Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Yes, Crested Cream Legbar - and so is her sister Minnie whose grey spangled chest you can see off to the side on the first photo. They are supposed to be fully red-breasted apparently, but I really love Minnie's new look!

She and Dotty are Crested Cream Legbars.

Seems you're answering that question quite frequently lately RC. I wonder if you've thought about describing them in your signature? Then people who need to know will see it right there.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

I have officially lost my mind (feel free to keep your opinion on that to yourself!).
I put Dotty back in the Chicken Palace. I inspected around her vent for nasties and apart from being skin and bones I didn't see any creepy crawlies. I only saw a few pin feathers which is a tad worrying.
But then, when I went in with her, Maggie rushed the door again and stood on the sheet ice in the driveway pecking at snow and ice chips. Their waterer did not freeze so I think it is just she likes eating ice chips.
So, what did I do? Crazy chicken lady that I am? I got the snow shovel and delivered a shovel full of snow and ice into the Chicken Palace.
And yes, Maggie is feasting on it!

View attachment 2974127

Well I'm with you, I just did that with a mitten-full of ice and soft snow today, as I had to go back in the house and couldn't leave them out!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Everyone preening away Tina is picking her own feathers out. She hasn't laid and egg for days I hope she's okay

Flexi seems too have really taken to Agatha and Tina the three were all snuggling in together last night
View attachment 2974155

Finally the sun is shining after freezing cold nights and grey days

View attachment 2974154

Well I'm ages behind, but have you ruled out molting, which is a normal thing? They stop laying then, devoting the energy to growing new feathers. You write "picking her own feathers out." She isn't yanking on her feathers hard, is she? Just lifting them out? They are already loose?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Shenandoah is acting weird today. She’s picking up leaves and sticks, trying to throw them on her back?

That's nesting/laying behaviour, isn't it?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

That is what I have thought for a few weeks - but she spent ages today preening with Diana on the main roost. Then they had a bit of a nap up there. So she really does seem comfortable there.
Then I thought it was cold. Shad had suggested maybe the enclosed space of the nest box is warmer and it probably is. It is much less cold tonight - though still well below freezing. Maybe I should let her stay in nest boxes until it warms up above freezing. The only issue with the 'too cold' theory is that she is gloriously fully feathered and she is first outside on the coldest of mornings and she puffs herself up the size of a beach ball.
It is all a mystery - but of course I feel bad that I forced her into the 'second best' nest box for tonight.

All other things ruled out, then she just prefers the enclosed space, tighter quarters?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Okay View attachment 2975037

That's kind of a scary picture, what's behind the chickens. Are you setting a trap to kill something?

 

[RoyalChick]

Seems you're answering that question quite frequently lately RC. I wonder if you've thought about describing them in your signature? Then people who need to know will see it right there.

Oh good idea - I was also going to do a coop article. So much to do!

 

[RoyalChick]

All other things ruled out, then she just prefers the enclosed space, tighter quarters?

Maybe. Tonight she has gone to the main roost which is great because it is so frozen I can't clean out her nest box very easily as it is one solid block of yuk.

 

[featherhead007]

That's kind of a scary picture, what's behind the chickens. Are you setting a trap to kill something?

Have no fear, I just prop the wood up so the birds can scratch the bugs underneath.

 

[Ponypoor]

I did, I’m back. I’m disappointed. Had a pulmonary test done and the doctor said that I need more time to recover before she releases me to be able to fly again. I understand her cautious attitude, but I’m still disappointed with myself. Anyways, the chooks are now out in the yard and Jaffar isn’t angry with me.

Are you doing your deep breathing exercises? And brisk walking, also did you know singing can help with lung function

I expect to see some singing videos, singing to your flock