Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[rural mouse]

This is what I struggle with right now. Do I at some point lock them in together for a week? Do I try to force Phyllis to reset her coop?

I'd really prefer that she roosted in The Hut, where she can be boss hen. The only way I know to try and make that happen would be to force the issue. I did not want to force anything. I thought after 3 or 4 nights of waking up together a new home base might be set but it did not happen.

I could go back to moving her in every night regardless of where Phyllis roosts........

Until the Philistines are laying, or close, there's going to be some distance anyway. My pullets are at POL (haven't done so yet), and are still not permitted to snuggle in with Silver and Pear. The cold may change that some, but the distance is still demanded and enforced by the older birds. Cheetah is allowed closer, but until he's successful in his courting of the older girls, will also be kept at a bit of distance.

 

[featherhead007]

Happy Friday

From Phyllis
View attachment 2866670

That’s not Phyllis, only a body double. You can’t fool me!

 

[featherhead007]

Only purple corn for purple chickens.

Makes perfect sense!

 

[micstrachan]

Remind us what breed Bagheera was (I can’t believe I am asking about breed!).
I remember her well as a beautiful, lustrous, all black lady.
Was she a production breed?
A photo from your archive would be lovely too!

She was a Black Australorp. I believe they’re considered dual purpose and not necessarily a production breed, but Flo, my second Black Australorp, seems to be following in her footsteps.

Edited to add, Bagheera would stuff herself silly and Flo does the same.

 

[micstrachan]

Look at those wonderful fall leaves. Beautiful picture.

Thanks! That was last year.!

 

[micstrachan]

Great job ladies taking care of each other.

When I was growing up that cat would no longer be with us. My Dad would have taken care of it.

I wonder though if since neither hen was hurt, was the cat trying to play wrestle with them? It seems like it could have killed either chicken at one point. I've seen my cats do the initial face off complete with vocalization before rumbling across my house.

Honestly, I wondered the same.

 

[micstrachan]

This cat appears to be attacking half-heartedly imo. Looked like an unneutered male cat looking for a fight, not for a meal, and a play-fight at that, i.e., looking to dominate, not even seriously wound. In my opinion he wasn't hungry, didn't need or want to kill and eat. He could have delivered a kill bite in each attack, well-positioned in all of them for that. It was more an ill-tempered wrestling match for the cat, and a territorial defense by the hens, as in my opinion the chickens have experienced this before, or they would have run and made much more noise, esp after that first attack, the released hen just walks away, and the second hen who gets jumped from behind was cautiously walking and not panicked either. All probably very entertaining to the people there. Sad.

It is sad. I hope I didn’t offend anyone by posting it. I was so impressed with the hens standing together, which is why I posted it. I thought it demonstrated more complex socialization; a coordinated effort to protect each other. Smart birds!

 

[featherhead007]

She was a Black Australorp. I believe they’re considered dual purpose amd not necessarily a production breed, but Flo, my second Black Australorp, seems to be following in her footsteps.

View attachment 2866704

Dual purpose. Eggs and so much snuggles to give….. sweet!

 

[featherhead007]

Jaffar loves you too Michelle! He said so.

 

[featherhead007]

It is sad. I hope I didn’t offend anyone by posting it. I was so impressed with the hens standing together, which is why I posted it. I thought it demonstrated more complex socialization; a coordinated effort to protect each other. Smart birds!

I’m devastated and I’m by only kidding