Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

They are pretty young still, aren't they? I think they do everything on purpose for their own reasons we haven't a clue about. It's a battle of wills, and unless somebody's really getting hurt and you separate them from each other it's useless to try to persuade them to behave differently. What again is the order as you see it now?

I felt that Butters #3 and Hazel #2 battled all the time (to a certain degree) over their ranks, Hazel having to assert her authority. Though they got along well they periodically had a little match about something.

Butters got on great with #1 Peanut. And #4 Popcorn wasn't hard to keep down on the other end, but she met her match in Hazel, who I think has a fiery edge and willingness to peck hard that always beat out Butter's more gentle easygoing nature.

Can honestly say non of my flock go out of their way to be mean other than Sophia’s brats! But I think that’s a more youthful high-jinx than true badness.

I don’t really think chickens are being naughty just more of seeing what they can get away with.

 

[RoyalChick]

If you did the black-out work, does dusk still count as daylight? When it's cloudy the hens here go in to roost sooner than when it's clear. Their sense of daytime shortens. Maybe dawn feels later too, I'm not around when they wake up. But would that be enough reduction to slow her down? We are already approaching the shortest days. Babs is an Arctic Hen!
She is who she is; I'm sorry she's not taking a break. Do you think about going the medical route? I'm whacko again and can't think of the term right now...

Yes either progesterone oral contraceptives or the implant.
I hadn't thought about it for Babs but maybe I should.
I sort of hate to mess with her biology but it must put a terrible strain on her body.

I am not sure the blackout will make any difference - this is the lady who got off the high roost and marched over to lay an egg at 3am - and she routinely gets up in the dark to start her day. I guess I could give it a try - starting by blacking out the window right by her roost.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Here read this:

Post in thread 'Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock'
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-26218908

My first encounter with the little she-devil!

Wowee, and a really great story well told!

 

[RoyalChick]

They are pretty young still, aren't they? I think they do everything on purpose for their own reasons we haven't a clue about. It's a battle of wills, and unless somebody's really getting hurt and you separate them from each other it's useless to try to persuade them to behave differently. What again is the order as you see it now?

I felt that Butters #3 and Hazel #2 battled all the time (to a certain degree) over their ranks, Hazel having to assert her authority. Though they got along well they periodically had a little match about something.

Butters got on great with #1 Peanut. And #4 Popcorn wasn't hard to keep down on the other end, but she met her match in Hazel, who I think has a fiery edge and willingness to peck hard that always beat out Butter's more gentle easygoing nature.

I know you are right. And I don't think anyone is getting seriously hurt.

 

[CCsGarden]

The six one year old hens.
Josey, Gaby, Agathae , Felicitas , In Albi's and Dominica.

 

[Ponypoor]

Yes either progesterone oral contraceptives or the implant.
I hadn't thought about it for Babs but maybe I should.
I sort of hate to mess with her biology but it must put a terrible strain on her body.

I am not sure the blackout will make any difference - this is the lady who got off the high roost and marched over to lay an egg at 3am - and she routinely gets up in the dark to start her day. I guess I could give it a try - starting by blacking out the window right by her roost.

I agree, I hate messing with their biology, eap young ones her age.

I have a feeling she will soon start to slow up, Buttercup was very reliable, but this summer I noted she started to skip days laying. She is 2.5 yrs now. So I bet Babs will start to slow up her not being a high production breed, the most important thing I would ensure is to keep her active, as I feel once they get over 2 they start to slow up in their activities. Just like people.

 

[Ponypoor]

Wowee, and a really great story well told!

She is a character and until then a perfect little lady

 

[Ponypoor]

The six one year old hens.
Josey, Gaby, Agathae , Felicitas , In Albi's and Dominica.
View attachment 3703383

Such lovely wee ladies

 

[CCsGarden]

Such lovely wee ladies

Aww! Thanks!

 

[CCsGarden]

Felicitas Has new feathers!!