Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

@micstrachan's post made me recall this story. I'm thinking about run shapes, escape routes and sight blocks.

Hazel chased Popcorn around the breakfast log in the greenhouse run a few days ago. At least that's when I became aware of a chase. The chair/log/chair setup was closer to the right side then. I've since moved it for better use of the legs as barriers, and I thought it safer, away from the aviary netting (which is semi-tight) in case a hawk attacks through it (there was one lurking just yesterday while I was out with them). She ran around the breakfast log, then got away into the wired run.
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Popcorn turned right and went to the right corner, essentially hiding behind the feeder rain blocks.
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Hazel, though she couldn't see her, had seen her go that way. Apparently feeling rather determined, she slowly walked to the wired run, and then zoomed around the corner as soon as she spotted Popcorn. They both took off.
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Popcorn ran further up, now into the coop run and then under the coop, Hazel hot on her heels. She was near the end of the run - she ran out of runway, eh @featherhead007? - so she turned and dodged Hazel by using the ladder as a block and ran back past her on the other side of it. She kept going, cause Hazel gave chase back down the run.
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They ran clear through the wired run back into the greenhouse run. Popcorn then jump-flew up onto the raised log and jumped to the higher chair arm.
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Hazel stopped and didn't go up after her so it ended there. She's never been keen on jump-flying up to things if she doesn't have to, and that is one of Popcorn's (and Butter's) strengths.

Popcorn with a dandelion leaf in her mouth. A late Monday Mug! She has the pinkest comb and lobes of the group right now.
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Hazel's back feathers have a bunch of lighter ones splashed on there these days. Hazel: "Who, me?"
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Hazel: "And don't look at my tail, I know there's only a few feathers back there right now! Here, look at all these other great feathers!"
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That was quite a chase. Does that happen often? I was on the edge of my seat.

Those Buckeye feathers are just incredible. I just love them. They are beautiful ladies.

 

[micstrachan]

Hi everyone, I'm pleased to announce I've finished my song! I'm sure if I gave it to a producer it would sound better, but I'm keen to get it out there. I'm actually going to have some online tuition with a producer, so I'm really looking forward to that!

In the meantime, here is a link to my song. And some chicken tax.

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Lozzy, so I didn’t actually listen to the whole song until now, since I was rushed the first time. So sad! Nicely done.

 

[BY Bob]

Little Mill’s hormones are going haywire again. She’s in a slow molt, but still squatting. Not sure if she’s laying. However, I suspect she’s on the verge of broodiness again, as she’s back to pouncing on the babies (one-year-olds). I don’t mean chasing them off. I mean she literally jumps on their backs and rides them, pulling on their combs and head & neck feathers. Flash was the target before. Last night she was after Flo, who is the highest ranked of the babies and I won’t be surprised if she’s flock leader someday if she lives that long. I also saw Flo do it to Flash. I wonder where she learned it?

Is there any chance she is imitating a rooster?

 

[BY Bob]

It's alright, Carolyn died in a plane crash instantly, while coming to see me from Quebec. She was in school in Canada at the time. I met her in DC. yes it was love back then.

Oh gosh that is so sad. I'm sorry for your loss even though it has been so long. That must have been hard to carry with you in your heart all these years.

 

[micstrachan]

Is there any chance she is imitating a rooster?

I don’t know. She’s never seen one, but possibly? However, she acted like a total nut attacking the young-ins last time she went broody, so we’ll see.

 

[micstrachan]

It's alright, Carolyn died in a plane crash instantly, while coming to see me from Quebec. She was in school in Canada at the time. I met her in DC. yes it was love back then.

So sad, Alex!

 

[BY Bob]

That’s so sad Alex. I really, really liked this guy and was gutted when he vanished.

Chicken tax:
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Such an awful thing to have to live with for all those years. The song captures that so well. I wish I could hug you for real.

 

[BY Bob]

It's actually a great song, (and a nightmare to others) but that's the proof of a great artist, brings peoples emotions out in the open! that,.... I solute Lozzy for!

This!

 

[Scrambles83]

It's alright, Carolyn died in a plane crash instantly, while coming to see me from Quebec. She was in school in Canada at the time. I met her in DC. yes it was love back then.

Oh man, this is so tragic Alex. I’m so sorry you had to go through this

I will find time tonight to listen to your song @LozzyR, want to give it my full attention

 

[BY Bob]

Ruby Check-in

It’s not really an update, as we are pretty status quo. Here is a long (4-minute) video of Ruby getting herself up onto the shelf followed by her jumping up to a roost.

Wonderful videos. So nice to see your tribe in Action, especially Ruby.