Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

I'm not so sure I want to know that answer....

(Federal commission on rodent poop probably)

 

[featherhead007]

Soggy day = soggy chicken
View attachment 3539325

In love with one’s self
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And a bucket of chicken
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Mr. P . He all wet behind the ear!

 

[Ponypoor]

Mr P looks miserable

But he spent the whole day outside in the rain, with Buttercup, Misty, and Whiskers. Henny also spent time out there in the rain, and Rose and Dorothy somewhat.

The silkies spent most of the day inside. With the chicks and me

 

[Ponypoor]

Now if that isn't self-centered!

He really like sitting in front of that mirror, he knows it’s a mirror as he will look up at me in the mirror, and when he sees I am looking, he will turn around and look at me

Smart bird!

 

[LhickenChicken]

He really like sitting in front of that mirror, he knows it’s a mirror as he will look up at me in the mirror, and when he sees I am looking, he will turn around and look at me

Smart bird!

Chitta the cat like looking himself in the mirror, then batting at me and getting hypnotized by the mirror

 

[RoyalChick]

I have a very sad update on Eli.
As I expected, Eli died overnight. Actually very early this morning.
I have a preliminary necropsy report that her cause of death was a very large intestinal tumor that more or less completely blocked her intestines.
The chap said it was an unusually large tumor and that while it could possibly be Marek's, it was unusually large for a Marek's disease tumor.
Of course there is nothing 'usual' about such a young chicken - still technically a pullet - to have a big tumor regardless of the cause, so I agreed to have tissue sent to a university lab for testing. I will know more in a few weeks.

Eli and I spent a truly remarkable day together yesterday. I will post more about it when I stop sobbing.
I am sure when I post it will be very emotional and you will all accuse me of both anthropomorphizing and sentimentality.
She was a special little chicken and I miss her already.

 

[Ponypoor]

I seem to be in the mood for educating myself today, I just read this article on sexing eggs - I have known about this technology, but it was great to see it in use.

https://layinghens.hendrix-genetics.com/en/news/vepymo-opts-for-in-ovos-ella-egg-sexing-technology/

 

[Sally PB]

The front chick, Robin, is one of the redder ones, and the other two, Pip and Squeak, are the more grey/dun color. This picture shows the difference a bit better.

Robin is the precocious featherer. She got red epaulettes first, red feathers on her breast first, and has more feathers on her head than any of the other girls.

Pip is physically the smallest of the four Bielefelders. Squeak seems to be the most shy.

 

[Ponypoor]

I have a very sad update on Eli.
As I expected, Eli died overnight. Actually very early this morning.
I have a preliminary necropsy report that her cause of death was a very large intestinal tumor that more or less completely blocked her intestines.
The chap said it was an unusually large tumor and that while it could possibly be Marek's, it was unusually large for a Marek's disease tumor.
Of course there is nothing 'usual' about such a young chicken - still technically a pullet - to have a big tumor regardless of the cause, so I agreed to have tissue sent to a university lab for testing. I will know more in a few weeks.

Eli and I spent a truly remarkable day together yesterday. I will post more about it when I stop sobbing.
I am sure when I post it will be very emotional and you will all accuse me of both anthropomorphizing and sentimentality.
She was a special little chicken and I miss her already.

Oh no
I was afraid of this, and I never would accuse of anthropomorphism or sentimentality, I know that all animals are capable of emotions, and attachments.

We humans are not the only ones to form attachments, I know for a fact your chooks look to you for companionship and safety.

Poor Eli, I am glad she got to experience being an Auntie to her wee charges

 

[Sally PB]

@RoyalChick, I am so sorry. No words, just hugs.

Fly high and free, lovely Eli!