Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

I am thinking about building another coop and run for the new littles. When they feather out, they will still need to be integrated into the original tribe. And be safe outdoors as well. So I’m looking into ideas, for the build.

 

[Blazinga]

Hattie's eyes are quite special too. I just love the chain around Lilly's neck too.

In my chicken cannon a lot of the different breeds wear different neckware depending on breed. I think somewhere throughout we theorized that Lilly was a 'Link and I thought that a chain link necklace would be a fun pun on the breed.

 

[BY Bob]

OK probably need to read ahead, but high amounts of moisture have to be able to precipitate out as frost on flesh to cause frostbite. That can happen only if the ventilation is poor and the temperature is very low. Vaseline might or might not help, the theory is that the oil prevents the contact of water on flesh, but I'm not sure it would necessarily prevent frostbite because oil gets cold too. Does it have insulation value? I'm a newbie at this, but I would have concern for the comb and wattles skin needing to be dry, and not being able to evaporate away the moisture actually coming out of the skin because it's coated with oil. I don't know. From the videos @BY Bob posts, you can always see some air moving dust motes, feathers, or a bit of snowflakes around. I don't think he has anything to worry about, but @BY Bob have you had incidents of frostbite?

Never. And that has been down to wind chills of-20°F (-29°C). Don't quote me on this but I remember the abient air temperature being -10°F. Somewhere I have a photo of the thermometer.

The coop was built with suction ventilation in mind. The vents are on the leeward side. So when the wind blows over the coop it sucks the air and hence moisture out of the house. That gives the air that spin you see in the videos sometimes. This enables the ladies to have a slightly warmer temperature inside than outside and no direct air blowing on them. It has worked splendidly I would say.

Now Daisy's comb, the comb on the greatest hen ever, was so large I was worried about it everytime it got below 0°F. I have seen many posts of coops that were well ventilated where in extreme cold leghorns got frostbite and lost portions of their comb. I could stand for her to suffer that indignity.
I viewed the Vaseline as providing an insulation layer. NFL (american football) players use Vaseline to cover their exposed skin when they play in extreme cold in order to prevent heat loss. Runners will use it on their face. I figure it works the same way on a chicken's comb.

A chickens comb is very warm if you touch it. Keep that warmth in and frostbite is prevented.

I can only say that for my evidence, Daisy never got frostbite on her comb. She would not speak to me for days after I applied it. Not mealy worms or spaghetti could cure that but she kept her comb.

 

[Ribh]

I miss hearing from him and seeing his beautiful tribes

We are all missing him but @BY Bob seems to think it's just internet issues. I do hope so.

 

[BY Bob]

I am thinking about building another coop and run for the new littles. When they feather out, they will still need to be integrated into the original tribe. And be safe outdoors as well. So I’m looking into ideas, for the build.

I like this idea. Keep an eye on Craig's list. People do sell coops.

 

[BY Bob]

In my chicken cannon a lot of the different breeds wear different neckware depending on breed. I think somewhere throughout we theorized that Lilly was a 'Link and I thought that a chain link necklace would be a fun pun on the breed.

I like that. And my mind went to viewing her as the iron lady. That is great fun. If you don't mind, why the cape and hood on Maleficent? I just love the look but now you have me curious.

 

[Ribh]

I have a feeling we have similar but not identical mugs.

View attachment 2524907

I adore that mug! I may have to try for one just because it reminds me so much of Lavender! Mind you, since her demise everyone is growing rump feathers again. She was a shocker for denuding rumps!

 

[BY Bob]

We are all missing him but @BY Bob seems to think it's just internet issues. I do hope so.

You have this way of making everything my responsibility and then doubting it in the same post! What a talent!

But I have to ask, why?

 

[BY Bob]

I adore that mug! I may have to try for one just because it reminds me so much of Lavender! Mind you, since her demise everyone is growing rump feathers again. She was a shocker for denuding rumps!

Lavender.

 

[Ribh]

I am thinking about building another coop and run for the new littles. When they feather out, they will still need to be integrated into the original tribe. And be safe outdoors as well. So I’m looking into ideas, for the build.

Is money an issue? We built our entire coop from marine ply. It's sturdy, weatherproof & doesn't require lots of cutting ~ especially if you work with the sheet dimensions. Just an idea...