, she has black feathers with white tops. You can one in particular in the photo below.

That headdress also makes a ton of noise when she shakes her head. It's quite surprising actually the first time you hear it.

Standing Watch
Hattie was definately on Sentinel duty yesterday.

Stick in Your Face

The picture is not great but Sansa has started joining Aurora when she perches to groom. It is quite cute.

Signs of Spring

My Magnolia tree is in full bloom. I'll get full pictures today. It is 3 weeks later than last year. All that dreary rain.

 

[RoyalChick]

Observations from Saturday

Phyllis only has the Tips Dyed on Some Feathers

I got a really close look at Phyllis' hairdo yesterday and I noticed something I did not realize. Phyllis not only has bannock and white feathers, she has black feathers with white tops. You can one in particular in the photo below.

That headdress also makes a ton of noise when she shakes her head. It's quite surprising actually the first time you hear it.
View attachment 2076104

Fascinating. From prior pictures I thought it was black feathers with some all white ones mixed in. If she sheds a white tipped feather you should keep it - that is rather beautiful!
An alternative explanation is that like many of us she has been unable to keep up with her usual grooming and beauty regimen during 'lock down' and so her roots are showing. Just saying, she wouldn't be the only one!

 

[BY Bob]

Egg Hunt

On Saturday Phyllis laid her egg in the nesting box. That is the only one since I found her first egg.

I knew that she had been looking for a nest spot outside the coop. Today, my wife came out and asked where Phyllis was. I thought I had just seen her but she was not immediately visible. I told her to check the nest box. Hattie and Lilly were in there.

So the search began.

I found her in the brush pile.

Nest discovered.

I don't think there is anything I can do about Lilly hogging the nest for no reason. Any thoughts?

 

[Shadrach]

Egg Hunt

On Saturday Phyllis la IU d her egg in the nesting box. That is the only one since I found her first egg.

View attachment 2076424

I knew that she had been looking for a nest spot outside the coop. Today, my wife came out and asked where Phyllis was. I thought I had just seen her but she was not immediately visible. I told her to check the nest box. Hattie and Lilly were in there.

So the search began.

I found her in the brush pile.

Nest discovered.
View attachment 2076444

I don't think there is anything I can do about Lilly hogging the nest for no reason. Any thoughts?

At least you know where she goes.

 

[LozzyR]

I don't think there is anything I can do about Lilly hogging the nest for no reason. Any thoughts?

No-one will use the other nesting bay if she’s in there? Can you make an outdoor nest box that’s only open for business when you’re home?

 

[Ribh]

At least you know where she goes.

Mine change locations once their nest has been discovered & the eggs removed. I think you need to add extra nesting boxes somewhere.