Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

They don't spend that much time at the feeders. They probably eat less than my other bigger chickens which is logical since they are not laying.

When they are out and about, they are good foragers. But, they seem to spend a lot of time just doing nothing - babbling softly to one another or looking at the scenery.

I'm not sure, it would depend how much harco and how much Marans they have. They don't seem to be early layers as most production breeds are.

That is a plus then for the Noirans; my biggest worry are those high production breeds. Not sure on the Azures, they say they lay 200+ eggs a year.

 

[Ponypoor]

I think the mini Mohawk makes her look more fierce. I love them.

Yes it sure does

 

[Ponypoor]

That's Cuckoo. She's a barred rock with wonky marks, so I suspect she's actually a barred x silver penciled cross, but not 100% sure. She goes Nuts for bananasView attachment 3541418

I love her colouring - it's really wild looking - like a leopard!

 

[Ponypoor]

I think I might be able to let Willow hatch out some chicks
I was talking about it to my dad nonstop to try and convince him.
"The post office lady 'C' wants some roosters because her roo is getting old. She has tons of chickens. What's another (no idea how many)? I'm sure she or 'T' will take them if they hatch!"
"Call. If she can, then the bird can hatch them."
"DON'T CALL MY ANGEL "BIRD!" SHE HAS A NAME"

He likely doesn't know her name

So might have some chicks then - that's good news!

 

[notabitail]

But I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that there are different types of Guineas. I thought that this was the only type: the California native Guinea Pig.View attachment 3541391

It's missing the expensive iPhone.

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

I think the mini Mohawk makes her look more fierce. I love them.

I know Little Owly is gold based. I really cannot wait to see what she will look like as a adult. Is she going to be a creamy pale gold, or is she going to be a vibrant gold and brown adult. Then again, if she pulls many more stunts like she did last night I may never know. I am using the old Rural King chick box to transport the chicks to and from the coop to the porch at night. Get them all on the porch and put them in the tote with Raven. Owly was the last one in the box and she tried to fly out of it. She ended up getting her neck caught and almost hung herself. Owly please, let's not be like Branch as a chick and try to commit suicide. All I need her to do now is try to drown herself like Branch. These chickens are going to cause grey hairs.

 

[GregnLety]

@Ponypoor Lety was happy with the new situation. She just had to see it for herself, lol.

 

[GregnLety]

Jeff and I began replacing the walkway on our dock. It was (is) more work than we anticipated especially given that the heat was brutal the past weekend. I truly felt my age though when it came time to replace the planks. The new section looks good and is very sturdy but it wasn't the 2 day job I planned for.

 

[BY Bob]

Ask Aurora
Today's question comes from @RoyalChick Bernadette.

And she asks.....

Dear Aurora,
I am a huge fan and have followed all the advice you have given me before. I also study all your writings and responses to others so I can continue to learn from you.

This has all been a great help to me and I have risen to become the undisputed leader of my small tribe.
I remember your teachings about bringing new chicks into the group and so I was excited when my servant deposited 5 small fluff balls into the Chicken Palace. Oh boy do they make a lot of noise going peep-peep-peep all the time! And I have to watch my step as I could very easily squash one - I will admit I have outsized feet - but they are also ridiculously small. So in practical terms it is all a bit trying.

But I am OK with all that because, as you have taught me, they will increase the number of chickens I will get to boss around and that makes me happy.

However, here is my issue, and I feel more than a bit foolish admitting this, but I am a bit nervous around them.

There are so many of them, and they are so fast! Only this morning all five of them (did I mention there are FIVE?!) flew from the roost right at my head. I confess that I ducked and moved to one side rather than be hit five times (FIVE times!). And then when I went to teach them some respect they all took off in different directions so I didn't land a hit on any of them.

Fortunately I don't think either Eli or Babs saw this humiliating event, and my servant is of course completely loyal, so word will not spread. But still, I need to figure how to stop this nonsense ever happening again.

Any suggestions would be most welcome. I am including a picture of them, and yes, I know they look very cute and all that, but when they all fly at your head it is quite scary!

