Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Sunday Visit

Went up to my sister’s place and checked out my niece’s chickies and ducks. We let them roam outside for a while.

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That's a lot of green!

 

[BY Bob]

Okay, I have a very serious question about my chickens health. I don't free range my chickens. They have a decent sized run. It could probably fit 8 chickens, if not more. I only have 4 chickens, but I have had 6 chickens in there. Three roos, three hens. I gave two of the roos away, they were just too aggressive towards me. Pastel is fine though. Should I start letting them out? They are all over a year old, and I am just terrified that something will happen to them. We are working on my coop, and we will have a large area to let them out during the day. They seem happy, but I live on 14 cleared acres, and I own 50 acres total. 50 - 14 = How much non-cleared land I own. I have had to chase my guineas all around in the woods to try and save their life. I love my guineas, but they are no chickens. I would die if anything were to happen to my chicks. What do you guys suggest to do? Wait until they can be let out into a big coop and stretch their legs and wings that way? Or just let them out with my guineas and hope that everyone survives? They are not trained to go back into the coop, but they could learn. I just would hate myself if a predator came and got one.
Another thing... is BBQ a RIR or a Brown Leghorn? She lays pinkish-tan eggs. Could she be a mix of both? Her comb makes me think a Leghorn, but her color makes me think RIR
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You have to be prepared to suffer loss of you free range. There are any number of creatures that love to eat chicken. I would suggest you wait for the bigger coop to give them more room.

 

[BY Bob]

Thank you! I was thinking that I should keep them in. They have enough room and they get treats all the time to keep them busy. I put food on the ground so that they can scratch. I just feel like it is unfair to them because my guineas get to free range during the day.

Fair is where you win a blue ribbon. Sadly most of life is not fair. You have chosen an animal at the bottom of the food chain for a pet. It would not be fair to risk their life because of a misguided sense of fairness.

It takes quite a while and quite a few losses for the tribe to learn the group knowledge of everything that will kill them. Even then they will fail and a predator will succeed.

I have been free ranging for years now and there is a hawk that hunts mine. The chickens are pretty aware but I almost lost Sydney this summer despite that.

Keep them safe if you can and you can avoid the sadness and tragedy.

 

[RoyalChick]

I'm so sorry I've been inactive on here for a while! I've been busy with the holidays, and helping my boyfriend with herding his sheep. I have nothing to do right now, so I'm gonna catch up on recent posts. I'm so excited!! My brother and his wife came down to my home today to give me some great New Years news, I'm gonna be an aunt! My chickens are doing well! I can't wait to catch up on these posts!

That is exciting news indeed!

 

[BY Bob]

Update on my Colorado trip: I have been quite busy with my friend and his horse ranch in Loveland. And I met a nice lady (I think I was set up, but so what!) seems I have a lot of BYC catching up to do. It’s crazy how the weather here is actually not so bad. I will be heading home tomorrow.

I'm so glad you are having a good time. Thanks for checking in

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Ugh, it is the first time since I cannot remember when that everyone is in bed at a decent hour. This includes grandma. I should be sleeping. Instead I am wide awake. I just broke over and made half a pot of coffee.

 

[GregnLety]

@featherhead007 be glad I am not the pilot on the flight to San Francisco

 

[BY Bob]

Looks similar to my Maggie (RIP) who was a RIR. But a word to the wise - never ever take my view of chicken breeds seriously. I am hopeless.

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I thought you had a guide book now?

 

[GregnLety]

I thought you had a guide book now?

We love em all. Variety is a good thing.

Many tax pics to come Bob. I know I am overdue.

4 feet of snow hid the chicken here but I'll be home Monday night m

 

[BY Bob]

I think RIRs have some black feathers in their tail - I can't see her tail in this picture.

Maggie's black tail feathers to show you what I mean. And thank you for the excuse to post pictures of my beloved Maggie who I miss terribly.

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She was gorgeous.