Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[rural mouse]

I have a tire I picked up that was cut (i.e. for some reason, the center was cut out on both sides, so it has a 'wider center'. I have been thinking of screwing that to a plywood base with 2x4 (scrap) underneath to give it a bit of a lift so not so much bedding will be kicked into it, and putting a gable top over it - to add to their formal dust bath areas....and the roof will be to keep it relatively dry so it can be used in the winter - as I only have one dust bath area that is under cover of a roof in the run. That, unfortunately, isn't on the top of my list of things to do...so hopefully it will get done before this coming winter...but not right away. If you aren't in a rush, RC, I will let you know how it turns out! (and I will make a point of having DH take a picture on his phone so I can upload it here.

Note also that I get a lot of water off the dilapidated barn roof (into the run), so I couldn't just put it on the ground with a roof, as it surely would get wet at some point, so would freeze...hence the plywood base with 2x4 (scrap/from pallets - so free) underneath to lift it a bit to keep the base dry. It would also serve a shade (roof) for the summer, as well as another protected (dry) dust bath for the winter.

Mine go for open placed like this:

far end of the pea tree hedge, as the flat curves into the drop off to the flood plain....at the foot of the old gas tank

tank footers in view behind the deer.

I'm honestly not sure they would use a roofed bath. I've collected some pallets and have that triangle cut one from inside the coop. I may try an A-Frame style shelter with one end plugged with the triangle. If I do, I won't be solidifying the walls until I see how they like it. If they do like it, I'm thinking some sort of clear/transparent cover. I have an old window to start that with if they use it.

 

[Marie2020]

Well it has been a roller coaster the past week.

Found someone to take the meatbird chick last Thursday, so no longer stressing about it but also sad to see her go.

Sunday night we finally lost Scarlett due to her ascites. I will miss her terribly. She was my “shoulder chicken”, the only one who really kept flying up on me o feel they were grown. And she is also my avatar. She was three years old.

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Spoiler: Memorial photo-warning, deceased chicken

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And Buffy, one of my last 2 Isa Browns from my original flock has also come down with Ascites, and it progressed rapidly. I first noticed it about two weeks ago. Yesterday she was already in so much distress that I made the decision to drain her a little. It went well, but I know it is a temporary measure to make her more comfortable. And it also comes with risks like shock or infection. She did seem to feel a little better today, it I know it is only a matter of time until I lose her too.

I do also have happier news and pics. Will post those separately. And not sure if it will be now or tomorrow as it is getting late. And I have a time of quotes saved from posts I want to reply to and have not gotten to it yet.

I am sorry for your losing Scarlet
As for Buffy. At least she has a little more time to enjoy. It's so hard letting them go but they are lucky having a human that cares as much as you do

 

[Marie2020]

Morning Marie

I've been to a theatre tonight, it's the first time in thirty years and a thoroughly enjoyed it.

Night night Kelly

Good night everyone.

 

[Marie2020]

I am sorry to hear of your loss We know this is inevitable but heavens it never gets easier.

I wish more care had been taken in creating the production breeds, their lives are so often cut way too short. I do know this; they had a much much better life with you. They had love, care, grass and dirt to scratch in, bugs to eat and sun to bask in.

 

[Ponypoor]

I've been to a theatre tonight, it's the first time in thirty years and a thoroughly enjoyed it.

Night night Kelly

Good night everyone.

What did you see?

 

[Ponypoor]

It’s been a thoroughly miserable day, steady rain and only 9C (48f) with a cold stiff wind. The horses had their rain blankets on and when the chooks went out they didn’t stay out long!

They came back inside all soaked and miserable looking. The silkies of course looked the worst.

Now we have a weather warning out for heavy rainfall. It’s been a rotten miserable past year so far. Last summer was very wet, winter was very cold and extreme amts of snow, then the ice storm. And Spring has not been very good, we have only had about 3 really warm days. Farmers are having a tough time planting. Though I did see the corn coming up now.

No warmth and relief in the near future either - miserable wet cool weather to start the first of June - Mother Nature needs to get some chickens and relax a bit! Get her act together, straighten out this crazy weather.

Poor Fluffy

She looks rather mad! I told her I could t change the weather - she told me I lie! I offered her a Sweeter Heater to warm up

 

[Ponypoor]

I think I like BY Bob’s idea of a light in the Hen House. I have some solar ones I can put in there to try and entice them into there.

But it is nice to see some of them roosting in there. The older ladies are great and go to bed properly. The youngsters not so much!

Hen House A (HH-A)

Hen House B (HH-B)

 

[rural mouse]

It’s been a thoroughly miserable day, steady rain and only 9C (48f) with a cold stiff wind. The horses had their rain blankets on and when the chooks went out they didn’t stay out long!

They came back inside all soaked and miserable looking. The silkies of course looked the worst.

Now we have a weather warning out for heavy rainfall. It’s been a rotten miserable past year so far. Last summer was very wet, winter was very cold and extreme amts of snow, then the ice storm. And Spring has not been very good, we have only had about 3 really warm days. Farmers are having a tough time planting. Though I did see the corn coming up now.

No warmth and relief in the near future either - miserable wet cool weather to start the first of June - Mother Nature needs to get some chickens and relax a bit! Get her act together, straighten out this crazy weather.

Poor Fluffy
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She looks rather mad! I told her I could t change the weather - she told me I lie! I offered her a Sweeter Heater to warm up

Mother Nature is menopausal: hot flashes, cold flashes, "DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!" (at weather services...)

good thing they got their dry baths in yesterday. Solid rain (not drizzle) that soaks you through in 10 min this afternoon.

 

[bgmathteach]

@Ponypoor

OMG she looks hilarious!!! Not happy, but absolutely hilarious. Sorry I laughed at your post - the poor dear - a drowned rat.....but she definitely has the angry stare down (even without a side glance!) - right @BY Bob

 

[featherhead007]

It’s been a thoroughly miserable day, steady rain and only 9C (48f) with a cold stiff wind. The horses had their rain blankets on and when the chooks went out they didn’t stay out long!

They came back inside all soaked and miserable looking. The silkies of course looked the worst.

Now we have a weather warning out for heavy rainfall. It’s been a rotten miserable past year so far. Last summer was very wet, winter was very cold and extreme amts of snow, then the ice storm. And Spring has not been very good, we have only had about 3 really warm days. Farmers are having a tough time planting. Though I did see the corn coming up now.

No warmth and relief in the near future either - miserable wet cool weather to start the first of June - Mother Nature needs to get some chickens and relax a bit! Get her act together, straighten out this crazy weather.

Poor Fluffy
View attachment 4129812

She looks rather mad! I told her I could t change the weather - she told me I lie! I offered her a Sweeter Heater to warm up

It’s simple, just move down here.
It’s warm and I have a lake, plenty of room for you and all of your birds.