Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Shadrach]

I am largely in agreement with you. I think we are fortunate (not lucky as I think a lot has to do with our host) to have folk on this thread willing to both write and read.
I am a massive fan of @micstrachan's lovely videos which enable me to learn not only from what she knows but also expand the number of chickens I get to observe closely. I have learned a lot about body language from those for example. Several others here also post long but lovely and information rich posts. And then of course there is you, and Bob and several others who have real experience and are generous in sharing it with us.
All that said, I think there is plenty of room for some light hearted chit chat that tends to be shorter.
It is the same as conversation in real life - sometimes you chit chat, sometimes you joke around and sometimes (maybe too rarely) you have serious conversation.
And just like in real life I often feel hesitant to post a long post (she says halfway through writing something to rival War and Peace!), because I feel like maybe I am imposing on the reader's time.
What I think we may under-estimate is @BY Bob's role in all this. He is very much our host and sets a tone that is important. I therefore do think it is great that he responds to almost every post even if it is just short - just like acknowledging a house guest and making them feel welcome. He also encourages us to stay mainly on chickens (tax, FBF, MSM etc.) and pushes us to observe and be fact based.
All in all I think Bob has created something special here and I am incredibly grateful for everyone in this thread.
And now I owe some serious chicken tax but it is bucketing down outside so I will go to the archive.

Im sure what you wrote was interesting RC but my concentration lapsed after "I am largely in agreement with you."
Impose away RC. I'll read it.

 

[RoyalChick]

I think it may be time to stop adding the amphetamine to their feed Bob.

Bob taught me slo-mo on the camera. I thought maybe this was the opposite

 

[RoyalChick]

Im sure what you wrote was interesting RC but my concentration lapsed after "I am largely in agreement with you."
Impose away RC. I'll read it.

I get it now. In future I will start with what a load of crap I think you are talking and then go on to agree with you.

 

[RoyalChick]

FBF was a bit of a bust here at the Chicken Palace. Nobody was open to showing any fluff.
Diana had a try but she really doesn’t have fluff. Minnie shared a little in passing.

 

[MaryJanet]

Breakfast with the Phyllistines

Enjoy @MaryJanet

Thanks Bob!! They're so happy and content. And growing well. Can they still fit through opening to the nest box? It must be a squeeze.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Here’s a redheaded crescent twist, mmm good! :View attachment 2896595

What a very different picture. Truly a twist. Nice!

 

[Shadrach]

Here’s a redheaded crescent twist, mmm good! :View attachment 2896595

That is a great picture. Post it in Picture Of The Week. It's such an unusual shot.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Progress?

Phyllis and the Phyllistines were sited in the same vicinity today.

View attachment 2896276View attachment 2896277

Flockservation

Here is something which I think will play out in favor of them eventually hanging out together. Phyllis has always been more active than my other chickens. There are many times when the tribe is content to lay in the sun or sit around digesting when Phyllis is up and active alone. This was one of those moments today. Phyllis wandered off from the tribe alone and encountered the other chickens who were also out and about being active. Perhaps their activity level will be a better match than Phyllis has with the group right now.

I didn't know her activity level is basically higher than the others. I had assumed that being lowest she would be spending her time foraging and eating alone, not that she doesn't need as much rest. I hadn't put it together.

 

[RoyalChick]

Here’s a redheaded crescent twist, mmm good! :View attachment 2896595

That is a very intriguing picture. Worth a shot at POW.

 

[MaryJanet]

Thanks. How about the way they interact with different levels within the hierarchy? The part I find most interesting is that they are more tough on those directly benesth them than they are on those a few steps lower. Perhaps because those right under them could potentially dethrone them?

I haven't been chipping in to this chat because at my house there are three hens in an egalitarian pecking circle and Ivy who is pecked by all three.

However, after living with each other for two years now, pecking rights are rarely exercised. They get along with a lot of camaraderie and very little pecking.