Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RoyalChick]

@Ponypoor, I thought you might be interested in this picture. It is a bit hard to see because the feeder is in the way - but there are at least two chicks who are sleeping like Mr.P with their heads hanging down.
I think it may be time to turn off their heat plate. According to commonly shared guidance they need 85 degrees and at night it is only 50, but this is the second night they have slept mainly outside the heat cave.

 

[featherhead007]

Sadly no thirsty pictures today but I do have a chick pic View attachment 3501945

Chick’s just hanging out too!

 

[rural mouse]

@Ponypoor, I thought you might be interested in this picture. It is a bit hard to see because the feeder is in the way - but there are at least two chicks who are sleeping like Mr.P with their heads hanging down.
I think it may be time to turn off their heat plate. According to commonly shared guidance they need 85 degrees and at night it is only 50, but this is the second night they have slept mainly outside the heat cave.

View attachment 3502012

I'd leave it on for now. They're still snuggling up to it even if on top rather than under it. Dunno what kind to temp gage it has. You could lower the temp on it, and likely mostly off during the day (unless chilly/windy)

 

[knoturavggrl]

I got my neck ablation, I did not like it and am starting to hurt. no heat for 4 weeks. No baths or showers for 3 days. They did 4 punctures to numb me up then burned the nerve for a minute. I know Im not gonna feel well for a couple of days so I fed and watered all the chooks before I left. The silky roo was in there screaming for 5 minutes lol until I turned off the light. He is so cute with that squeaky crow.

I am sorry the procedure was a tough one, I do hope it helps in the long run.

 

[knoturavggrl]

Chick’s just hanging out too!

That wee one is staying put so mom doesn’t put her to work searching food. I am beginning to wonder if she is being a good mom per say or if it more her training future minions to dig for worms for her?

 

[knoturavggrl]

@Ponypoor, I thought you might be interested in this picture. It is a bit hard to see because the feeder is in the way - but there are at least two chicks who are sleeping like Mr.P with their heads hanging down.
I think it may be time to turn off their heat plate. According to commonly shared guidance they need 85 degrees and at night it is only 50, but this is the second night they have slept mainly outside the heat cave.

View attachment 3502012

My vote is to leave it till they are fully feathered. If they were to get damp or chilled by a gusty day they may need it, you never know.
I left mine in till the 6th week. They rarely used it but every now and again someone ran under to get warmed up for a brief while.
* Side note my chicks hatched on the 5th which makes then a whole 6 days old they are out in the garage and during the day they rarely spend much time under Brownie anymore. They already just dart under for a minute then back out. Its topping out temp wise here at 80 ish at the warmest part of the day but they seem unfazed and certainly not chilled.

 

[knoturavggrl]

Our pond is almost full again! After being over 7 feet low last November this is a miracle View attachment 3501811
Bonus side effect is this cuts down on my weedeating.

That looks so idyllic and peaceful Reminds me I need to climb up the hill to check our pond out. With all the rain we have had I bet is full to brim as well!

 

[bgmathteach]

All you experts on broody hens - this is typical right?

Also, just now Eli really chased poor little Babs away even though they were nowhere near Eli’s precious eggs (golf ball).
Is she just weirdly hormonal?

Tomorrow I need to try to get video or a picture of how I take Eli off her nest. She perches on my closed fist gripping tight on my thumb. In my other hand I hold a bowl of food which she attacks with vigor.
Right now she is loving Rice Krispies. I understand that isn’t a complete feed for her but I am happy when she eats anything - and they are packed with vitamin B!

Here is my sweet girl after I transferred her from my fist to the day perch.

View attachment 3501773

So, someone else has probably responded already, but YES, YES, YES that is the broody tuk-tuk-tuk. And it is not uncommon, if they move, it is quick. Gotta eat, gotta poop, maybe gotta dust bathe...quick, quick, quick. Then gotta get back to my eggs! And, yes, they become very protective of their nest space.

 

[notabitail]

This is Gaby. Why does she barely have any feathers under her?

 

[Ponypoor]

Sadly no thirsty pictures today but I do have a chick pic View attachment 3501945

That’s so cute. Did you post on the broody and chick contest?