Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

A hen might die trying to hatch. If she becomes hypothermic she won't move - that's the warmest spot nearby, then can't. I do hope she hatches safely and is no worse for the wear, but I am very worried for her with these temps!

Did you see my post about running low watt pet heating pads plugged into small, portable invertors run off rechargeable power tool batteries? Maybe you could rig up something similar near her?

 

[micstrachan]

So when my chicks were 4 weeks old I was very happy, thought that out of the 13 total chicks I only had 3 boys. Well, it is my flock and we all know my girls could never let me have a 50/50 ratio or one even better leaning towards girls. The chicks are older and I've been silently crying for about 2 weeks. Every single chimpmunk chick that seemed like a girl for so long, nope.....they are boys, all of them darn it. Final count, 5 girls and 8 boys. Still heavily screwed to the male average using new hens as well. I GIVE UP

Your odds have been crazy, Rebecca!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Getting the fire started before leaving for the in-laws so house isn't cold if temp plummets again. Looked out the door/window....
View attachment 3358634Pear has gone to stretch her legs. Then heard crowing near by.

View attachment 3358635Whiskey has gone with her.


View attachment 3358636He's finding her a nest site. I fully anticipate this one getting used at some point.View attachment 3358639He's just visible under the bottom of this. I, personally, think it's an EXCELLENT outside the coop nest: close enough to catch a ruckus if it happens, easy to provide food/water close by, VERY sheltered, and any eggs getting laid there will be a challenge to collect. She hasn't settled to lay an egg, but if he's suggested this one to her, he will to others also.

Now the question is: should I work on moving some of the river rock and add some straw to make it more inviting or will that discourage them from using this site?

My newbie thought is to leave the river rocks, and if you wanted to make it more “nest-able” to put more pine needles there, like they fell naturally. Getting them from the tree on the more exposed side or from somewhere else. Because pine needles won’t hold moisture like straw will.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Was a bitter sweet xmas. My father in law. My only dad was here and got me rooster and chicken poop chapstick. But we just found out he has non small cell lung cancer stage 4. Its in his lungs and throat and other places. I went through the same thing with my dad.

View attachment 3358674

meant for

 

[TX Chick Noob]

meant for

I really wish there was a hug reaction. I’m never sure what else to choose in its place.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

One extremely distracted and slow worker later, I present the gift to all of FBA:
View attachment 3358664

Thank you!

 

[featherhead007]

I really wish there was a hug reaction. I’m never sure what else to choose in its place.

Try ?

 

[rural mouse]

Oh they are lovely I would like to have turkeys - but guess I will have to just enjoy the wild ones here. Mum would have a fit if I got turkeys!

All 3 were incredibly sweet and gentle...

 

[featherhead007]

I am not in full form today. Only thing going right is the chooks.

 

[rural mouse]

My newbie thought is to leave the river rocks, and if you wanted to make it more “nest-able” to put more pine needles there, like they fell naturally. Getting them from the tree on the more exposed side or from somewhere else. Because pine needles won’t hold moisture like straw will.

I like! I also have one of my crock pot water sources on this side. The crock cracked but if I steal the crock from the one in the carport, the water will work well too.