Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Everyone still goes after the Roadrunners and it is more than a year. Sorry. But it isn't too brutal. Well not usually.

It happens every day here. Aurora gave Sydney a real surprise today. Just because.

 

[BY Bob]

I've posted a picture of the coop and run before but here it is again just to put what comes next into perspective. The coop itself is roughly 3ft x 5ft, say 15 square feet.
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This is what the inside of the coop looks like after being cleaned out and then used for one night.
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This is what it looks like cleaned out and using straw I bought rather than the shredded paper I've been supplied with for bedding.
An idio t designed the coop. I wont go into all the problems with the design; some should be apparent.
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There are 22 chickens that sleep in there. This is what that looks like. They have been living like this for over two years. The most recent additions the spring just gone increased the population from about 18 I believe.
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In case the person who asked me why I bothered trying to take care of someone elses chickens reads this, the answer should be obvious to anyone with even the slightest trace of compassion.

My gosh. Poor babies.

 

[featherhead007]

I tried all afternoon, but couldn’t catch Rocks-Anne to administer first aid. I will wait until they all go inside the coop, then I will get Jaffar’s , and her legs at the same time. (I still don’t know how she injured her leg

 

[bgmathteach]

Thank you. I am a bit stalled in my recovery unfortunately.
I got an issue in my inner ear which causes quite alarming vertigo.
I am learning what movements trigger it and trying to avoid them, but it is quite limiting and scary.
Sorry if that is TMI.
On the bright side it gave me the perfect excuse just to sit in the yard with the Princesses. Can’t get dizzy if I don’t move! It was a lovely sunny day for it.
Tax
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Ohh, yes, vertigo is scary! Hope your inner ear thing resolves soon.

In the meantime, feel free to send more chicken tax, lol. She is lovely- what a great picture!

 

[bgmathteach]

I am trying to take care (mainly by holding on to walls and door frames!).
It is a recognized issue called B.P.P.V. Not uncommon as it turns out. Small crystals in the labyrinth of the inner ear break off and free float triggering the sense that you are moving when you aren't. So your feet tell you one thing and your ears another and as a result, your brain gets all messed up.
Sometimes it resolves on its own because the crystals basically dissolve and there is a series of movements you can try (or your doctor can do to you) that attempts to shift the little b***ers to some other place where they do less harm. It is extremely unpleasant to do because it triggers the vertigo in the worst possible way.
I have done it once and it was pretty effective - meaning I can now get in and out of bed more-or-less OK, and as long as I move slowly I can walk around normally and yesterday I was able to bend down to the right to pick up a chicken. Don't ask me to put a sock on my left foot or lace up a left boot however!
The maneuver leaves me exhausted and unsteady so I am waiting a day or so before trying again.
Sorry for definitely TMI on my decrepitude, so here is chicken tax of my three older ladies engaged in some serious chicken business. Rest In Peace Elizabeth.View attachment 2891670

 

[bgmathteach]

Chicken tax
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Lovely photo


Hmmm...looks like she was perusing a mail order catalog. ?New nest box decorations? Bedroom decor? Corn scented candles, maybe?

And speaking of a heated roost.....If I remember correctly, you have mentioned multiple times how smart those leghorns are...

 

[featherhead007]

Success! Jaffar’s legs are lubricated, Rocks-Anne’s leg is cleaned up and medication is applied! She had no trouble getting up on her perch, eight feet up. Pretty sure that they will be okay.

 

[bgmathteach]

Monday Mugs

They have a really different relationship than my other hens. It is almost like Legertha is the older sister. Here is Legertha looking out at the world while Sylvie rests as they were out free ranging.. She almost looks fierce while looking out from their safe space.

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Legertha is the sentinal of the two!

 

[bgmathteach]

That was not The Greatest Hen Ever on Mrs BY Bob's leg. Any of you who have read the entire thread wish to guess which hen that is?

Elphie. Her comb wasn't quite as big/floppy as Daisy's, if I recall correctly. I assume that was a young Daisy in the background?

 

[bgmathteach]