Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

It does seem like a long way to stick their heads in to reach the feed. Other than that I've seen other set ups that seem similar so it probably works. I think it would be easy for a hen to be startled while using it.

I think it would need to be mounted very low for the hens to reach in as if they're grazing.

 

[MaryJanet]

Still Going Strong this Morning

View attachment 2756565

Is she good at taking breaks Bob?

 

[MaryJanet]

Just be thankful that they haven’t learned the art of projectile poop.
Yes, that is what the roadrunners did at that age. They would turn their backs to me, assume the position, and fire!
I got hit in the face more than a couple of times!

Oh dear, I remember!

 

[MaryJanet]

Thanks for the feedback and you too @BY Bob @Aussie-Chookmum. I think I’ll trial one, if they don’t take to it I’ll switch back to their current feeder
Can’t afford a new coop yet but I’ll start small, I love buying them new things

Me too! I have a rooster weather vane on the way

 

[MaryJanet]

Indeed. I think this may make the list.

It's perfect for a Polish

 

[MaryJanet]

If anyone is interested: Google Poplar Tulare County California Fire Friday July 9. (It’s aTragic story)

I saw a news story about the fires in California, very hard on people.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Just be thankful that they haven’t learned the art of projectile poop.
Yes, that is what the roadrunners did at that age. They would turn their backs to me, assume the position, and fire!
I got hit in the face more than a couple of times!

I think they are trying. When they are in the brooder it is completely normal poop. The moment I get them out it becomes watery.

 

[BY Bob]

You didn't tell me not to laugh...

Spazzy decided to go broody AGAIN yesterday! I'm going to take her off of the nest and place her on the roosting bars tonight. Hopefully that will break her...it's just too hot right now!

You may laugh away.

 

[MaryJanet]

When (or if) to Toss Her off the Nest

I have tried to watch Phyllis all day today to make certain that she is leaving the nest to eat, drink, etc. I have not seen her leave the nest. Now there is over an hour where I could not watch her today so she may have done so then.

I really need advise as to whether I should go remove her from the nest or if I can wait until tomorrow morning to do so? It is ~6:00 pm here so i have a god 2.5 hours of daylight left.

What does those of you with broody experience think?

I used to ensure Ivy got up every day but then Shad said it's better to let her set her own routine. I think he said if it got to 3 days, intervene, otherwise don't worry.

They use/need very little energy while in their trance you see. So one meal lasts for a lot longer than you'd imagine.

Ivy's last broody spell lasted for around 30 days until I decided enough. I think it was around about 10 days brooding, I stopped interfering and let her be. Sure enough, she got herself up regularly to eat, drink, pool and dust bathe.

 

[BY Bob]

It honestly depends on the hen for me, but in my experience most of my girls come off every other day. Momma is different, if I know where her nest is I have to remove her or else she'll stay on 3 days or more. This last time I do not know how many times she came off as I never saw her at all and we all were starting to think something had gotten her. She had to be coming off super early in the morning after we fed the horses. I wouldn't worry to much if she does not come off today as long as she has food and water close by. If she is still on by noon tomorrow, then I would remove her so she can relieve herself.

She is coming off in the morning one way or another. She is scaring me.