Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

That's what I was just wondering now, if they can't reach those feathers with oil! Thanks!

They can't. I'll post pictures of what happens to Phyllis' head feathers when it rains. There is no oil on them either.

 

[BY Bob]

The Pretties were promptly evicted at 4:35 this morning when Phoenix started crowing...

Roosters crowing in the house is where Rich draws the line.

I can only imagine!

 

[BY Bob]

It was nice while it lasted but Tribe 2's hens have started laying eggs again.
I know, most people would be delighted but for me here it's added stress. I've already spotted Hings scuttling down the bank behind the donkey shed. Nolia is laying in the yellow coop which is a relief.
Not sure about Tack. She was in the yellow coop with her brother Link early this morning but now she older it's difficult to tell her eggs apart from the others. All Tribe 2 lay white eggs.
Even worse, Donk is eating commercial food again and her comb has gone red. I checked her vent and pin bones this evening much to her disgust and she's not laying yet but it won't be long. Another season of following Donk around I guess.
Bracket is laying in Tribe 3's coop. That won't last long once Knock gets wind of it.
Myth is laying in her own coop, Tribe 3, as she usually does.
The only one in Tribe 1 who looks like they may lay soon is Moon.
I'm going to make some alterations to the blue triangular maternity coop to make it more egg laying friendly in the hope some will take the hint.

Can't even get a proper winter break. That's tough.

 

[RoyalChick]

Six! Another ten easily!

They are Princesses remember so they are used to personal space (as well as a trusty servant in me of course)!
When penned in the Chicken Palace they only have about 400 square feet (I think I did the math right that is about 37 square meters). It is a lay out with lots of 'interest' so I don't think they get bored, but it is a finite space.
I am building them a fenced in chicken garden that could roughly double that area, and as you already know, I lead them on expeditions to work the vegetable garden (when the union allows). But both the gardens need some level of supervision because of the absurd number of foxes I have.
So bottom line, I don't want them to feel cramped if they are confined to the Chicken Palace. Which is why I am dithering about getting more and how many more to get. I have nearly persuaded myself there is room for 8.

 

[Shadrach]

They are Princesses remember so they are used to personal space (as well as a trusty servant in me of course)!
When penned in the Chicken Palace they only have about 400 square feet (I think I did the math right that is about 37 square meters). It is a lay out with lots of 'interest' so I don't think they get bored, but it is a finite space.
I am building them a fenced in chicken garden that could roughly double that area, and as you already know, I lead them on expeditions to work the vegetable garden (when the union allows). But both the gardens need some level of supervision because of the absurd number of foxes I have.
So bottom line, I don't want them to feel cramped if they are confined to the Chicken Palace. Which is why I am dithering about getting more and how many more to get. I have nearly persuaded myself there is room for 8.

I think I should scrub that post out. I don't want any of this lot calling me an enabler, whatever that is.
I think I've said before that for most people a few years with a few chickens a better way forward. Like it or not more chickens is more vet visits, more deaths, more feed costs, more run room and while I'm sure many will disagree, more chickens does not equal more fun or enjoyment.
In other circumstances I would be content with a single pair of game fowl, or a small tribe of Fayoumies. I love what I have here, even the problem chickens but they are a lot of work, especially free range. I know free range sounds like it should be less work, but people forget about all the outside nests, the fights, the injuries, the predators, the searching for the missing etc etc.
Free range does not equal free time unfortunately.
The next thing is, your crew seem fairly stable and have learned how to rub along with each other. If they bred, then that's a completley different ball game to having some strangers move into their house.
Just saying....

 

[RoyalChick]

I think I should scrub that post out. I don't want any of this lot calling me an enabler, whatever that is.
I think I've said before that for most people a few years with a few chickens a better way forward. Like it or not more chickens is more vet visits, more deaths, more feed costs, more run room and while I'm sure many will disagree, more chickens does not equal more fun or enjoyment.
In other circumstances I would be content with a single pair of game fowl, or a small tribe of Fayoumies. I love what I have here, even the problem chickens but they are a lot of work, especially free range. I know free range sounds like it should be less work, but people forget about all the outside nests, the fights, the injuries, the predators, the searching for the missing etc etc.
Free range does not equal free time unfortunately.
The next thing is, your crew seem fairly stable and have learned how to rub along with each other. If they bred, then that's a completley different ball game to having some strangers move into their house.
Just saying....

I know, I know. Which is why I don't know (if you see what I mean).
I will keep pondering. I built the Chicken Palace with a flock of 8-10 in mind. My idea was to build slowly, recognizing there would be some losses along the way.
What has taken me by surprise is how much I enjoy their company. I am not a very sociable person, but I could party with the chickens all day!

 

[BY Bob]

Walk between the Rain Drops

When Mrs BY Bob was little she was so skinny her Mum used to tell her she could walk between raindrops and stay dry when it was raining. Well I guess Phyllis is not that skinny.

Dry Phyllis

Wet Phyllis

 

[RoyalChick]

Walk between the Rain Drops

When Mrs BY Bob was little she was so skinny her Mum used to tell her she could walk between raindrops and stay dry when it was raining. Well I guess Phyllis is not that skinny.

Dry Phyllis
View attachment 2475649

Wet Phyllis
View attachment 2475651

Oh no - she looks like a drowned rat! It is not a good look for her.

 

[featherhead007]

They can't. I'll post pictures of what happens to Phyllis' head feathers when it rains. There is no oil on them either.

I will help you Bob. (Old pic of BLU with a wet feathered head)

 

[Shadrach]

I know, I know. Which is why I don't know (if you see what I mean).
I will keep pondering. I built the Chicken Palace with a flock of 8-10 in mind. My idea was to build slowly, recognizing there would be some losses along the way.
What has taken me by surprise is how much I enjoy their company. I am not a very sociable person, but I could party with the chickens all day!

Oh, I do understand. I've been fundamentally shocked by just how much I enjoy the company of chickens and most of mine are not cuddle bunnies.
Ignore me. You do have the room and an excellent vet to hand. You can afford the feed costs and the run space.
All I would add is be very very particular about where you get any additions from.
All research for this is time worthwhile spent.