Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

Could you pay someone to do that work cheaper than the EZ coop? You're only 7 minutes from your new place.

Possibly. When it was just a redwood playhouse, we paid someone to move it. But now the bottom is lined with plywood, the top has wooden siding, and it has a real roof. And I’m not sure if the new landlord would go for the monstrosity that it is.

 

[micstrachan]

A Polish Present!

One of the Polish laid an egg today! They gathered all of the eggs together into one nest. Check it out!

View attachment 2985875


I took this just in case it is Betty's first egg here!

View attachment 2985876

Awwww!!!!!

 

[micstrachan]

My gang fits into my 4x10 hen house but yes it's only for sleeping at night, and laying eggs in nest boxes. I have 14, they have lots of roosting spots. But seem to want to cluster together...

Yeah, since we have mild weather here, it would probably do. But I think prefer the wooden shed idea. But that’s more work for DH. I’m processing out loud here, and wavering, but thinking about the OverEZ for now and if it’s too tight, add a shed coop later. I need to make up my mind.

 

[micstrachan]

For sleeping in would keep 10 in a coop that size but not for living. That's why I'm asking the run question.

They would definitely have a run, but tend to hide out in the coop if we have a storm. I could make sure the run is more weather proof than the one they currently have.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yeah, since we have mild weather here, it would probably do. But I think prefer the wooden shed idea. But that’s more work for DH. I’m processing out loud here, and wavering, but thinking about the OverEZ for now and if it’s too tight, add a shed coop later. I need to make up my mind.

I am liking this idea.
It may be worth spending the money for the sake of having a solid solution fast. You will have a lot to do handling the move and probably don't need either the stress of the 'to do list' of a build during that.
So, maybe the choice is really between paying someone to build/convert for you, or getting this coop and then over time maybe expand.
Just thinking out loud!

 

[BY Bob]

I could see the wound from inside her beak, and it was bleeding both into her mouth/beak AND outside through her muff. It is at the very back of her mouth, so the exterior part of the wound is through her muff, though hard to see the outside damage in person, it was clear it was a through & through since it was bleeding from both sides. With careful parting, I could see the exterior wound, but she was not at all cooperative. (interior wound site was obvious when I could get her to open the beak and hold still for a second!)

Yes, I think she will be fine as long as there is no infection.

This is for everyone who does not have access to a good chicken vet. In my opinion there are 2 antibiotics which you need to keep on hand in case of a trauma or outbreak of illness, Baytril and Amoxy-Tyl. Between the two they cover nearly all bacteria that could cause infections including mycoplasma and anaerobic infections.

You can get both at All Bird Products. Links to both are below.

The issue is always when you don't have them and need them. It takes time to get them. That time lost waiting can be a big problem.

These are what I keep on hand.

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/copy-of-doxy-tyl-powder-generic

 

[micstrachan]

I am liking this idea.
It may be worth spending the money for the sake of having a solid solution fast. You will have a lot to do handling the move and probably don't need either the stress of the 'to do list' of a build during that.
So, maybe the choice is really between paying someone to build/convert for you, or getting this coop and then over time maybe expand.
Just thinking out loud!

Yes. That’s kind of where I am. Wooden sheds are expensive, too. So that option combined with paying someone for conversion might cost more. I’ll keep searching the shed idea. Just in case.

 

[BY Bob]

Thanks for the tag Bob

I'm trying to remember. I'm glad it worked. Did I tag you to the free range videos?

 

[BY Bob]

So about my too many cockerels here are the main culprits, they were all supposed to be named “Sausage” when I took them in from a friend who though they had hatched 8 “hens” so there were originally 7, but one was getting picked on quite heavily right from the get go, and I separated him for three days then moved him into my main flockView attachment 2985892
He turned out pretty decently and has integrated very wellView attachment 2985895
He was even a good guy and sheltered many of the newly weaned chicks when mama turned her back on them he would let them snuggle under his wings at night… he’s a keeper, but I haven’t found the right name for him. The other six are awaiting their previous owner to pick one (when the roads are ok for him to get here) as he also lost most of his flock including his two roosters, these guys’ dad to mink attacks. Plural. He didn’t listen to my suggestion of consolidating flocks and securing one coop fully… and has trapped 8 mink so far this year… 8!

8 mink! That's crazy! And a nice stole!

He surely is a handsome fellow and does seem like a real keeper.

 

[BY Bob]

Congrats! Betty??? Are you sure that fluff all is a chicken Bob? Lol she is beautiful… and I see you also have a blue layer now?

If only I had a blue layer! I do have a blue ceramic egg though.

Yes there is a chicken in there somewhere but it is hard to find her.