Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

I will say this as definitively as I can.

I expect that Minnie is about to start her molt.

That is what Hattie does. It worries me every year but it is just the onset of her molt.

I was thinking the same thing

 

[RoyalChick]

Minnie is roosting on her own by the camera - you can see her on the left. It is chilly enough that Dotty has tucked her head under her wing.
I hope everyone is OK.

 

[MaryJanet]

Minnie is roosting on her own by the camera - you can see her on the left. It is chilly enough that Dotty has tucked her head under her wing.
I hope everyone is OK.
View attachment 2858853

She's feeling funny in her skin. Her feathers are on the move maybe?

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Like I said, I don't know of this particular breed but any hen laying 300+ eggs a year is a high producer & most breeds of this nature have a short life expectancy. Firstly they are usually bred to be culled by their 2nd year when egg production starts dropping off & before all the really nasties start happening. My ISAs, which were among the very 1st chickens I ever owned & a high production hen, were rescues & dropped like flies after about 6 months. 2ndly they are prone to reproductive issues & all the associated proplems. I swore I'd never do them again. It was heartbreaking & I didn't want to contribute to the abuse of such lovely hens ~ because they too are very sweet natured.

I have two ISAs and my leghorn and they lay an egg every day. When I got them (from TSC) I didn’t know these things about production hens. At this point they are 1 1/2 yrs old, so they are doing well. But I worry about the future now that I know about the reproductive issues. I just do what I can to keep them healthy, good diet, clean environment, exercise, all that good stuff.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Back with BY Bob before Bedtime

View attachment 2858829

I have video I will post later.

Cuteness overload!

 

[Ribh]

I have two ISAs and my leghorn and they lay an egg every day. When I got them (from TSC) I didn’t know these things about production hens. At this point they are 1 1/2 yrs old, so they are doing well. But I worry about the future now that I know about the reproductive issues. I just do what I can to keep them healthy, good diet, clean environment, exercise, all that good stuff.

And they can live to a good old age just like other hens can have issues they shouldn't. I know you will do your very best by them.

 

[BY Bob]

Very squishy.

Still better than a cage.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Getting used to being out of the run.
View attachment 2858787
23 chickens roost in this coop. I gave it the first proper clean out it's had for some time judging by the state it was in. It took 2 hours. It needs doing again and some repairs to the floor and new roost bars. About half the hens use what passes as a roost bar atm. I didn't take any pictures of before and after because even after it's still pretty disgusting.View attachment 2858796
There are now seven of the Ex Batts that have accepted me as a good thing and follow be about as I weed. Today I saw three of them fly after a fashion. They all looked a bit shocked that they left the ground.
This one gets on my leg if I sit on the ground.
View attachment 2858797

That coop looks pretty small. They must all be squished in there.

 

[BY Bob]

I think they may just like you Bob.

Maybe. Just maybe.

 

[Marie2020]

Back with BY Bob before Bedtime

View attachment 2858829

I have video I will post later.

God, I must be tired. They look like the Jackson five or the three degrees to me right now, sorry .