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Respectfully yours,
Bernadette

Dear Bernadette,
I am pleased that you were able to follow my suggestions and achieve the lofty status which you so richly deserve. Welcome to the ranks of leaders. Always remember though, as William Shakespeare said, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”. Of course, crowns are physically heavy but that is not what olde Billy was referring to. In this case, it is a mighty responsibility which you have accepted. Of course, no one else is capable of doing it correctly, so good for you. You have stepped up and are ready to utilize your superior intellect and wisdom to guide your tribe. It is for their own good that you have assumed this mantle. Be certain to avail yourself of all the benefits to which you are entitled.

I mention this because during the hectic day of telling everyone where to go, when to preen, when and where to dust bathe, etc., it is easy to forget of the benefits to which we are due. Things like:

1. The best roosting spot
2. The best dust hole
3. The choicest bits of food
4. The pleasure of smacking Phyllis around (that is just for me but you should try to find your own Phyllis. It is truly enjoyable to have your own “pecking bag".)
5. Having someone inform your human servant so you get the treats to which you are due
6. Having a minion laying your egg for you. (This of course is not true but it would be a real life changer if it were possible)
7. Having someone else stand sentinel
8. Perching on the human’s chair and surveying your kingdom

You will note that 5, 6, & 7 are all things that your minions perform at your direction. You are right to point out in your letter that more chickens = more minions to do your bidding and serve you and the rest of the tribe.

Something to remember that can be forgotten, the primary purpose of minions is to work at your direction for the betterment of the tribe. Some Queens have forgotten this and have their minions so busy taking care of them personally that the tribe suffers. This is dangerous and can foment revolution. For an idea of how that can turn out, check up on what happened to Czar Nicholas II of Russia and his family. Not great. Whatever you do, do not have your techie hen google it for you. That could be bad.

More Minions = More Good

Some of my Minions

You have the Minion concept down. What you are running into now is the conundrum that comes with pullets. They are adorable, cute, and the future of your society. However, they are still silly pullets. Most of them think they are real birds and will fly all over the place. Now flying at your head is clearly unacceptable. You have made it known that it is unacceptable by chasing them. You do not have to connect to discipline. Your anger alone is enough for them to get the point. In fact, it can be dangerous to connect in rage. While for example I can go all out and smack Phyllis around in ager without really worrying about hurting her severely, if you lose your temper and impact too hard you could actually hurt pullets pretty badly. So, chase and peck at them but don’t worry if they get away.

There is one thing you do need to remember.

Patience is your friend.

Soon they will be larger and not able to fly nearly as well. Most if not all of them will likely be slower than you. You will be able to connect then when needed.

This is all part of “The Way of the Chicken”. The speed, agility, and flying ability of chicks and pullets is to help them avoid danger. Whether that danger is a peck done in anger which is too hard or a predator does not matter. Eventually they mature and join the ranks of your minions and will then be subject to your firm but needed discipline.

By the way, do not be embarrassed that you ducked when they came at your head. That is a natural chicken response to things coming at our heads. Normally those things are predators. It is essential that you have good instincts and continue to protect yourself. Just imagine the tragedy that would befall your tribe without you leading them. I know that it would be a complete catastrophe for mine. I imagine yours is the same.

One last thing while I am providing advice. You do need to start succession planning if you have not already done so. Someone else needs to have your wisdom. You need to identify someone who, with your guidance, will someday be capable of taking over should anything happen to you. The tribe must go on. This is “The Way of the Chicken”.

Yours,
Aurora

 

[BY Bob]

Sorry for getting back so late to you ! They are cross Marans and Harcos, so pretty similar to what a Noirans must be like.
Lily has feathered legs and Kara doesn't (she has just some tiny ones).


Temper wise they are completely different from all my other chickens. They are very calm, spend a lot of time cuddling and giggling together, and just...dreaming. They remind me of some 12 years old school girls I knew (not me ).
They are not laying yet and from their attitude I don't think they will be before quite some time.
They are big chickens. I think they will be bigger than my bigger ex-batts.
View attachment 3541380View attachment 3541381View attachment 3541382

They are gorgeous. They remind me very much of my Lilly.