Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

Jaffar might be blind in one eye.

What makes you think that?

 

[ChicoryBlue]

O

Yes I am serious. I absolutely need more chickens (or give up keeping chickens entirely) - I feel a flock of three just isn't stable or secure enough.

This has stuck in my mind. Now that my gang is three, with Butters a concern, I thought of it again and am thinking of moving up my plan to add to the group. I didn’t remember the word “secure” though and am not sure what you meant. Can you elaborate?

 

[Ponypoor]

Here’s some fluffy butts from over the fence: stealing the feed from my birds View attachment 3576902View attachment 3576903

How many pullet vs Roos?

 

[Ponypoor]

I'm so sorry! Sending you best wishes on the others.



I never even thought of them getting tangled! Only of them getting out. I have it where they are now too, but mom's keeping them close. View attachment 3576900

We're switching them to the larger area tomorrow, so I can still change up and put cardboard. I'll figure it out. Mom's liable to pitch quite the fit when we start handling them. There is a door in the fence so I can easily reach in for water and food. I'll give a thought to the box. Maybe cut some holes...Eenie is my most submissive hen and I'm quite worried about the other 3 being mean to her and her chicks, which is why I want them secure and with somewhere to run to.

Worse... for the first time ever, I saw what I'm pretty sure is a rat dropping. Not once have I seen a spot of anything larger than a mouse! We haven't even had a mouse in either trap for aweek! But of course, now I have babies to worry about...

Great photo! You should enter that in the broody mama contest

 

[Ponypoor]

But...on a bright note: BABIES!View attachment 3576904View attachment 3576905View attachment 3576906
I call this one, "We want mealworms too Mom!"View attachment 3576907

So adorable

Congratulations again

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

So you know what breeds they are?

I have 4 buff Orps and 4 cuckoo marans.

 

[Ponypoor]

No. There is no other place unless we bring the old coop over. Then they will be completely separate from the others.

I would see if you can let one of the quieter hens in the coop with them for a half hr or so in a few days to start getting everyone used to them and mama will get used to others being around her and the wee ones.

This is what I do, once everyone is calm after a few day swap out for the other hen and repeat.

The Roo is the only wildcard, not sure if he makes the moves on mama if it all goes to heck in a hand basket!

But I would get a lawn chair and sit and observe

 

[Lilion]

Great photo! You should enter that in the broody mama contest

It ended June 30.

 

[Lilion]

I would see if you can let one of the quieter hens in the coop with them for a half hr or so in a few days to start getting everyone used to them and mama will get used to others being around her and the wee ones.

This is what I do, once everyone is calm after a few day swap out for the other hen and repeat.

The Roo is the only wildcard, not sure if he makes the moves on mama if it all goes to heck in a hand basket!

But I would get a lawn chair and sit and observe.

I'll give that a try. But they have to go in the larger pen for at least a while. I can't keep them in that tiny space.

I guess I've completely misunderstood everything I've been told. I was asked if I could put them in a brooder run and in return I asked if something in the coop would do. I could have sworn that idea got a thumbs-up. I mean, I have to put them somewhere. I can't just toss them in the main coop and I can't isolate them away from the rest of the flock...so what is the alternative?

Between this and work, my brain hurts. I'll bbl.

 

[Ponypoor]

It's not like I can't open the pen door. I just want them to be able to escape. The other chickens have been so mean to Eenie while she was brooding...

Yes I know what you mean! Poor Sophia was pummelled by her sisters Penelope and Blanche when she was broody. And my poor silkie broodies were just clobbered by everyone.

Not sure what’s with poor broody hens and others beating on them

But Sophia is now back in with everyone and things have calmed down.