Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LaFemmeKatia]

I will get more in the spring. I am down to four and it feels like not enough.

I have eight, and I was tempted this past summer to get a few more, but I held off. The girls I have are very content, and a cohesive little tribe, and I don’t want to upset the harmony.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Near Tragedy

It happens at some point with every new arrival at Fluffy Butt Acres. Let me take you through it.

Yesterday was a spectacular late October day. Sun, Blue Sky, and thankfully warm 76°F (24°C). I had no meetings after lunch time so I set myself up on the deck and released the littles to enjoy the beautiful weather as I could be on Hawk watch.

They were having a blast. It was great once again to hear their little voices while I was working. They were primarily spending their time around this bush. It was where they would rest in between forays out into the yard. Good cover from any air based attacks.
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All was good, no hawks, sunshine, warmth, it was a great afternoon. Until something startled them and they ran in a panic. It could have been a squirrel or "Sansa" as the bigs had grazed their way over to where they were. Considering the panic, I am guessing Sansa or Sydney went after them.

Regardless the reason, unsurprising my little spaz Sylvie ran in a panic, right into the pool. I jumped up and started over. Legertha was so upset by Sylvie's plight that running over to her she also fell in.

Somehow I had grabbed my camera and snapped a photo. I actually don't remember doing it. Pardon the poor quality.
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I got to Legertha first, scooped her out, and then scooped Sylvie out. They were quite wet.

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The pool water is very cold. Titanic-like. They needed dried and warmed up. I am so happy that I trained them to ride my arm during transport. I placed them on my arm and we went into the house to get a towel and warm up.

As I walked by I noticed I had flipped my chair in my haste to get to them.

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Of course entering the house drew the attention of both cats. We could not stay inside as I could not get rid of the cats and dry the littles. So we went back outside.

At first I thought I had gotten to them before they got too cold but the started shivering.in my arms. Here they are in the towel being dried and warmed by my body heat.
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It took quite a while but eventually Legertha stopped shivering and then untucked herself and started grooming. On my arm.

Sylvie took a disturbingly long time to warm up. I was never as concerned as I was with Ned. But she was shivering and closing her eyes. I kept rubbing her to wake her up. Eventually she improved, untucked herself and promptly went to my shoulder to groom. Her favorite spot. She yelled at Legertha who was on my arm and Legertha went to join her.

Every chicken that falls in the pool and I warm up has to leave a deposit on me and Legertha was more than pleased to do so.

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Once they were no longer shivering and had groomed for a while I wanted to take them back over to the magnolia tree. If you have never tried to pluck a pullet from your shoulder, it is very hard and Sylvie gets spastic if you try. So I decided to try and walk them over on my shoulder. Here's the video.

They did eventually get down. They scratched around for a while and then headed into the coop where the heater was switched on to max.

Everyone survived and were chipper and running around this morning. Yes I know @Shadrach I should fill the darn pool in.

These two are so cute, and so funny!
And you look very debonair wearing bird poop!

 

[BY Bob]

OMG - too cute!!

I knew she would look good as Sherlock. I just needed time to make it happen!

 

[BY Bob]

I am very curious about the link between behavior, rank and health.

My observations when watching my molting tribe over the years have led me to believe that there is little difference based upon rank. My hens seem to be consistent individually. That is, each hen reacts a certain way and tends to behave that same way from year to year.

 

[BY Bob]

OMG she is a natural!

She is perfect, isn't she. From the moment I saw the other one I knew she would look great.

 

[rural mouse]

Mine prefer the movie Chicken Run but the rest is good!

Chicken Little works too.

 

[rural mouse]

Is that a normal juvenile molt do you think? Fascinating that they would go to all the trouble of growing such fantastic head-dos and then start over. Pics please.

They're the right age for the juvie molt...i think

 

[rural mouse]

I believe it is. You just don't notice in other breeds. I'll try and get photos tomorrow.

I noticed ALL the feathers everywhere....wrong size/color for the adults...then they started too. Silver still has tatty tail feathers.

 

[rural mouse]

About using Tea Bags, which flavor? I have Earl Grey, Camomile, and Green Tea?

Depends upon the time of day. Chamomile at bedtime (or for when they're running everywhere

 

[rural mouse]

Just great I will have to go to town to get black tea! But, what ever it takes I guess.

Earl grey has black tea in it, and green tea is tea too, just processed/harvested differently.