Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Phyllis doesn't bother them if they keep out of her way which is a good sign.

That has been pretty much the way it has gone.

Today they will be released to the big run. Lots of photos and video to come.

 

[BY Bob]

How did this morning go with Phyllis and her backing group?

No connections this morning. Peaceful. The littles stayed in the nest box until Phyllis left.

 

[BY Bob]

I've discovered that the Buckeyes are eating a forest/woodland tuber in their diggings. I saw something several times that looked like a grub before but it was eaten so fast I couldn't make it out. But last evening I was out there with a shovel to see if I couldn't help Hazel out with whatever they're finding by turning over some shovelfuls. Besides worms and such they are grabbing these orange-colored things that look like overgrown ticks with long legs. They treat the larger ones like animals, whacking them into submission before eating them. I finally managed to nab one (gotta be quick!), and it's a cone-shaped tuber with roots on one end. So I tried it. Delicious! Crispy and juicy like a radish but mild flavor, no heat. It tasted like "Indian Cucumber," a small woodland flower in the US Northeast that has a long white tuber. I don't know what this is.

Very interesting. Thanks for tracking that down. I'm going to check and see if mine are eating the same stuff.

 

[BY Bob]

That is a great picture.

Thanks

 

[BY Bob]

Silver and Pear haven't laid any since Mama went broody in July: heat, moult, broody witch, then the dog...lots of upheaval in the flock. ok, middle of September, I caught both of them picking at the crushed eggshell and oyster shell I put out for all layers. Still nothing. Found eggshell in the carport (1 egg, 2 pieces, well separated, brown shell) about a week ago. Nothing since. Nellie is supposed to lay white eggs, the sapphires : blue. The other pullets are farther away from laying...unless they REALLY surprise me. Fast forward: today snowing. When got home, Silver and Pear roosting inside coop, Nellie on next roost over. Jessica snuggled in a nest box and Thing snuggled in the coop too. Also found thisView attachment 2862843My guess is Pear or Silver. It's a bit wider than the last batch of new layer eggs. We have an egg again!

Congratulations!

Quick question, Are you sure you don't have a nest somewhere outside the coop?

 

[BY Bob]

Hazel update, she has not acted "off" as she did a few days ago and I'm encouraged that maybe that was the low point. I saw her poop a normal poop yesterday, which I collected to try a fecal float, but most of her poops are still quite watery. Color looks normal but it's just very loose. I gave her a short once over and saw nothing yesterday but will look more carefully again soon, with gigs and a funeral and things this weekend has been busy. Today she was digging next to Peanut who was dirt bathing in a hole in their uncovered netted run, then next I looked she was bathing too, & thought that was another good sign.

She is bones and feathers, but not quite so picky about foods and not so standoffish when out foraging, she is getting in the middle of things and eating. Today I snuck her about a tablespoon of cooked hamburger bits which she liked, and everyone got a bit of some too, and cooked medium-grain brown rice which was a big hit. Later they cleared the bowls of brussel sprout trimmings chopped up, and some crumbled cornbread.

That sounds promising. Please keep us posted.

 

[BY Bob]

Monday Mugs!
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Those are amazing mugs! Just amazing!

 

[BY Bob]

I agree with all of this.

Thanks Michelle.

 

[BY Bob]

It’s windy and cold up here, too, Alex! When I got home from work to leg tge girls free range, they were too scared of the wind to venture very far from the coop and run.

That's pretty windy! 🌬

 

[BY Bob]

Not that I've noticed...they're more inclined to do the unhappy croon when the weather turns to steady snow/rain. Wind they just ignore or settle into the lee side of something.

Mine just run to the fence and huddle when it's windy. That's instead of staying in a warm wind proof coop. Go figure.