Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[featherhead007]

Hello. So glad to see you checking in. Glad things are going well even without chickens.

How can anything go well without chickens? (Just saying)

 

[featherhead007]

Butters has passed. She was still breathing when I checked her on camera at 5:40 this morning. Her body is stiff but still warm. No big spasm, her head and feet look like she was sleeping though she had moved forward from before. Rest In Peace dear Butters

It is a mystery what ailed her, her molt had been progressing with the tube feeding and then her own eating, but seemed to slow, and on Monday her weight was down again.

Oh, poor Butters. At least she’s no longer suffering from her illness anymore. I’m sad for you now that she’s gone. She was a great hen.

 

[featherhead007]

I’m flying back home this morning. I’m expecting to see feathers everywhere in my yard. Several of the chooks have been molting, including Jaffar.

 

[rural mouse]

I’m flying back home this morning. I’m expecting to see feathers everywhere in my yard. Several of the chooks have been molting, including Jaffar.

How is Hannah doing?

 

[featherhead007]

How is Hannah doing?

Sometimes people just fall down, and need a helping hand, getting back on their feet. She’s safely back home now and she has a counselor who will be there for her. I have got to get home (I need my chicken fix ASAP!) thanks RM for asking.

 

[Ponypoor]

Butters has passed. She was still breathing when I checked her on camera at 5:40 this morning. Her body is stiff but still warm. No big spasm, her head and feet look like she was sleeping though she had moved forward from before. Rest In Peace dear Butters

It is a mystery what ailed her, her molt had been progressing with the tube feeding and then her own eating, but seemed to slow, and on Monday her weight was down again.

Very sorry to hear this, sounds like it was a peaceful passing.

Butters is now with all our other fur and feathered friends

 

[Ponypoor]

You can't get it shipped from TSC?

Peavey Mart bought out TSC a few years ago here; up until then we could get some of the US merch brought up here from the suppliers. Somethings though we just couldn't get, I like the Sloggers garden shoes for mucking out, but TSC up here wouldn't carry them or get them in for me. It wasn't an issue when Mum and Dad wintered in AZ all the time. Now though I will need to either get them off Amazon, or try to get them if I make a trip cross the border some time.

When Peavey Mart bought them out they kept many of their suppliers - surprisingly enough Hoover Hatchery for chicks, but alas not animal feeds. Peavey Mart has their own brand 'Rolling Acres', and they carry Hi-Pro which surprising is US brand. Not sure why they don't get in Nutrena brands. I may make a suggestion to see if they can see about getting it, but it's all about the exchange rate with things these days, and if there isn't a mill here permitted to make the feed, then bringing it across the border is extremely expensive. All about the bottom line. Hi-Pro was already here in Alberta and BC, so it was easy to get it in Ontario.

Everything is about money - money money money..... The bottom line rules.

Meanwhile I am going to try the Hi-Pro 21% Chick Starter and see how that goes, I am sure they will love it as it seems that anything 'chick starter' is like potato chips to chickens hahahahaha!

 

[Ponypoor]

Invasion update (not sure if the lighting or the phone camera settings made for the over exposure, but it is what it is)

Taken during breakfast, so all very active.

Faces are starting to pink.

View attachment 3651650Chia and Havoc. Chia looks to be the first one going to lay as she has the largest comb/wattle growth. With her neat rose comb, I now suspect Cheetah is her papa, with maybe Jessica as her mama. If Cuckoo is a barred x penciled, then the lacing x penciled could explain her markings on a gold rather than silver background.

View attachment 3651651Enigma, now looking like a lighter version of Maizie, minus the beard. Going to be a bit yet with her.

View attachment 3651652Havoc with Chia behind. I suspect she won't be far behind Chia on the eggs. And that they'll start laying within the next 4 weeks (likely sooner).

View attachment 3651653Tuff, with Mera in front and Havoc and Enigma in the backgroutdoor.

View attachment 3651654Another look at Enigma, note the light Colombian markings around her neck. Those and the black in her tail are the ONLY not gold on her anywhere. Her genetics are still a mystery.

View attachment 3651655Managed to catch a movement pic with good focus for once. Havoc is quite the darling.

View attachment 3651656And Shan posed! She definitely looks like she will be the last of the 4 to lay. And looks like classic dark Brahma with a gold wash.

Zulu...every pic was blurred. He's mostly in constant motion. He looks like a slightly smaller version of Cheetah, with blue duckwing. Everything else on him is black or gold. And I finally confirmed yesterday morning that he IS the one responsible for the junior crow. (Still a bit furry sounding, but gaining clarity).

Oh wow they sure have grown into lovely chooks - so pretty, and Shan - she is gorgeous. How old are they now? Because I have to say I am not seeing any eggs from Tippy or the School Chicks. They are well over 20 weeks, I am here in the barn and I have been very careful with checking to see who is laying what eggs. The brown one I thought was Tippy is an guessing turned out to be Sophia (her egg mum).

Your pullets look as mature as mine but gosh I don't see any action with mine other than a couple of the School Chicks have squatted this past week....

 

[Ponypoor]

Just wanted to share this drawing I did of My roosterView attachment 3651717

That's beautiful! Good job, well done

 

[Lexicon]

Meanwhile I am going to try the Hi-Pro 21% Chick Starter and see how that goes, I am sure they will love it as it seems that anything 'chick starter' is like potato chips to chickens hahahahaha!

I feed the flock a fermented mix that I make up myself plus sprouted wheat, but I also have the Hi-Pro grower feed available as well. Everyone likes it and I don't find it to be particularly dusty. I hope it works for you.