Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

Ok fluffy butt friends, I need some opinions. Squirrel and her brother turned 5 weeks old. Until today I was fairly confident Squirrel was a pullet. Now, I'm not so sure. Her coloring seems girlish, but....her comb. Being a Marans x Orpington mix I fully expect a large comb but is that too much for a 5 week old? Like expected her brother being a full Marans let the world know he was a boy at 2 1/2 weeks when his wattles popped, but this is my first time with Marans mixes. Here are some pictures I just took. What do you all think, is Squirrel a boy or girl?
View attachment 2643366View attachment 2643368View attachment 2643369

That’s a lot of pink for five weeks, but I’d say too young to tell. No boy feathers whatsoever (but it’s still too early for that anyway, I believe... says the lady who has never had a rooster. LOL.)

 

[micstrachan]

Butter is doing wonderful. She's not ready to be outside full time yet, and when she is will have to be separated from the others for a bit as I do not want the boys to reinjure her. She can get up and walk around for a few minutes but is then tired and has to rest for about 3 hours or so before her next walkabout. She also has a limp but it is getting better daily. She laid her 3rd egg earlier today as well. Its going to take time, but I'm happy to give her all she needs.

You are doing a wonderful job with her!

 

[Scrambles83]

So I just saw this

 

[Scrambles83]

I started a fermented feed. It’s been 2 days and when I stir it, it bubbles like crazy!
It’s a mix of layer feed and some scratch.
Smell isn’t strong yet, a bit yoghurty in scent.
Does the bubbling mean it’s almost ready to feed?

 

[Ribh]

Are there any posts I can link to this couple with a little one who really wants to own a few chickens. They been told that chickens are bad to have around small children. They were also worried about red mites but I've given them my solution on that one. So that's not a worry. They bring this subject everytime I see them, so it's just a matter of time I'm thinking.

Most of the bantams are good around children. I can recommend Belgiums & Wyandottes. The smaller eggs are a better size for children too ~ both for eating & handling & both breeds are super people friendly ime. Purusing BYC is as good a place as any to garner information. They do have a whole section on breeds, if that helps:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/

This is one on why keep chickens.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ts-on-the-benefits-of-raising-chickens.76273/

 

[micstrachan]

Are there any posts I can link to this couple with a little one who really wants to own a few chickens. They been told that chickens are bad to have around small children. They were also worried about red mites but I've given them my solution on that one. So that's not a worry. They bring this subject everytime I see them, so it's just a matter of time I'm thinking.

Why would chickens be bad to have around a little one? Just make sure hands are washed before sticking in mouth. LOL. There are little of young children who bond with chickens.

 

[micstrachan]

So I just saw this

View attachment 2643754

I love this! I wonder if they like it? I tried a swing once and it was a total fail. Might try again.

 

[Cynthia12]

Final Vote

Aurora 3
Sydney 4
Hattie 2
Phyllis 3
Lilly 1
Sansa 1

Here is the answer. Will you be surprised?

Spoiler: Who is Broody?

View attachment 2643313

I almost said her. They go broody like silkies. But then again, those orpintons go often too. That is what Hattie is, right? Sooo...keep your eye open for another. It's that time of year. .

 

[Cynthia12]

Well one now View attachment 2641979

That bird looks happy. Makes me smile.

 

[featherhead007]

I’m not sure how to say this, but I have chickens, I drive a Lexus, I own a Cessna skyhawk . But I’m not trying to show off. I earned what I have for working very hard for it. I don’t like byc people telling me what to do. “Don’t fly, don’t drive” I’m tired of the unnecessary judging. If you peeps want me to stay here, Then tone your crazy off ! Thank you