Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RebeccaBoyd]

It is stories like this that would make me consider having a rooster.

I am not sure I am allowed to have one here - but in general my town only cares about construction, coverage and lot lines.
I remember when I first called to enquire about chickens the guy was ‘sure why not?’. I didn’t know enough then to ask about roosters.

Oh, see I thought you were in a rural area where roosters were for sure allowed.

 

[RoyalChick]

I bet the girls are loving their treat. This summer you need to stop by a bait shop and get some smaller minnows for your girls. The chase that will probably ensue will not be pretty but it is a healthy tasty snack for the little raptors. Spring is here in my area as the fish are back in the creek and crawdads are coming out of hiding. Fishing chickens has once again resumed.

Yes. I like this idea. I need to find a bait store. I bought them dried minnows but they aren’t that keen.
You mean live ones - right?
I have some big black rubber feed bowls I could fill with water and tip some minnows into.
The booze fueled lunch was up by a lake so I bet they have bait shops near there.

 

[Ponypoor]

Apologies, I didn't want to be too long. She was wounded by Gaston's mating. I have begun filing his nails but I'm afraid it's more an issue of weight difference.

@RoyalChick mentioned this before. We have bees so we have honey. But, I was wondering if it wouldn't be too sticky / gooey in the feathers ? As of yesterday I'm applying gel betadine (iodine povidone) 4 times as day which was the clinic's advice, and it's already quite sticky. I could switch the last application and put honey on the wound for the night, what do you think ?

Thinking of this song

Continue with the betadine, it will be just as good. Yes it will be sticky, by once she is healed you can help her clean her feathers.

Also I was sorry to hear about poor kitty having pets can be such trials at times. But they have their rewards also

 

[Ponypoor]

Ohhhh... You are in FRANCE! I just noticed that now!
So that's why all of your chickens' names sound French, like Gaston and Piou-Piou. OHHH
sorry

Yes and you can see that in the background the gorgeous mountains!

Caturday Tax

Missy looking outside- but it’s too cold to go outside!

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh, see I thought you were in a rural area where roosters were for sure allowed.

I am. I just never really asked. It is an odd area - there are sheep and cows. And a few people with chickens but not many.
But there are also work from home finance types who go into NYC from time to time. We aren’t on a main train line so it isn’t really commuter-land even though it is not far from Manhattan.
And then there is a huge area of nature reserve - some of which is designated wilderness so that means no machines.
So it is a really mixed bag.
Oh I know - I should ask the lady with the egg stand. She surely has roosters though I have never heard them.
I should also talk to the guy that runs the local farm cooperative - basically small farms in the area can sell meat and cheese etc through this guy who delivers to the door.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Yes. I like this idea. I need to find a bait store. I bought them dried minnows but they aren’t that keen.
You mean live ones - right?
I have some big black rubber feed bowls I could fill with water and tip some minnows into.
The booze fueled lunch was up by a lake so I bet they have bait shops near there.

Yup live ones. I would start out the first time with maybe 6, and get the smallest ones they have available. Until they realize that live bait is tasty the bigger ones might frighten them. That first time you may also have to toss one on the ground in front of them to trigger them to eat it. All it will take is just 1 to learn that live bait is tasty. The rest will follow. After a time or two then you could get a larger one for them. Be prepared though, if my girls catch a larger minnow it is not pretty. Think of the torture they do when they catch a mouse. Lost of chasing and tug of wars follow. Same if they catch a larger crawdad, poor thing ends up being torn into several pieces but several of the girls get a bite. My whole flock fishes to a varying degree. It started with Momma Hen finding stranded fish when we had a dry spell and the creek dried up. She and at the time 4 month old Henrietta had a feast with countless dead and dying minnows. Then they learned to catch them once the dry spell was over. In turn every flock member has learned to fish from the creeks. Right now the Marshmallows have yet to fish, but, it is only a matter of time and they too will join in the fun.

 

[featherhead007]

Beautiful boys, I hope their brains return soon. They are very close in age to Twig. He celebrates his first birthday May 25th. I'm so thankful Twig has not done something so stupid I have threatened to wring his neck over. My biggest issue with him has been being afraid of Branch and Bubba and not standing up for himself. He is starting to overcome that and staying where he is supposed to now. He did get a little rough with the girls when he first started trying to breed them. This led to beatings from the hens and from the boys so he is trying to be gentler. Thankfully he is a fast learner, he does not seem to make the same mistakes more then 2 or 3 times. With more practice and willing hens he is also learning to be gentle with them, for the most part. Sadly first thing in the mornings and before bed if Twig looses is mind over a hen, it is then. Thanks to my constantly broody girls, and staged hatchings Twigs has been around broodies and their chicks his whole life so far. Neither he nor Bubba actually are allowed the privilege's of being around and close to the chicks the first 2 weeks like Branch is. The hens and Branch will not allow it. I've saw some interest in the younger chicks, but, never felt it was in a malicious way. When they are allowed to mingle, he will let them steal food, but not call them to him to feed them. He also very very quickly learned that a broody hen was off limits breeding wise in all stages of the process. Thank you Momma Hen for that one, she delivered a smack down when she came off the eggs in December and he tried to breed her. He ended up limping for a day or two after but got the message crystal clear. Twig is a pro on escort duties and nest building. He actually chose the spot Gryffyn is brooding in and made the initial nest.

Yay Twiggy!

 

[featherhead007]

I am. I just never really asked. It is an odd area - there are sheep and cows. And a few people with chickens but not many.
But there are also work from home finance types who go into NYC from time to time. We aren’t on a main train line so it isn’t really commuter-land even though it is not far from Manhattan.
And then there is a huge area of nature reserve - some of which is designated wilderness so that means no machines.
So it is a really mixed bag.
Oh I know - I should ask the lady with the egg stand. She surely has roosters though I have never heard them.
I should also talk to the guy that runs the local farm cooperative - basically small farms in the area can sell meat and cheese etc through this guy who delivers to the door.

Yah, do that!

 

[RoyalChick]

Babs has a bald patch on her head.
I don’t see blood. I will try to get a better picture but she doesn’t stand still.
Could this be due to Bernadette’s activities?
Who needs a roo when you have Bernadette?

 

[featherhead007]

Babs has a bald patch on her head.
I don’t see blood. I will try to get a better picture but she doesn’t stand still.
Could this be due to Bernadette’s activities?
Who needs a roo when you have Bernadette?

View attachment 3460248

Receding hairline? Premature baldness? Male pattern baldness (in a hen)?
Looks like Bernadette’s work!