Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ikslo]

Dust bath poll, what do you use?

The vet I consulted about Hazel's respiratory problems, bubbly eyes, etc wanted me to minimize sources of dust, as irritants to her eyes and lungs. So what’s a dust bath going to consist of that will be effective, but be low dust? I think she said construction sand but I’m not sure. I can email them.

There’s so much confusing information about sand on BYC and elsewhere. Different companies or outfits around here might sell different sands and call it different things. Washed sand? And is sand even an effective dust bath if there’s no fine clingy material?

I am tempted to put in there just the topsoil dirt/organic material gathered from the deciduous woods by us. No added wood ash, definitely no DE, no sulphur, etc.

My entire property is basically sand. So I don’t give them anything. They find a place and dig in. Funnily enough, after we did a burn pile last year, the next day they beelined for the ash pile.

Pups, who has taken to dust baths. I blame the chickens!

 

[Ikslo]

I’m going to just use fill dirt from now on. I don’t want my birds to get sick. Respiratory problems are bad enough with all the spraying and shaking of almonds and walnut orchards around here.
Did you know: Central Valley is the largest supplier of almonds and pistachios in the world? Most of the products are grown here, but shipped overseas. Pisses me off that I still have to pay full price for a bag of pistachio nuts!!

Now you have me wanting to plant pistachio trees! It’ll only take two decades to make it worthwhile…

I love the two walnut trees on our property.

 

[RoyalChick]

The Littles are over 5 weeks old now and Tassels is still ruling over them with an iron beak. She summoned them to teach them about corn on the cob. They were very diligent at their lesson!
They are growing some really pretty patterns. And meanwhile Sylvie lost her tail overnight and somehow still manages to look elegant!

 

[featherhead007]

Now you have me wanting to plant pistachio trees! It’ll only take two decades to make it worthwhile…

I love the two walnut trees on our property.

Do you have the patience to wait two decades for a bag of pistachios? Just go to the corner gas station and buy a bag, it’s much more convenient

 

[featherhead007]

My entire property is basically sand. So I don’t give them anything. They find a place and dig in. Funnily enough, after we did a burn pile last year, the next day they beelined for the ash pile.

Pups, who has taken to dust baths. I blame the chickens!
View attachment 4214177

Serious dust bathing!

 

[notabitail]

2+ for Tuesday

View attachment 4214033

Wait. Last time there were more than two in my 2fer photo, I got yelled at. How come you got away with it?

 

[drstratton]

Wattles Wednesday!

Phoenix!

 

[Ikslo]

Do you have the patience to wait two decades for a bag of pistachios? Just go to the corner gas station and buy a bag, it’s much more convenient

Q: When’s the best time to plant a tree?
A: Twenty years ago!

I love to garden and plant things. I have the patience, I just don’t know that I’ll be around in 20 years! Plant it for the next generation, right? But I do have other trees I’d rather plant in the space I have.

Tax: Barnevelder egg

 

[RoyalChick]

Q: When’s the best time to plant a tree?
A: Twenty years ago!

I love to garden and plant things. I have the patience, I just don’t know that I’ll be around in 20 years! Plant it for the next generation, right? But I do have other trees I’d rather plant in the space I have.

Tax: Barnevelder egg
View attachment 4214270

Very pretty egg!

 

[Ponypoor]

The Littles are over 5 weeks old now and Tassels is still ruling over them with an iron beak. She summoned them to teach them about corn on the cob. They were very diligent at their lesson!
They are growing some really pretty patterns. And meanwhile Sylvie lost her tail overnight and somehow still manages to look elegant!
View attachment 4214225View attachment 4214226View attachment 4214227View attachment 4214228View attachment 4214229View attachment 4214230View attachment 4214231View attachment 4214232

Who is the fluffy legged zebra stripes? What breed is she?


Sylvie went and had a stylish bob-cut.