Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Just for a bit of extra clarity...
Usually one needs to apply enough pressure at the designated point to cause the chicken to attempt to stand. In effect, you're partially pushing the chicken upwards off the perch.
I've written an article outlining some of the problems for those who are not clear about the method. It's in my articles which can be found on my profile page.

I tried approaching from behind and below but she was confused. So I approached from the front and up she stepped, onto my hands. Then I gently and slowly carried her on my hands and placed her in the big basket. She didn't flap at all, even though her feet were wobbly now and then. I was very proud of her she was so cooperative and even ducked her head under the basket handle instead of trying to step onto it.

 

[MaryJanet]

So kind of like getting a budgie to "step up" but instead of pressing your finger against their chest you press your whole hand against the back of the leg to get them to "step back".

I used the budgie step up method last night, but under Mary's belly and it was very easy.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Shad is allergic to cats.

Ah, thanks, I think I saw that somewhere and forgot.

 

[MaryJanet]

I am sure the answer is further on but I do want to hear how it worked (and how her vet trip was).

Mary was confused when I pushed up from below and behind so I approached from the front, between her body and legs and she stepped up onto my hands. Will update on the checkup later on. We haven't left home yet

 

[MaryJanet]

Not worried. Upset.

SPOILER - Feel free not to watch this video. It is deeply upsetting.

Why does Maggie drag her out of the nest box - it isn't even the box Maggie likes to use?
Why does Diana lay into her once she is pinned on the floor?
Why is there such a prolonged and brutal attack?
Why, once she escapes doesn't she run out - there are lots of exits and lots of space?
What did poor little Minnie ever do to offend?

I know there is nothing I can do about this but it is really distressing to me.

That was nasty.

Peggy is extra nasty when her body hurts. Maybe Maggie is hurting somehow? Maybe it was her soft egg?

 

[featherhead007]

Was this a dig at my perfectly brilliant white princess

No, I just was stating the obvious!

 

[featherhead007]

That reminds me of the water melon in my kitchen.

I aim to please!

 

[featherhead007]

I grow both in plant pots.

I'll keep a close eye out for them getting in after reading your last post.

You grow pot?

 

[micstrachan]

So this made me pull out my Veterinary's Guide to Backyard Chickens. Here is what the vet textbook says about softshelled eggs. (paraphrased of course)

Sickness: Certain diseases that affect the oviduct function such as infectious bronchitis or Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Nutrient deficits: Calcium, Phosphorus, or Vitamin D3

Nutrient excesses: Phosphorus or Vitamin D3

Normal increase: Older layers

Things I think we should all take from this:

1. While it can be caused by disease at some point there would likely be respiratory symptoms.
2. A nutritional deficit of not just Calcium or Vitamin D3 but also Phosphorus can be a cause.
3. Too much Phosphorus and/or Vitamin D3 can also cause it. We need to be careful when supllementing that we do not go too far. This just is a healthy reminder that a quality chicken feed is essential.
4. This becomes more prevalent as chickens age and can just be a by-product of an older hen.

YES. My understanding is that the calcium/phosphorous/D3 balance is quite delicate.

 

[featherhead007]

I am still quite convinced that the two orphan chicks Leann and Arizona are Pullets. Rough at the edges, but very pretty, and enjoy Simon and Garfunkel. (Screams female)