Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

An update on Eli
I know some of you are aware already from PM conversations but I just want to update everyone on Eli's situation.
Last you all heard I was mad as all hell with UPS for losing her blood sample, trying to deliver it at a weird time etc.
Well, I got on the phone with UPS and gave them a piece of my mind (while opening a FedEx account). I have no idea if it had any impact or if it is just coincidence, but they delivered within the hour.
In fact I was on the phone to the lab explaining the situation when the UPS guy arrived and handed in the package so the lab guys were able to test it within (just) the timeframe it would last.

The results however are a bit puzzling:
- Eli herself tested negative for both Marek's and Avian Leukosis virus
- A swab of the coop however tested positive for Marek's
I have asked about false positives and negatives and as far as I can tell I really do have infections Marek's virus in the environment, and Eli really doesn't have it. Of course both Eli and Babs could get it at any time as they live in the environment.

@BY Bob helpfully reminded me that Marek's is not always fatal so maybe everyone will live a long and happy life even though Marek's is around and about.
That still leaves me with medical mystery Eli.
Her balance seems to be improving (or she is learning to cope with it) but she is down in the dumps and not eating much. That is a general symptom that doesn't really help narrow it down.
I am consulting the vet on whether we should try anything else and meanwhile I am trying to tempt little Eli with all sorts of yummy snacks to get her to eat.
That is why I was so delighted she came out onto the lawn and nibbled at some leaves.
So, I think we take one day at a time and hope my girl picks up on her own.
She definitely enjoyed her time out with her buddies, but now she has retreated again to her nest box. Somehow she has appropriated both the ceramic eggs.

View attachment 3493136

Maybe some live bugs might encourage her to eat more?

 

[featherhead007]

“Daddy I heard you were looking for me. I was across the yard. (I needed some alone time) that’s all!”

 

[featherhead007]

These fake Rocks lay REAL eggs!

 

[bgmathteach]

It doesn’t matter anyways, I can only understand true barred rock. Not my fake ones!

You better study more, then. Since you have dialect 'fake barred rock' in your neighborhood.

 

[featherhead007]

 

[RoyalChick]

I don’t know what this plant is (need to look it up) but Babs loves it. She sits on the doorstep tearing great chunks of it off to munch on.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Um, all beaks 'have a point'

That said, it is one of the more common ways for them to get you attention an communicate...so, maybe if you paid attention to their communication more...it would be just vocal...no pecking involved. Sounds like you are as bad as @RebeccaBoyd

Listen, I could brave the bat and find out for sure, or torture myself for a few weeks. What I should have done was be patient. Putting everyone up for the night she was already in her crate with them. All I had to do was close the door. She is sitting halfway in it with all 4 lined up in front of her. Like a gluten for punishment I could not help myself. I crouched down and held out my hand in front of them. They each took turns hopping in it and all Momma did was growl. She has never let me attempt that before with chicks this young so I did not expect it. I honestly think she was smugly looking at me satisfied she had drew blood once. Doing it a 2nd time in one day would just be plain mean. I keep telling myself one day I am going to win this hen over completely. She is around 9 years old now at least. In a way I do not want to, at her age if she out of the blue liked me I would think she was sick and ready to die.

 

[featherhead007]

Preening party
(Blocking me from entering my house)

 

[rural mouse]

“Daddy I heard you were looking for me. I was across the yard. (I needed some alone time) that’s all!”
View attachment 3493153

Did she hide an egg over there?

 

[rural mouse]

I don’t know what this plant is (need to look it up) but Babs loves it. She sits on the doorstep tearing great chunks of it off to munch on.

View attachment 3493179

Leaf shape makes me wonder if it's related to parsley or cilantro. No idea if it is, but possible place to start.