Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Nope, I wouldn’t call it “fun” either. However, I have seen birds perk up pretty quickly after I have tubed them. In fact, today I tubed Lucky twice with fluid to help her better tolerate me tapping 60cc of fluid from her coelom. It’s not for everyone, but it has helped a few of my birds get through a rough patch until their appetite returned and they would eat and drink enough on their own. For me personally, I’ll do whatever I can to help my chickens through a health crisis until I think it’s terminal (or I’m prolonging suffering) and then I need to let them go.

This is a good philosophy to manage your tribes by and what I strive to do.

 

[BY Bob]

Love this idea. And remember you can slip a low watt pet warmer right under her where she is on the roost. I did this and ran it off a battery inverter. I attached it with bungees and covered it with one of those thick dish drying pads.

That's very clever.

 

[featherhead007]

I have noticed that “The way of the Chicken” seems to be evolving, every time it is mentioned. And new aspects are added as well.

 

[micstrachan]

I have noticed that “The way of the Chicken” seems to be evolving, every time it is mentioned. And new aspects are added as well.

I love that!

 

[featherhead007]

I love that!

Just an observation.

 

[micstrachan]

Ask Aurora
Today's question comes from someone who calls themselves, Mr Perfect Balanced.

View attachment 3379318

He writes.......

Dear Aurora;

As a Macho Macho Man, it has come to my attention that there seem to be Enablers out there trying to entice my harem into sneaking off somewhere and magically reappearing with a line of (what I am sure will be adorable) offspring.

What Macho Macho Man wouldn't want to flex his wings and crow about his offspring! After all I am a well balanced individual…

Now while I would enjoy being a father, these thing do need planning and preparation. What are your thoughts on this?

Affectionately yours,

Mr Perfect Balanced

Dear Mr. Perfect Balanced (somehow, I don’t think that is really your name),

It has taken me a while to get to your letter because there were others with more pressing needs but now as the days start to get longer I feel the time is right to provide a response to your conundrum. First it is time for me to remind you of The Way of the Chicken as it seems you have lost your “Way”.

This leads me to wonder. Are you certain that you actually are a chicken? You bear a striking resemblance to that nutty lady in my tribe Phyllis. I’m pretty sure that chickens don’t really look like you all do.

However, that is besides the point as it does not help you with your question. It seems that you have ladies whom you protect and wait on hand and foot like a proper rooster should. Further, it appears that these ladies appreciate your efforts enough to permit you liaisons. So for the sake of this letter, and this letter only, we will assume you are a chicken.

It is The Way of the Chicken to reproduce regardless of the wishes of our human servants. Many times that requires feats of extraordinary engineering or agility. I saw that Momma Hen responded to you. She is possibly the greatest momma of all time. She just hatched chicks on the side of a ravine above a creek in winter!


Who does that?


A CHICKEN that’s who.


It is The Way of the Chicken and it is time you and your group stepped up and started acting like the clever chickens you are. You know why Momma Hen hatched chicks at the craziest time of the year in such a perilous location? Because she had to do so to elude her human servant. Whatever it takes.

If your ladies are not already talking with Momma Hen you better get busy setting it up. It is important that they learn from the master. This year should be the year for your tribe to double in size with broodies hidden everywhere. Couldn’t you use some sons to help take care of everyone?

You are right in one thing; it takes planning. You best get started soon so you can execute before your human servant returns. Your chances of success are much higher when she is not there.

Remember, it is your duty as a chicken to frustrate you human servant whenever possible. There is nothing like a surprise momma hen with chicks in tow to frustrate them. You have the perfect opportunity to do so. I expect to hear that you have taken advantage of it.

Or else, maybe I’m right and you are not really a chicken after all…..

View attachment 3379319

Bob, I just LOVE these Ask Aurora posts! I find myself with a goofy grin smeared across my face every time I read them. Maybe someday you should compile them into a book?

 

[micstrachan]

Oh goodness. I didn’t realize you thought she might not make it through the night. I have had more than one go weak during molt. g

@RoyalChick

I’m sorry… this was supposed to have a after it. But you know me and my thumbs and all my typos.

How are you holding up?

 

[BY Bob]

I have noticed that “The way of the Chicken” seems to be evolving, every time it is mentioned. And new aspects are added as well.

There is a whole chicken code that will be revealed as more and more letters are answered.

 

[featherhead007]

There is a whole chicken code that will be revealed as more and more letters are answered.

I’m taking notes, trust me!

 

[micstrachan]

@micstrachan
We've raised two batches of chicks under the Brinsea Ecoglow heat plate. No problem. No burn. Chicks rather enjoyed it. It does feel hot to the touch though.

Sorry, I missed this tag. Thank you for the review!