Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[BY Bob]

I stayed up all night learning about the game birds. Especially the Old English jungle Fowl. They are a separate species of chicken.
Not like the Silkie, who are not really chickens at all. Game birds require a totally different type of diet, so now that I have half of my tribe being game fowl, I’m headed to TSC and buy them the correct diet. This situation requires more study!

I did not anticipate that. What is different about their diet?

 

[BY Bob]

Tell me about it! I am engaged in an epic battle against Mr.Rat.

Yes. What is the latest rat update? It's Sunday. You can share.

 

[RoyalChick]

Just a new lurker to this thread and just want to say I enjoy reading everyone's camaraderie immensely - hope it's okay to come in and say hi!

Welcome. Chicken pictures please!

 

[BY Bob]

I did not anticipate that. What is different about their diet?

SHRA tax

 

[Ponypoor]

Pony Sunday

The geegees are confined to the barnyard until I can get my paddocks cut back and the weeds and white clover sprayed - the clover has developed Slaframine fungus which causes a poisoning of the horses called Slobbers. The fungus causes the horses to salivate excessively.

I mowed the barn yard and tonight I will spray the clover there, it’s not as bad as in the paddocks. The herbicide I use is Dicamba which only kills broadleaf plants (weeds, clover etc) not the grass. Once it dries and the sunlight gets to it the herbicide dissipates and is safe for livestock. Usually about 24hrs.

The heat and high humidity is the big culprit for the clover being infected with Slaframine

 

[Ponypoor]

Just a new lurker to this thread and just want to say I enjoy reading everyone's camaraderie immensely - hope it's okay to come in and say hi!

Oh you have sheep?! This is Pony Sunday on Bob’s thread we showcase ‘other fur and feathered friends’

Would love to see you sheep and chooks

 

[knoturavggrl]

Just a new lurker to this thread and just want to say I enjoy reading everyone's camaraderie immensely - hope it's okay to come in and say hi!

welcome to FBA, we do love pictures. If you feel comfortable we would love to hear about your flock.

Pony Sunday

The geegees are confined to the barnyard until I can get my paddocks cut back and the weeds and white clover sprayed - the clover has developed Slaframine fungus which causes a poisoning of the horses called Slobbers. The fungus causes the horses to salivate excessively.

I mowed the barn yard and tonight I will spray the clover there, it’s not as bad as in the paddocks. The herbicide I use is Dicamba which only kills broadleaf plants (weeds, clover etc) not the grass. Once it dries and the sunlight gets to it the herbicide dissipates and is safe for livestock. Usually about 24hrs.

The heat and high humidity is the big culprit for the clover being infected with Slaframine
View attachment 4161104

I have never heard of this, I am saddened to hear you’re dealing with it and simultaneously glad there is a workable solution. I am also super glad you caught it!

 

[rural mouse]

I know. Just gorgeous.

I just wish I'd been able to catch on camera the spats. She puffed up and went for Pippa....theoretically for looking at her. PITA needs babies. She's FIERCE. No babies yet.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yes. What is the latest rat update? It's Sunday. You can share.

The rat update is not great.
I have confirmed that they are not burrowing in from outside. Have done multiple smoke tests.
They do however march in and out the door when it is open for the chickens to play outside.
In the middle of the day. Bold as brass.
And they have taken up residence under the floorboards of the servant’s quarters where I cannot reach them.
I am deploying rat contraception (no, seriously) as well as a safe rat killer (RatX). They are extremely trap shy and have avoided all traps and bait stations so I am trying to get creative.
Tassels, now she is not brooding, is very aware of them and seems to want to catch them. She has come close a couple of times but no kills so far.

I am buying a rat proof feeder for the Princesses and may start using only the nipple waterer inside the Chicken Palace (though I suspect rats can operate the nipples).

I think water is a big thing. Apparently rats drink a lot, so I need to repair the pipe that the girls dug up. The rats do seem to like that damp area.

Here is one watching me from outside as I fill up water for the Princesses. A minute later it walked in through the door. While it was too wary for me to be able to grab it by hand, it was not nearly as scared of me as I would like.

 

[RoyalChick]

SHRA tax
View attachment 4161103

Synchronized foraging!