Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LaFemmeKatia]

I had to go to metal because the squirrels chewed the plastic feeders wide open. Usually Lilly and Phyllis defend the bird feeder from squirrels but it was raining out yesterday when this happened and they were standing under the magnolia tree. Watching. Always watching.

Where did you live in PA?

Lehighton.
It’s about 30 miles north and west of Allentown.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Does everyone here name their chickens?
i seem to be unable to decide on names for them. I do have a “Buffy” and a “Chicken Little”, but the rest, I just can’t seem to think of names that stick.

 

[BY Bob]

Sounds like the average male around my parts...

I don't want to hear that talk when my little Ned starts up. Just leave me out of it.

 

[BY Bob]

Lehighton.
It’s about 30 miles north and west of Allentown.

Know it will. Mrs BY Bob is from Hazleton.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Leghorns for eggs and fun!

I was actually thinking about that!

 

[BY Bob]

Does everyone here name their chickens?
i seem to be unable to decide on names for them. I do have a “Buffy” and a “Chicken Little”, but the rest, I just can’t seem to think of names that stick.

Most all of us do I believe. We have done everything from themes
Country singers:

• Dolly
• Trisha
• Patsy

Disney:

• Hattie
• Jabberwocky
• Maleficent
• Aurora

to just what suits the hen:

• Sansa
• Sydney
• Phyllis
• Elphie
• and of course Daisy the greatest hen ever.

For me, I really need to spend a little time with them and find something that suits them. I do think that sometimes the names become ironic, Aurora is no princess.

I think that if you name them, they are more special. I had both growing up. We never named the ones we raised for food but the hens and the rooster we kept were all named.

• Rooster Cogburn
• Speck
• Lucky
• Brownie

If you want to name them have some fun and start with a theme. Then watch the chickens and find something in that theme which fits them. I know a lot of people around here do food. I think that seems mean and at the same time funny. (I'm odd like that).

• Marsala
• Kiev
• Nugget
• Cacciatore

Most of all have some fun.

The bonus to giving them names is that they can learn them and you can then separate one from the flock. Phyllis is like a dog. She knows her name and comes whenever I call her. This was a huge help to me when she broke containment and was out in the street. I could call her and she came right to me.

 

[WhoDatChick]

@WhoDatChick

Sista Whodat, how close is this hurricane going to come to you? Are you safe?

Yes! We are safe! It has moved east enough so that we won’t get anything at all .... as I have said.. unfortunately they have to land somewhere

 

[BY Bob]

I was actually thinking about that!

Be aware that, in general, they seem to be a 3 year hen. I feel that Tsuki is mean and ornery enough to live much longer but I believe she is an exception.
But for laying you can't beat them. If you are looking for consistent eggs they can't be beat and will actually turn over your flock for you because they are not long lived.

They have big personalities and are tons of fun but they may not stay long. I no longer have them because I need my pets to be like Lilly and stick around longer than that. I get too attached. But I adore everything else about them.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes! We are safe! It has moved east enough so that we won’t get anything at all .... as I have said.. unfortunately they have to land somewhere

My gosh I am so relieved to hear that.

 

[WhoDatChick]

I have 14 & am getting 8~9 eggs a day @ present. My older girls are heading for 3/4 years & showing no signs of slowing down: BRS & FavorellXs. I am very happy with their longevity.

My Golden Campine is 2 & still laying really well. So is my Frizzle. The rest of my girls are younger.

I am giving away about 4 dozen eggs a week.

I think a lot depends on the health & longevity of the birds in question. I won't get ISAs for example. Lots of eggs but short lives & sudden deaths.

My six 2 year olds are.. 2 Australorps, one of them lays maybe once every two weeks, the other one maybe once every two months, maybe! One RIR that lays maybe once every two weeks! BO lays maybe once every two weeks! Barnevelder that lays once every four months, maybe! And when I say those maybes I mean maybe!! And Kelly my EE lays at least four times a week! I’m finding that my EEs are the best layers and have the largest eggs, besides the one Australorp egg I get every now and then