Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

Yes! Actually that is exactly what I had in mind. But I would worry about it being tied around her neck in case she did some kamikaze maneuver. It would need a quick release mechanism.

Much like a cats collar.

 

[BY Bob]

So my options are a bonnet, a roo, or 4 more hens?

As I see it.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

So my options are a bonnet, a roo, or 4 more hens?

You need to contact your local egg dealer and find out if Roo's are permitted. If so, Roo and 3 or 4 more hens. If not, boo on your city council and 4 more hens.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Bob mentioning Lady Featherington pulling feathers out of poor Betty reminded me to post this picture of Babs that I took yesterday.
The bald patch that Bernie has created is now much, much bigger. I don’t think the skin is broken but will look again the next time I can get up.
In my fever-fueled dreams I keep thinking I should fashion a bonnet for Babs to cover the back of her head. I can’t quite figure how to keep it on her without a risk of strangling her!
My observation of behavior is that it is not an aggressive attack, but much more like a rooster mounting a favorite hen.
Has anyone else seen this between hens? Bernie does not do it to Eli.

View attachment 3478129

I feel for poor Babs. I do not think Bernie is doing this maliciously. She is put in a tough situation playing 2 roles. Not only is she your alpha hen, she is taking on additional roles that a rooster would. Eli sounds most likely her 2nd in command so that is why being only 3 Babs is getting the brunt of the attention. Both to dominate her and the breeding type behavior. Bernie probably also mounts Eli, just not as frequently and you are just not catching it.

 

[BY Bob]

I feel for poor Babs. I do not think Bernie is doing this maliciously. She is put in a tough situation playing 2 roles. Not only is she your alpha hen, she is taking on additional roles that a rooster would. Eli sounds most likely her 2nd in command so that is why being only 3 Babs is getting the brunt of the attention. Both to dominate her and the breeding type behavior. Bernie probably also mounts Eli, just not as frequently and you are just not catching it.

The best solution is really more chickens. That way Bernie can share the love and not wear out one lady. Just like a rooster would. 4 more hens would be just right.

 

[rural mouse]

Yesterday morning

Sandhills out and calling again

Breakfasting birds...who inhaled and ran back inside.

Blanche, demonstrating her camouflage...

And heading to stage a raid on Castor's dish.

Foiled, girl, it's inside.

Castor, you can come back in when 1, you've done your business and 2, someone's home to let you back out for the next one.

Too pretty not to catch the pic

Today:
Have buds starting

The currant/gooseberry next to the coop is sprouting leaves (never had berries on it)

The aspens have catkins coming

The flowering bush at the bottom of the big steps up to the deck is budding too

The pea tree branches have turned green and buds are swelling.

Bath time at the end of the hedge

The curious "what are you doing?"

The snoozing

Brought Thing out to the garden where I'd been working on digging it out so I can refill with the coop muck out. She went through the fence...twice. 3rd time I brought her out, I also brought some scratch. She needs to do some digging to file down her nails. Company joined me and her.

Hector spent the most time in here of the roos.

Silver, Pear, and Jessica spent the most time in here. Silver even found a couple of worms. I left the gate open for them.

There was also a spot of excitement.

Whiskey and Kren got into it...

And the divide and conquer happened with Horus teaming up with Kren. Whiskey retreated to rejoin Cheetah and ladies. No one was hurt.

 

[featherhead007]

So my options are a bonnet, a roo, or 4 more hens?

All of the above!

 

[notabitail]

Yesterday morning
View attachment 3478605
Sandhills out and calling again


View attachment 3478607Breakfasting birds...who inhaled and ran back inside.

View attachment 3478606Blanche, demonstrating her camouflage...
View attachment 3478608And heading to stage a raid on Castor's dish.

Foiled, girl, it's inside.

Castor, you can come back in when 1, you've done your business and 2, someone's home to let you back out for the next one.


View attachment 3478609Too pretty not to catch the pic

Today:
Have buds starting
View attachment 3478808The currant/gooseberry next to the coop is sprouting leaves (never had berries on it)
View attachment 3478809The aspens have catkins coming

View attachment 3478811The flowering bush at the bottom of the big steps up to the deck is budding too

View attachment 3478816The pea tree branches have turned green and buds are swelling.

View attachment 3478814Bath time at the end of the hedge
View attachment 3478815The curious "what are you doing?"

View attachment 3478812The snoozing

View attachment 3478805Brought Thing out to the garden where I'd been working on digging it out so I can refill with the coop muck out. She went through the fence...twice. 3rd time I brought her out, I also brought some scratch. She needs to do some digging to file down her nails. Company joined me and her.View attachment 3478803View attachment 3478804View attachment 3478802View attachment 3478800Hector spent the most time in here of the roos.

View attachment 3478820Silver, Pear, and Jessica spent the most time in here. Silver even found a couple of worms. I left the gate open for them.

There was also a spot of excitement. View attachment 3478806Whiskey and Kren got into it...


View attachment 3478807And the divide and conquer happened with Horus teaming up with Kren. Whiskey retreated to rejoin Cheetah and ladies. No one was hurt.

Is that a UFO by that mountain?
Do you have a Speckled Sussex?

 

[rural mouse]

So my options are a bonnet, a roo, or 4 more hens?

You already nixed the bonnet unless you can figure out a quick release. You need a roo AND 4 more hens.

 

[rural mouse]

Is that a UFO by that mountain?
Do you have a Speckled Sussex?

No UFO. All clouds. I have 2 speckled sussex. Nox and Mera.