Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Well first define 'size' in a chicken's comb. Height? Length? Surface area? Volume?
I am not being pedantic - Maggie has a tall comb that is quite thin. Definitely the tallest comb. She is not top chicken.
Minnie has her comb all bunched up and sprouting from one spot - but there are many, many, many folds and it is quite fleshy. My guess is it has a greater volume and surface area than even Maggie's. Minnie is also not top chicken.

Either way works.

 

[RoyalChick]

Either way works.

That doesn’t sound very scientific! I thought a core aspect of an experiment was definitive end points.
Maggie has definitive end points on her comb. Minnie, not so much.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I just love these behavior stories. Good luck tonight. I thought Hazel and Queenie did not get along?

They are working something out, as lately I've spotted Hazel and Queenie foraging quite peacefully together when out of the run. Not to the degree that Popcorn and Butters are a definite pair, but they do not avoid each other, and regularly peck around alongside eachother.

I'm also entertaining the idea that Queenie has some foraging smarts that the others like...Popcorn is a generally adventurous chicken, but this afternoon when I let them out for some supervised free-ranging in our front yard, she didn't show it. Queenie wasn't in the group because she was laying her egg. The other four stepped out but didn't go far, and soon went back into the run. I thought they didn't like the wind. Then later when Queenie was done and I opened it up again they were all happy to go out but kept pretty well in a group, more or less. It was still windy but a bit less so. When conditions are windy and a bit nerve-wracking I've noticed they really stick together. It has struck me that Queenie is experienced living outdoors and they might take their cues from her and her confidence. Will have to observe more to see. She is very matter-of-fact while free-ranging, seems to know where to investigate to find good things. She is a little wary of me, more than she used to be, especially if I'm carrying a shovel or any kind of stick, and always stays out from underfoot, whereas the Buckeyes are totally trusting and think garden tools are probably related to a forthcoming treat. With any actual treats, Queenie is still low chicken on the totem pole in the gathering.

So tonight Queenie was sitting on the threshold and Butters was on the perch outside the open pop door. Everybody else was in. Somebody was sitting close behind and to the side of Queenie, looking out.

I went behind and peeked in the back and did a head count. As I did that and then went back to the run door to get in there and rectify things for Butters, Queenie stood up, turned around and went in. That's right, Queenie, good girl! It was then a matter of encouraging Butters to go in, and the others made room for her. I got the impression Butters didn't mind being outside, but was willing to go in. Or just was accepting of her place. I don't know.

The run is generally safe against larger animals but not small weasels, and a raccoon could reach higher than the hardware cloth and grab somebody on that perch. So I don't want anybody spending the night there. That's a project I want to do, secure some HC higher on either side of the perch and pop door entrance.

 

[featherhead007]

Either way works.

I heard that “it’s not the size that matters, but how you use it!” I have no problem either way. My Beethoven-Hen has a beautiful comb, and knows how to use it. I will let my self out, if I can find the door!

 

[featherhead007]

Rocks-Anne is in with me tonight, because she can!

 

[micstrachan]

Oh, the drama! Minnie was unwell again this morning, but better (not 100%) this evening. She hasn’t laid in a bit, which is worrisome. She’s not even quite 2 yet. Ester is the same age, and not laying, either.

Ruby is swollen in the belly already. Little Mill is a little swollen, too, but I do believe she’s laying, and will give everyone Lily of the Desert Alie Detox tomorrow (in damp feed).

Cashew is favoring a leg, and when I went to check her feet, one foot and leg are noticing warmer than the other side. No visible injury. No swelling. Gently touched both sides all over and no flinching. I think it’s the weight bearing that’s bothering her and assume she got hurt jumping down from the roost.

Dorothy laid a shelled egg (yay).

Ester is (slightly) warming up to me (yay again).

I hope everyone else’s flocks (I know, I know... tribes) are doing well!

 

[fuentemoon]

Happy Monday evening all. My ladies have found their voices again, they have been announcing their awake status, and chattering all day long. No eggs yet, but Rosie is squatting when I get anywhere near her, and I am told two if them spent time digging in the coop yesterday. They are all 3 years old now(Rosie could be older,) so I would be happy if they each laid once a week, enough to know that everything was running smoothly.

 

[MaryJanet]

Mugshot Monday.

There are 3 mugs in this photo. (actually, I just wanted to share because I thought the sunlight was cool. )
View attachment 2589950

Ooh sunflare! So pretty.

The chooks are gorgeous, sitting there!

 

[micstrachan]

Today, she's an honor worthy full hen now. She laid her egg for me just this morning. She must have been raised in a cage, because she doesn't know how to perch. (But, I can teach her how to do that too) Egg was small, but she's still young. There is plenty of time for her to learn. (Does remind me of my late hen Sunshine) Just as friendly. RIP Sunshine.

Alex, I either forgot or didn’t know you had a Sunshine! I gave that name to one of the babies this year! Here she is for Mug Monday.

 

[featherhead007]

Alex, I either forgot or didn’t know you had a Sunshine! I gave that name to one of the babies this year! Here she is for Mug Monday.
View attachment 2591275

Dear friend, you always have sunshine! Just saying