Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Sorry, Bob, to have hogged the thread with all the well wishes about Ruby. I do appreciate all the support.


She’s been poked and prodded so much, I debated just letting her rest and burying her at home. However, did send her to UC Davis this morning, mostly for two reasons:

1. If she had cystic right oviduct and hormones kept it at bay for years, that’s good info for me, avian vets and other chicken keepers. It’s good info whatever the underlying issue was; I suspect she had multiple issues.
2. I’d like to know definitively if there is Marek’s in my flock. I feel I get too many sick birds, considering their quality of life and care.

Of course, I will keep you all posted.

It had to be hard but the knowledge could be very helpful in many ways. It was a courageous choice you just made.

 

[Ribh]

Why is it some people completely overlook the distinction between can't or mustn't and shouldn't.

Didn't overlook it. Trying to make the point ( badly obviously) that tribal relationships are more complex & intricate than a simplistic breed hangs with their own breed. There is a lot more going on between the birds than that or I would not have a Jap bantam & a Wyandotte bantam sharing a nest, a nest everyone is laying in & happy to let the 2 sitters sit. I think there's a lot we don't understand or just plain misinterpret because we are arrogant & poor observers. I have no idea what's going on most of the time. I'm just happy & grateful it works.

 

[Ribh]

Sorry, Bob, to have hogged the thread with all the well wishes about Ruby. I do appreciate all the support.


She’s been poked and prodded so much, I debated just letting her rest and burying her at home. However, did send her to UC Davis this morning, mostly for two reasons:

1. If she had cystic right oviduct and hormones kept it at bay for years, that’s good info for me, avian vets and other chicken keepers. It’s good info whatever the underlying issue was; I suspect she had multiple issues.
2. I’d like to know definitively if there is Marek’s in my flock. I feel I get too many sick birds, considering their quality of life and care.

Of course, I will keep you all posted.

That is a very brave call.

 

[Shadrach]

Didn't overlook it. Trying to make the point ( badly obviously) that tribal relationships are more complex & intricate than a simplistic breed hangs with their own breed. There is a lot more going on between the birds than that or I would not have a Jap bantam & a Wyandotte bantam sharing a nest, a nest everyone is laying in & happy to let the 2 sitters sit. I think there's a lot we don't understand or just plain misinterpret because we are arrogant & poor observers. I have no idea what's going on most of the time. I'm just happy & grateful it works.

Just teasing Ribh and yes there are many other arrangements that can work.

 

[Shadrach]

The grey hen. She is the only one of this breed. So far I haven't seen her in a fixed roosting group. She just seems to fit in where she can. She's apart from the others a lot when out foraging but doesn't seem to be at odds with any of the other hens. Henry doesn't pay her much attention. Not sure what that means atm.

 

[RoyalChick]

Sorry, Bob, to have hogged the thread with all the well wishes about Ruby. I do appreciate all the support.


She’s been poked and prodded so much, I debated just letting her rest and burying her at home. However, did send her to UC Davis this morning, mostly for two reasons:

1. If she had cystic right oviduct and hormones kept it at bay for years, that’s good info for me, avian vets and other chicken keepers. It’s good info whatever the underlying issue was; I suspect she had multiple issues.
2. I’d like to know definitively if there is Marek’s in my flock. I feel I get too many sick birds, considering their quality of life and care.

Of course, I will keep you all posted.

A very good decision. I hope they can give you definitive answers.

 

[RoyalChick]

The grey hen. She is the only one of this breed. So far I haven't seen her in a fixed roosting group. She just seems to fit in where she can. She's apart from the others a lot when out foraging but doesn't seem to be at odds with any of the other hens. Henry doesn't pay her much attention. Not sure what that means atm.View attachment 2855468

She is very pretty, and it looks like you are in a position to give me the definitive answer on feathered feet and mud!

 

[Ribh]

Just teasing Ribh and yes there are many other arrangements that can work.

It's very early here (the crabber is just leaving) & to prove the point on what a lousy observer I am, it's a frizzled bantam sharing with the wyandotte. Honestly, I should wait till I'm awake to have these conversations.

 

[Shadrach]

One of the Cream Legbars.

Still not sure what the pair of blck hens are.

One of my new friends.

Despite my concerns for this hen, now she's getting out and about (4 hours today) she's eating lots of grass bugs and stuff under the apple tree roots. She's a fiesty creature but she is in a terrible mess. She's moulting and has quite a lot of feather damage and she is terribly thin. I bring her fish as a treat and try not to let the others see me feeding her. She hardly eats any of the commercial feed. She is completely unbothered by me. I can inspect her as she stands and she doesn't object.

 

[Lady Red]

One of the Cream Legbars.
View attachment 2855471
Still not sure what the pair of blck hens are.
View attachment 2855475
One of my new friends.
View attachment 2855476
Despite my concerns for this hen, now she's getting out and about (4 hours today) she's eating lots of grass bugs and stuff under the apple tree roots. She's a fiesty creature but she is in a terrible mess. She's moulting and has quite a lot of feather damage and she is terribly thin. I bring her fish as a treat and try not to let the others see me feeding her. She hardly eats any of the commercial feed. She is completely unbothered by me. I can inspect her as she stands and she doesn't object.
View attachment 2855477

I'm sure under your care she will blossom and be super chicken-y