Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[rural mouse]

Baby update.

Sherlock has been checking on them EVERY time he comes inside. He also checks multiple times while inside. We've been able to put some of the babies on the floor to run around (carefully) with him near by WITHOUT his training collar on. My FIL dropped by while I was at work on Friday. (He's a mite envious as I have eggs and he doesn't have many, yet). My son was out with Sherlock. Sherlock sat and waited while the vehicle came into the yard (on command), went up to the front of the bush the chickens like to shelter under then turned and came back to my son.

Sadly, we lost Daisy and Liz. Neither put on weight like the others. Hand feeding had zero interest. Hand watering brought a little, but not enough. Rose, Hyacinth, and Violet have all put on weight and get into the middle of thie Biggers. Of those, Miss Marple is still the smallest. Blurr and Focus are finally sprouting feathers and Kate and Hetty are trying to fly to the rim of the tote. Move into the coop day needs to be SOON. I was going to try yesterday, but between the snow and the health issues, needed to keep a closer eye on them.

Yesterday morning's photo shoot with the adults gave me a surprising mug.

Tuff says good morning!

 

[featherhead007]

He will walk right by me (a foot away), and he will peck around the ground near me when I am sitting or throw down grain, he doesn’t want me to follow him or handle him but he has no issues following me when I have treats or being near me.

Yes they have a lot of space, but it’s hard to keep them contained at times, when they get mobile there is no stopping them. I just let them have their freedom for a few minutes then start herding them back to were I can keep an eye on them.

It’s worse when they get into the brush and brambles on the property line here. I will keep my side of the fence line mowed down this year, and I am wanting to put some mesh fencing there to keep them on my side of the property.

That has to be frustrating

 

[featherhead007]

Baby update.

Sherlock has been checking on them EVERY time he comes inside. He also checks multiple times while inside. We've been able to put some of the babies on the floor to run around (carefully) with him near by WITHOUT his training collar on. My FIL dropped by while I was at work on Friday. (He's a mite envious as I have eggs and he doesn't have many, yet). My son was out with Sherlock. Sherlock sat and waited while the vehicle came into the yard (on command), went up to the front of the bush the chickens like to shelter under then turned and came back to my son.

Sadly, we lost Daisy and Liz. Neither put on weight like the others. Hand feeding had zero interest. Hand watering brought a little, but not enough. Rose, Hyacinth, and Violet have all put on weight and get into the middle of thie Biggers. Of those, Miss Marple is still the smallest. Blurr and Focus are finally sprouting feathers and Kate and Hetty are trying to fly to the rim of the tote. Move into the coop day needs to be SOON. I was going to try yesterday, but between the snow and the health issues, needed to keep a closer eye on them.

Yesterday morning's photo shoot with the adults gave me a surprising mug.View attachment 3762984Tuff says good morning!

Sorry to hear that you lost those two.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Okay, I was just worried about scaring her half to death… I’ll blow dry next time.

For some odd reason chickens don't react badly to the noise. Power tools too. But I do ease in with the wind, ruffling with my hand blocking it at first, then more direct. Soon they feel the warmth and are loving it! But watch out, you don't want to overheat anybody.

 

[featherhead007]

Two years ago when I first got the five Rocks, there was a sixth one, but she failed to thrive. Every little life is so precious, it’s beyond words to lose one.
I even had a name for her “cassy” short for Cassiopeia
BFTP:

 

[Ponypoor]

Pony Sunday:
View attachment 3762920
View attachment 3762922
Okay not a pony, but I’m pet sitting my neighbor’s dog who is huge. He’s a good boy- even the chickens approve of him. And they won’t come out of their run unless visiting dogs pass muster for good manners…

Which is fortunate, because today they all got to get out for the first time in a while. It was cold, but the baby and I watched them forage from her swing and it was lovely.View attachment 3762924

Man, what to say about Albert. Her illness is an enigma to me. She is looking much better: tail up, comb pink (definitely not laying-red), scratches and dust bathes.
But: she won’t eat. Just a perpetually empty crop, wimpy excuses for poops. She took a few bits of leftover chicken meat from me in the morning, and I did see her actively eating some tiny tiny worms while free ranging. And a bite of dandelion in the afternoon. She may be turning the corner

Have you tried straight scratch grains?

 

[Ponypoor]

Two years ago when I first got the five Rocks, there was a sixth one, but she failed to thrive. Every little life is so precious, it’s beyond words to lose one.
I even had a name for her “cassy” short for Cassiopeia
BFTP:

View attachment 3762997

Awww so sorry - they are so fragile at that age aren’t they? Such adorable little fluff balls

 

[BY Bob]

Baby update.

Sherlock has been checking on them EVERY time he comes inside. He also checks multiple times while inside. We've been able to put some of the babies on the floor to run around (carefully) with him near by WITHOUT his training collar on. My FIL dropped by while I was at work on Friday. (He's a mite envious as I have eggs and he doesn't have many, yet). My son was out with Sherlock. Sherlock sat and waited while the vehicle came into the yard (on command), went up to the front of the bush the chickens like to shelter under then turned and came back to my son.

Sadly, we lost Daisy and Liz. Neither put on weight like the others. Hand feeding had zero interest. Hand watering brought a little, but not enough. Rose, Hyacinth, and Violet have all put on weight and get into the middle of thie Biggers. Of those, Miss Marple is still the smallest. Blurr and Focus are finally sprouting feathers and Kate and Hetty are trying to fly to the rim of the tote. Move into the coop day needs to be SOON. I was going to try yesterday, but between the snow and the health issues, needed to keep a closer eye on them.

Yesterday morning's photo shoot with the adults gave me a surprising mug.View attachment 3762984Tuff says good morning!

That is one gorgeous rooster. Sad about the lost chicks.

 

[Ponypoor]

Surprise surprise my younger rooster Daniel broke his toe... Falling down a hill after trying to kick me while I was walking down said hill and him missing me by a mile
View attachment 3762908
You can see how messed up one of his toes are

Oh dear - poor wee fella, not sure if you can put a soft splint on it if not. But some pain meds and limit his activity a couple weeks. Silly chook!

 

[featherhead007]

Awww so sorry - they are so fragile at that age aren’t they? Such adorable little fluff balls

As they grow older they become bigger adorable fluff balls!