Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Do you think, now, that had everyone died it you would have been done permanently?

I was of a mind set that I was done

Or taken a break of some time?

You never know but if I had lost them all I certainly would have been done for quite a while. Especially like that.

It would have been an awful loss, but does that undo, or negate all the other more pleasant times and emotions chicken-keeping brings?

It seems I have gone through loss after loss over these last few years. Yes there are good feelings but just think about it. In the years you have been on the thread, How many chickens have I lost?

Is it too exhausting, these swings from joy and fun to tragedy and heartbreak? It is all a microcosm of life. But maybe too compressed in time for our human nature to bear?

For me it's just been too much in sequence in a compact period of time. Imagine me losing them all not 6 months past Gucci's passing. Why would I try again? I'm impressed by @RoyalChick continuing on after what happened to hers. Still having 2 left would help. If I even had 1 I would feel obligated to carry on as I would owe it to that hen. But if they were all gone, I could not see myself staring over.

I'm not really certain I would recommend that someone do this to have pets. While I think they are wonderful, fascinating animals, it is a hard path to walk with potential tragedy lurking around every turn.

Cats are much easier.

 

[notabitail]

Yup maybe where you are - it's just crazy weather here...

Yesterday it was 27C (80F)

Today it's 6C (43F)

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My chickens are just so whiney today with the bad weather - grumpy grumpy grumpy!

It's hot here. I must be a more cold hardy breed. Heat does not sit well with me.rain would be appreciated.

 

[Ponypoor]

You should get Starlink or a new phone. Oh wait, wait times.
Abigail was glaring at me right now. She is in the little coop, and I am in the window of the big coop.

Invite her in!

Starlink will need to wait at bit anyways, I have some more pressing matters that need to be taken care of before I can spend money. Mama needs to finish the Rooster Run!

 

[notabitail]

Invite her in!

Starlink will need to wait at bit anyways, I have some more pressing matters that need to be taken care of before I can spend money. Mama needs to finish the Rooster Run!

I probably should. She demands worms and piano, or else she'll poop.
I like that name. "Rooster Run".

 

[Ponypoor]

I was of a mind set that I was done

You never know but if I had lost them all I certainly would have been done for quite a while. Especially like that.

It seems I have gone through loss after loss over these last few years. Yes there are good feelings but just think about it. In the years you have been on the thread, How many chickens have I lost?

For me it's just been too much in sequence in a compact period of time. Imagine me losing them all not 6 months past Gucci's passing. Why would I try again? I'm impressed by @RoyalChick continuing on after what happened to hers. Still having 2 left would help. If I even had 1 I would feel obligated to carry on as I would owe it to that hen. But if they were all gone, I could not see myself staring over.

I'm not really certain I would recommend that someone do this to have pets. While I think they are wonderful, fascinating animals, it is a hard path to walk with potential tragedy lurking around every turn.

Cats are much easier.

All pets are hard, cats, dogs, horses, chickens. There is always that lingering thought of tragedy, if you really want stress you need to have horses - a more stupid creature there never was - they don't even have to try to kill themselves! My one mare broke free, was running tripped on the lead rope and broke her neck - gone in less than a second (still makes me bawl every time I think of it - yep crying here).

But I know where you are coming from. If all my horses died I would not get any more.

And you know I said that about my cats, but guess what? I ended up with Missy

Things have a way of going in ways we don't expect. Look at me! Last I knew I was working in IT, now I work in the oil and gas industry - how the heck did that happen?!

Life that's how - always making twists and turns.

You know what - I am glad you still have chickens - we are not done with you yet Mr Bob as friend and mentor.

 

[BY Bob]

Butters today. She's really multicolored.
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Gorgeous birds. Such deep rich colors. I just love them.

 

[BY Bob]

Chick update

I was astonished to see the three new chicks and to compare them to my first chicks, they appeared similar in size and the new ones jus seemed very more filled out and energetic.

I have been suspicious that they were not eating enough, it didn’t seem that they were very interested in the feed I bought and I thought it was because of the size of the crumble, so I tried breaking it up smaller, they seemed a bit more interested but not enough for my liking.

I had some chick starter from about a yr ago so I checked it, seemed ok threw some into the crate and they went mad for it! So I threw more in…..

What a game changer, everyone seems more energetic and eating more, I also cranked the heat in the feed room.

I put the three new chicks in with the others, but tomorrow may I split them up, that silkie X is just too tiny. I will see how she is getting on with the other hooligans.

Oh and I think she is a Phyllis wanna-be I think she will have a white crown

Wonderful. More chick feed seems to be in order. Give them what they want.

 

[BY Bob]

Ha! I moved closer to the router hahahahaha

Marty baby
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@RebeccaBoyd I think she will have a white crown

So adorable!

 

[ValarieF]

If all my chickens dies I would get more. I would save and raise as many as I can knowing I would give them a good home that they deserve. That goes for my dogs cats etc.....Yes its hard losing them but at least they had a good life.

 

[BY Bob]

I feel so pleased. After 2 years and ten months, Bistro has decided that I can be trusted.

She has always been the most "alert" of the hens and let me know in no uncertain terms that she was not to be touched. I have mostly respected her wishes except for the occasional health and wellness check off the roost at night, although I mostly try to spend lots of time with the hens and observe them to evaluate their well-being.

This weekend, she suddenly started bravely hopping on my lap for a chat and visit. I feel so honoured.

Bistro from last summer. That area is currently still covered in snow.
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That is just wonderful. It is amazing to earn their trust in this way. Congratulations! Well done!