Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[ValerieJ]

Interesting. I have always provided grit from day 1. But then I have also introduced mine to the outside world at a young age. I call them "field trips" to the yard. Once it is warm enough during the day they will be out in the grass in a run enclosure to meet the bigs and experience grass and bugs.

My mums have always tried to get the chicks out into the world around day 3 or 4. I usually hold them in the coop and porch until they have a full set of wings as the ramp to get back is a challenge otherwise.

So I try to replicate that for the chicks I hand raise.

I think you could safely say my chicks are very sheltered. It was a huge move for me to start brooding them in the coop. But, I have watched mama hens take their babies out in the snow on day 3!!!

 

[featherhead007]

Interesting. I have always provided grit from day 1. But then I have also introduced mine to the outside world at a young age. I call them "field trips" to the yard. Once it is warm enough during the day they will be out in the grass in a run enclosure to meet the bigs and experience grass and bugs.

My mums have always tried to get the chicks out into the world around day 3 or 4. I usually hold them in the coop and porch until they have a full set of wings as the ramp to get back is a challenge otherwise.

So I try to replicate that for the chicks I hand raise.

I save the grit, until the chicks are old enough to eat cheeseburgers

 

[featherhead007]

It's a chicken haven you have there - I wish I could grow that variety of citrus fruits here. Oh don't get me wrong there are plenty of fruit trees that grow here - and my peach trees are enjoyed by everyone (esp squirrels rotten beasties!). But it is human nature to want what others have, I would love orange and lemon trees, Mango, Persimmon and others. Banana, palm trees... yep I want a tropical paradise in my backyard also. Alas I am stuck with a temperate climate garden of Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Grapes, Goose Berry, Raspberry, Black Berry, Strawberry... all of which the chooks enjoy when in season.

I especially love watching them hop/flap up to get the berries on the Black Berry canes, and the chooks are the ONLY reason I keep those evil plants around. It's also an eggcellent hiding place against aerial predators, the canes bend over and provide some hidey holes for them to get into. But OMG those thorns just seem to reach out and grab at my hands and scratch me up. Also, I have 'lost' many a chook in there during the summer when it's hot as it is a nice cool spot to snooze under, I know to look under them now!

When life gives you lemons, hide!

 

[featherhead007]

Those moments are horrifying. I have had many hawk attacks while I was out with the girls. None successful, thankfully.

I’m wondering why we chose chickens for pets? They seem to be dinner for just about every other animal on earth

 

[ValerieJ]

When life gives you lemons, hide!View attachment 4091499

That is one fruitful tree! I'm a little envious of all those lemons.

 

[ValerieJ]

I’m wondering why we chose chickens for pets? They seem to be dinner for just about every other animal on earth

Everybody loves chicken.

 

[TOMTE]

I went to my mom's on Friday, stayed the night, got back home yesterday afternoon. Mom's been making a LOT of sourdough bread, so we got a loaf started for me. Oven is preheating now! I'm excited to see how it turns out (even though I don't really like sourdough).

I have a feeling it might be too dense... It didn't want to stretch when I was working it. At least I have more starter in the fridge so I can try again if this one fails

The chickens were excited to see me when I got back home. They all ran up to the door of the run and were yelling at me... I was only gone for a day! 24 hours, a little more! And they were telling me off! But I got some good cuddles from Esme and Magrat. I think they forgive me.

 

[rural mouse]

Do you get them your way in the winter? I would think you must you're not that far south from me really.

Had one out here late Feb before we had chickens. Stunning bird.

 

[featherhead007]

That is one fruitful tree! I'm a little envious of all those lemons.

They’re free, come take as many as you like.

 

[featherhead007]

Today is church. I will be giving the little ones and mama hen an ear of corn to keep them busy until I return home. They peck at the corn until there’s nothing left but the empty cobs.