Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Blazinga]

They are so beautiful. How is Platina doing?

Very well. She was walking around, eating, drinking, preening. All she needs to do is gain that weight back.

 

[Lady Red]

Very well. She was walking around, eating, drinking, preening. All she needs to do is gain that weight back.

Excellent news!
All the babies are adorable

 

[featherhead007]

Sorry If my "Spider Sense" jinxed your construction schedule (I know it didn't) but the babies are still on their way, right?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Russian olives are no longer allowed to be transplanted in Montana. they spread along water sources every state has different regulations. As far as the pea shrub, most grazers (around here) won't eat it, but most seed/grass/grain eating birds will quite happily eat the seeds. Hummingbirds and bees love the blooms (hummers will nest in it too), and deer will shelter from wind/weather around it. if lilacs aren't a problem for you (I know someone allergic to the blooms), they're an easy one. some honeysuckles are cold hardy too (Montana has a couple of native varieties much to my surprise), bird's nest spruce makes a good (dense) shrub. pontentilla (cinquefoil) creates spaces under it while staying relatively low. sagebrush (if you're not allergic) comes in a variety and also provides shelter. some of the junipers may also work. No idea how much water you get, but most of the above list can tolerate some major dry spells and ALL can handle the cold (correct varieties).

I am going to have fun choosing! I am also taking cuttings of things I already have.
Honey berries are a form of honeysuckle - they are native and have sweet edible berries. I am hoping they will be a big success.

You might think about fruit plants? Red or black currants, planted in a grouping, might make good cover and forage bushes. We have red ones planted. I haven't tried them yet with the Buckeyes here, don't know if they like them. They are very hardy for us, and we are Zone 2-4 depending on shelter. Raspberries. And highbush blueberries! We have a bunch of those and the older ones are very good shelter as we don't prune them out, just let them grow naturally, they have long stems and branches that go up and then out, creating good umbrellas. But remember you will only get to eat what the chickens can't reach!

Of these, probably raspberries will grow to a decent size the fastest I think, within three years. Then currants. Blueberries take some years to get big.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I agree. Just saying.

Chicken Tax
View attachment 2781169

She is a hot air balloon, or a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon! Lovely and so big!

 

[micstrachan]

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I've got it!

The Cluckle Hut
at Fluffy Butt Acres​

Love the name you chose!

 

[BY Bob]

Oh no! What will you do?

Finish tomorrow. I have no other option.

 

[rural mouse]

You might think about fruit plants? Red or black currants, planted in a grouping, might make good cover and forage bushes. We have red ones planted. I haven't tried them yet with the Buckeyes here, don't know if they like them. They are very hardy for us, and we are Zone 2-4 depending on shelter. Raspberries. And highbush blueberries! We have a bunch of those and the older ones are very good shelter as we don't prune them out, just let them grow naturally, they have long stems and branches that go up and then out, creating good umbrellas. But remember you will only get to eat what the chickens can't reach!

Of these, probably raspberries will grow to a decent size the fastest I think, within three years. Then currants. Blueberries take some years to get big.

I've got wild? currants. Haven't gotten a single fruit in the 4 years we've been here. Just added raspberry and strawberry (from a friend's yard) and chokecherry (from another friend). Growing season has been decidedly weird so have to wait for next year to see what survives. Had to ring the 1 raspberry that seems to be doing well not because of the chickens, but because of the DEER. Not even going to try on the strawberries until plants are well established/spreading. Oddly, the DEER leave them alone. Of course, they don't provide much shelter for the chooks either.

 

[BY Bob]

Very well. She was walking around, eating, drinking, preening. All she needs to do is gain that weight back.

I'm so happy. Please keep us posted on her progress.