Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Kris5902]

I also agree with everything Shad said about the Roosters, Sammy is the best at this herding behavior around here, but for the most part my Boys stay out of things, especially at roosting time. They roost peacefully with one another, though fairly spaced out... the ladies vary from night to night, some nights my Bully girl (yes, that’s her name) will refuse to share her roosting space with anyone, and fights like this will break out as she knocks anyone brave enough to venture within three chicken widths of her down, follows then to the floor, and tells them what she thinks of them in no uncertain terms.

Hattie has just recently finished molting right? And Aurora seems to be starting one... this can really change the dynamics and attitudes of the ladies I’ve noticed.

 

[BY Bob]

Aurora has injured her left foot

I am out sitting with them in order to observe roosting live. She is standing one legged and favoring it when she walks.

 

[BY Bob]

I also agree with everything Shad said about the Roosters, Sammy is the best at this herding behavior around here, but for the most part my Boys stay out of things, especially at roosting time. They roost peacefully with one another, though fairly spaced out... the ladies vary from night to night, some nights my Bully girl (yes, that’s her name) will refuse to share her roosting space with anyone, and fights like this will break out as she knocks anyone brave enough to venture within three chicken widths of her down, follows then to the floor, and tells them what she thinks of them in no uncertain terms.

Hattie has just recently finished molting right? And Aurora seems to be starting one... this can really change the dynamics and attitudes of the ladies I’ve noticed.

You are correct on the molt. Hattie just finished and Aurora just started. Hattie is also 2 in the pecking order, Aurora is 3.

 

[Kris5902]

I can't see it making any difference. If you were her rooster then maybe, but you're not.
It took me quite a while to come to terms with the fact that I'm not a patch on a decent rooster. I'm just Bucket Boy/social worker/medic/housing officer/pusher of grannies out of treeser/cleaner/and worst job of all, judge and executioner.
I'll always be a long second best to a rooster.

But Shad, you have to compete with the likes of Cillin and Treacle... roosters that are actual chickens. Bob doesn’t have that kind of competition for the hens affections. Also you are much more to them, I’m sure... you share your coop with them, they lay their eggs in your space, there is more to your relationship than you make it out to be I think. They still aren’t really wild birds, no matter how much freedom they have with you!

 

[Shadrach]

Aurora has injured her left foot

I am out sitting with them in order to observe roosting live. She is standing one legged and favoring it when she walks.
View attachment 2420235

You can see her limping when the fight stops.

 

[BY Bob]

You can see her limping when the fight stops.

I missed that in all the kerfuffle.

I would think that will be the end of it for a while, that is if Aurora started it, right?

 

[Kris5902]

I am finding that those in the midst of molting are sort of outside the pecking order for a time, they move away from the flock, avoid the roosters, and barely socialize, then when they have their feathers back there seems to be a need to assert or re-establish their place. I wouldn’t worry about the Drama you’ve been seeing being a permanent thing until it has continued for some time after these changes have stopped. I’m saying this thinking about my more closed flocks, like Barney’s, Mr.Marans, and Chickie Hawks. I haven’t seen it as apparently with the free range girls, but I have seen a bit of it here and there. Especially the standing apart from their usual groups. Even some of Aurora’s bullying of late could be a chicken PMS (Pre-Molting-Syndrome). Do check out the foot though! A little comb bleeding isn’t the end of the world, but foot and leg injuries are so much harder to deal with.

 

[BY Bob]

Hot Chocolate and Phyllis

Mrs BY Bob could tell how upset I was so she made me hot chocolate.

 

[MaryJanet]

Hot Chocolate and Phyllis

Mrs BY Bob could tell how upset I was so she made me hot chocolate.

View attachment 2420261

I love that you two have such a mug about the place

 

[CrazyChookChookLady]

I took this video of Scooby last night. It's a bit dark, but you can see how laid back he is.