Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

Yep. Some good personalities leave the club, and then you’re stuck with me!

That's ok it wouldn't be the same without you

My gals bedtime drama - and it's likely all Henny Pennys doing, how can one little bantam be so bossy!! She has the whole roost to herself! (@BY Bob how do u like my fancy curtains ?)

 

[Ponypoor]

You are made of sterner stuff than me. After one winter of lugging warm water out every few hours I realized I needed a heated waterer.
I built electric into the Chicken Palace because of wanting to be able to brood babies out in the coop. But turn out that heat for water is as important!
I am stressed about Dotty tonight.
My plan was to keep her out in the Chicken Palace with the oil-filled heater on and her roosted next to Minnie. This evening - right up to 10 minutes before sunset - she was just sitting on the ground not moving. She honestly looked unbelievably miserable like she didn't have the energy to even lift her head.
I imagined her just freezing on the spot. So I thought maybe I would put her in a nest box opposite Maggie (yes Maggie is back in a nest box but as it is so cold I am turning a blind eye) which would be close to the heater.
Then the more I watched her on camera the more convinced I became she was about to die so I decided to bring her in to the garage after all. I prepared her cozy cave (which needed some adjustment as I also had to fit the car in the garage) and went to get all geared up with boots and head lamp etc. only to find that she had got up and flown across the Palace to roost next to Minnie.
I wish she were the other side of Minnie as that is a bit closer to the heat, but it is what I had planned for so I have decided to leave her.
But I am stressed about it.
I can always check on the camera in the middle of the night and get up and bring her in.
Oh these ladies really do create worries!
I hope she is OK.

How did u make out with Dotty? Did she do ok?

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

You would think by now I would have learned to write stuff down. Curiosity got the better of me again tonight and once again I candled the eggs. Maybe a slight change, but when I put the lid back on the incubator and looked to check the humidity I saw the countdown for the days. 18 days left...yes that is right I got my dates messed up when I candled the other night and no wonder I was iffy on them. Seeing the countdown I remembered I set them on Thursday night. More importantly, it dawned on me that even though the eggs were stored at room temperature, my kitchen is between 60 to 65 degrees. That is not bad at all but will put them at around a roughly 12 hour delay for them to come up to temperature once in the incubator. I have now NOT given up hope on the eggs. I've also written down proper dates and notes on the big white board. I swear it is so much easier with a broody hen. Set her, make sure she comes off every 2 days at most to eat and forget about her until you hear cheeping.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

I have been vandalized! Last night someone or several, got into my yard and punctured my tires on the bird mobile (Lexus) why would anyone chance breaking into my yard? It’s gonna be costly to replace two tires. A sheriff report is filed, and I will talk to the insurance agent on Monday. Breakins and vandalism is increasing in this area. (The deputy warned me) I even padlocked the coop last night.

That's awful Alex.
You might have to get some outside cameras like MJ did when that lurker was around.
I'm glad you and the chooks are OK.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

OM

I have been vandalized! Last night someone or several, got into my yard and punctured my tires on the bird mobile (Lexus) why would anyone chance breaking into my yard? It’s gonna be costly to replace two tires. A sheriff report is filed, and I will talk to the insurance agent on Monday. Breakins and vandalism is increasing in this area. (The deputy warned me) I even padlocked the coop last night.

OMG! SO glad you and the birds are safe! **HUGE hugs**

 

[MaryJanet]

New girls!!!

Please welcome our newest family members; three Frizzle bantams (feather-dusters!)

Penguin - a one year-old Pekin/Australorp X hen who needs to regrow her back feathers due to an over-attentive rooster.

Charlotte (Lottie) - a three month-old Australorp X pullet.

Snowflake (Snowy) - a three month-old Sussex X pullet.

More photos to follow once we’re out of the car.

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OMG!!!! They're gorgeous!!!

 

[Marie2020]

Good morning

I haven't time to catch up yet.
My Tina us on the third day with a bad foot. It's really cold here this us so worrying because soaking her foot then putting her back in the cold is just cruel

 

[MaryJanet]

In their new home chowing down on the food and grass.

Question; should I be giving them some pullet food as well?

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Crikey!

Look at her poor back :-( Does that mean her eggs are fertile at present?

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Something I Never Thought I would See!

Betty flew into the coop door today at roosting time. I have video from both inside and outside the coop. You need to watch closely because it happens very fast. Here is where to watch for the impact with each video.

From in the coop
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From outside the coop

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Quite possibly the craziest chicken related thing I have ever seen.

She looks like she wants to roost on that cross brace across the window. You can see her measuring the distance in the outside video.

"Measure the distance, Measure the distance, Measure the distance.
Right! Jump!
*THUMP*
Well, that was surprising ! What happened there? I don't understand.
Oh well, I'll just use the door as usual..."

 

[MaryJanet]

Poor Penguin. That rooster really did a number on her back. Just as well it's summer here.

I imagine something fairly high in protein would be good for the younger girls if they are still growing and haven't started laying yet. Penguin could probably do with some extra protein as she starts to regrow those feathers. Maybe sardines as treats every now and then?

A bit of extra biotin might not go astray.