Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[drstratton]

My bad...I need to make a correction...I was naming the wrong critter...the damage I saw actually came from Yellow-Bellied Marmots...but groundhogs could possibly cause the same type of damage! They're kind of cute...but are actually a terrible pest on a homestead!

 

[Grammy60]

My bad...I need to make a correction...I was naming the wrong critter...the damage I saw actually came from Yellow-Bellied Marmots...but groundhogs could possibly cause the same type of damage! They're kind of cute...but are actually a terrible pest on a homestead!
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Awww they are cute, but I can imagine the damage they could cause

 

[BY Bob]

I love the chickens-eye-view! I have noticed this before about your flock, and once again I am struck by how delicate yours are in their habits compared to my monsters. Sydney delicately grabs a morsel here, a morsel there. Mine systematically and in a very short time completely dig up the grass and then dust bathe in the bare dirt they leave behind. I have timed them - in the space of about 3 hours they completely clear about 100 square feet. Is it any wonder that I am back in negotiations with the union representatives about working in the vegetable patch to prepare it for next season?

Mine seem to be unlike a lot of other flocks. They strip nothing clear. They even leave snacks behind on the deck for later. Knock on wood but as long as I have had them, they have not overwhelmed my grass and browned my yard for whatever reason. I cannot explain it but they seem to be conservationists. Never attacking any area too hard.

 

[ValerieJ]

Mine seem to be unlike a lot of other flocks. They strip nothing clear. They even leave snacks behind on the deck for later. Knock on wood but as long as I have had them, they have not overwhelmed my grass and browned my yard for whatever reason. I cannot explain it but they seem to be conservationists. Never attacking any area too hard.

Those are some special hens!

 

[BY Bob]

Your birds are so pretty. Mine are molting and feather picking. I have lavender Orpingtons too. Yours are so prettier!!!

You are too kind. My poor Hattie is wreck right now in full on molt.

Normally she is beautiful. I would love to see pictures of yours.

 

[BY Bob]

Until there's a Mrs Groundhog and baby groundhogs...then there will be trouble! I've seen the damage they can do, I saw them undermine the footings on a deck and boulder retaining wall...very expensive to fix! You might want to move him along!!!

Trust me I have considered it. I really am a "try not to disturb nature" guy and like to share my property. I am keeping an eye on him. If it gets out of hand I am not afraid to intervene but I would rather not.

 

[BY Bob]

I've never had damage from a groundhog, but I know how much damage moles can do

The chickens eliminated the moles in my yard. I used to have a problem with them as well.

 

[BY Bob]

Those are some special hens!

Special is a term I have used for Aurora for a long time now. That one is truly "special".

 

[drstratton]

Trust me I have considered it. I really am a "try not to disturb nature" guy and like to share my property. I am keeping an eye on him. If it gets out of hand I am not afraid to intervene but I would rather not.

I totally understand! We've had to intervene before...not my favorite thing to do!

 

[LozzyR]

Two Classes in Their Society

Sometimes it is so clear how there are two classes to my chicken society. It is never more spent than when I empty the pool skimmer. It Coulter all sorts of bugs and such. Only the top 4 are allowed to partake of this feast.

It's falls and there is a lot of junk falling into my pool. Not all of it gets all the way to the skimmer, a lot sinks to the bottom,. That is where the pool robot comes in. Well I emptied the pool robot today and it was loaded with leaves and other tasty morsels. I dumped it out on the patio for them. The top 4 dove right in. Only one of the bottom 2 was brave enough to make an appearance. Just listen to their conversation as they root through the gathered pool treasure.

Yey Phyllis!