Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RoyalChick]

Lots of open mouths in those pictures.

For different reasons. Tassels has a good set of lungs in her!

 

[bgmathteach]

I would want them to range because I have lots of areas that need tick clearance. So I was thinking a place for them to roost - maybe inside the barn - and then let them do their thing. I provide feed and water and try not to get attached to any individual!

Okay @RoyalChick , what dream island are you living on at the moment? You give them food and water, and lock them up each night, l;et them loose each day. And, you are an animal lover at heart and hate to seee anyone/thing suffer. Nope, your not going to get attached AT ALL!

 

[RoyalChick]

Ticks are bad this year, too, ALREADY! I suspect it was because we, overall, had a mild winter. That said, I'm surprised the week of the deep chill, especially with no snow cover, didn't kill more off.

You can try Guinea fowl, but I suspect they won't last too long due to predation. You might want to try getting some pheasants, grouse, or quail - all raised specifically to be released, so they have a chance. All of them are good at eating ticks (quail are supposedly really good at this) and I think have a better chance of survival and reproduction success in this area. I think you can get quail that are native to the region. Bobwhite quail are, and I think there is another species that is, also. Just a thought!

Another TWO ticks just dropped on me.
Geez. I need to research this. Native tick eaters bred to be released would be ideal.

 

[GregnLety]

Ticks are bad this year, too, ALREADY! I suspect it was because we, overall, had a mild winter. That said, I'm surprised the week of the deep chill, especially with no snow cover, didn't kill more off.

You can try Guinea fowl, but I suspect they won't last too long due to predation. You might want to try getting some pheasants, grouse, or quail - all raised specifically to be released, so they have a chance. All of them are good at eating ticks (quail are supposedly really good at this) and I think have a better chance of survival and reproduction success in this area. I think you can get quail that are native to the region. Bobwhite quail are, and I think there is another species that is, also. Just a thought!

Quail are highly vulnerable to predation. One reason is the covey together on the ground to sleep. You would also need long flight pens so they would have a chance to strengthen their wings before setting them free. My dad and I raised and released hundreds of Bobwhite quail in Pike and Floyd counties of Eastern KY. We got them from the DNR at 1 or 2 days old. They were difficult to raise and we would lose almost half before they were grown. Never tried to raise Grouse but in the wild Grouse are more resilient and less vulnerable to predation. This is just my experience. Courtnix quail are easier to raise and will survive in the wild if properly flight conditioned before being released.

 

[RoyalChick]

Okay @RoyalChick , what dream island are you living on at the moment? You give them food and water, and lock them up each night, l;et them loose each day. And, you are an animal lover at heart and hate to seee anyone/thing suffer. Nope, your not going to get attached AT ALL!

Well I was wondering if there is a model where I don’t lock them up.
I feed them like people feed wild birds.
I provide structures suitable for roosting - like I provide nest boxes for the Eastern Bluebirds.
And then I just hope for the best.

 

[GregnLety]

Well I was wondering if there is a model where I don’t lock them up.
I feed them like people feed wild birds.
I provide structures suitable for roosting - like I provide nest boxes for the Eastern Bluebirds.
And then I just hope for the best.

Guineas will roost in trees. If you have trees near your house or barn.

 

[Ponypoor]

Some do a spring 'soft molt' (partial molt)

Good to know - I don't think they did this last Spring.

I figure, anything goes! as long as they are eating and pooping I don't look for trouble!

 

[Ponypoor]

This is my kind of police emergency.


https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-find-upset-goat-responding-person-crying/story?id=99247611

Too funny!

I would want them to range because I have lots of areas that need tick clearance. So I was thinking a place for them to roost - maybe inside the barn - and then let them do their thing. I provide feed and water and try not to get attached to any individual!

They would need a place in the winter - don't you get snowy winters? And very cold? They would need a home during the evil white stuff season.

 

[Ponypoor]

But it may have been the changes in tribe pecking order that was going on. Lots of stress, imho, when those changes are occurring. Remember Hattie had to stand up for Betty? I felt like everyone seemed 'on guard' when this was all going down. Even Aurora was on high alert watching the shenanigans. At least that is what I 'read' into the videos and @BY Bob subtext. This would be stressful for all! And, Glynda was taking a huge risk - though she won, I can't imagine it not being stressful, for her, too. I could very well be wrong, but it did seem to change a lot of the flock dynamics. Maybe Bob can comment on his thoughts about this?

Hmmm - interesting - and insightful.

 

[Ponypoor]

These girls loves courgettes but Tina always wants princesses

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Is that cucumber or zucchini? I must try these guys with that.