Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

The offending egg has been laid and it was normal size and shape. It really should not have caused her any problems. She is back with her sisters digging away in the manure pile like nothing happened this morning.
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That is nuts. Just crazy. Sometimes and egg can press on a nerve that controls use of their legs causing temporary paralysis and occasionally long term paralysis. I am assuming that is what happened in this case. I'm really glad it was only partial and temporary and not complete as well. Pretty wild.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes, they are in the coop with Branch, Chiquita and Corona. Branch and Chiquita manage to get themselves up onto the highest roost by themselves. I've tried blocking off their corners with the roost, they go to another corner or just the middle of the coop and pile on top of each other. I'm hoping one night it clicks, but they were almost 2 when I got them and I'm afraid this is just ingrained now in their behavior.

Very sad but they will be ok.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

The offending egg has been laid and it was normal size and shape. It really should not have caused her any problems. She is back with her sisters digging away in the manure pile like nothing happened this morning.
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Maybe it was the position of the egg in the “birth canal”. Just like with us humans when the baby tries to present itself sideways or backwards.

 

[BY Bob]

Meat Industry Ranting Tax:View attachment 3010018
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And for good measure, some meat birds, and my mutant Snow… I have no idea where this hens size came from! She’s about the same size as my full grown Meat Hybrids, but not from any meat line I’ve put into my flock! Also BTW Butchers, and most people working in the Meat and Processing industry are animal lovers and some of the most compassionate animal welfare advocates out there… it was a butcher that ratted out some chefs watching “cultural chicken sport” videos in the lunchroom at WFM. View attachment 3010026

That first boy is a real looker.

 

[BY Bob]

I cleaned out all the waterers the other day so…

Finally! Some flavored water around this joint!

 

[BY Bob]

How is Lilly doing?

She just had a perfectly normal free range scratch away good time for a couple of hours. She seems like Lilly with a poopy butt.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

A Behavioral Experiment

I just did a behavioral experiment with Hattie. I have posted before about how when I spread snacks on the deck Hattie does not participate. Instead she moves to the end of the deck extension and stands sentinel. Like in this photo.

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She did the same thing today when I spread some meal worms around for everyone. I was sitting in my chair feeling sorry for her being all serious about protecting everyone else when I got an idea.

I stood up and walked over to her.

I looked down and said to her, "It is OK Hattie. I got this."

The end result was this.

Spoiler: Safety

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@Ribh @MaryJanet @LozzyR @Aussie-Chookmum @Marie2020 @Shadrach @micstrachan @ChicoryBlue

Great idea, Bob.

 

[BY Bob]

We are thinking about adding the rooster after sunset to avoid drama.

I add at night a lot. Are you going to quarantine?

 

[BY Bob]

Good move Bob.

What a moment of trust and solidarity.

Hattie is going to need my help in getting over the hawk incidents. I don't mind helping of course. It warms my heart to help her.

 

[BY Bob]

Maybe it was the position of the egg in the “birth canal”. Just like with us humans when the baby tries to present itself sideways or backwards.

The pointy end of a sideways egg could have been what she felt for sure.