Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

I'm trying to be responsible and only get more chickens when their coop and additional run is built. And hopefully enough fencing and netting that they can really get out and forage and be chickens.
My seven younger chickens lived in a brooder in our guest room far too long. It was sad. ( I did get them out every day for exercise. It was craziness.)
Funny story - there is no longer carpet in that room because they busted out one day when I was at work. I heard a strange tapping at the door when I was walking down the hall and opened the door to see a horror show of poop. We cut the carpet, rolled it up and threw it away. It was old anyway.
So I'm determined to only get chickens that already have their accommodations built, not just promised.

Oh dear! That is both hilarious and horrifying!

 

[Ponypoor]

I forgot how good Lilly was at surprise attacks. Gosh she was a smart one. She knew how to scare but not hurt.

I'll never forget when she surprised Jabberwocky.

Or this, chasing and surprising Maleficent and Aurora.

Tis the way of the chicken it seems. It’s crazy town here at times also.

 

[RoyalChick]

I'm trying to be responsible and only get more chickens when their coop and additional run is built. And hopefully enough fencing and netting that they can really get out and forage and be chickens.
My seven younger chickens lived in a brooder in our guest room far too long. It was sad. ( I did get them out every day for exercise. It was craziness.)
Funny story - there is no longer carpet in that room because they busted out one day when I was at work. I heard a strange tapping at the door when I was walking down the hall and opened the door to see a horror show of poop. We cut the carpet, rolled it up and threw it away. It was old anyway.
So I'm determined to only get chickens that already have their accommodations built, not just promised.

Very wise!

 

[TOMTE]

No idea. There are birch tree roots all through there. I need something that can find it's way and grow through that.

I'd start by looking at trees or shrubs that are native to your area.

Spruce and fir do well in birch forests.

Birch and fir trees (specifically paper birch and douglas fir) actually have been found to exchange nutrients to the benefit of both species.

https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/paper-birch-douglasfir-odd-relationship

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...r-tree-ecologist-hears-lessons-for-people-too

 

[Ponypoor]

Jacaranda are pretty too... but oh, what a mess. Mom had one in her neighborhood & that tree messed up a lot of yards w/ falling purple blossoms! Magnolias are messy too w/ falling cones.

I can't think of any tree that doesn't shed some kind of debris... even evergreens. For our climate, we chose citrus trees ~ the leaves are larger, easier to rake, less leaf shedding, plus added benefit of edible fruit.

Hope you find your magic tree choice & let us know what you get

I really like my Magnolia, yep the flowers are a pain, but they don’t last long.

My neighbour keeps her’s trimmed at about 5’ height more as a bush than a tree. Her cats like it!

 

[Ponypoor]

No idea. There are birch tree roots all through there. I need something that can find it's way and grow through that.

How about Rhododendron? It’s evergreen, has pretty flowers and you can keep it pruned at a specific height this limiting where it grows.

They like acidic soil so dumping wood shavings old bedding is great for them, FYI keep the rootball above would level, they do not like to be below soil. Their roots will wend their way through any old tree roots.

Where you are I bet it would grow well. It grows here but very slowly, mine is finally after many years at about 3’ high.

 

[Ponypoor]

Thanks. I'll check them out. I was considering a mimosa but I don't want all the "garbage" in the pool.

Oh I would love a Mimosa, but alas too cold here for one

 

[RoyalChick]

I'd start by looking at trees or shrubs that are native to your area.

Spruce and fir do well in birch forests.

Birch and fir trees (specifically paper birch and douglas fir) actually have been found to exchange nutrients to the benefit of both species.

https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/paper-birch-douglasfir-odd-relationship

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...r-tree-ecologist-hears-lessons-for-people-too

Both wonderful trees - but never plant a Birch tree near a swimming pool unless you want a full time job cleaning the pool!

 

[TOMTE]

Both wonderful trees - but never plant a Birch tree near a swimming pool unless you want a full time job cleaning the pool!

I was just taking the birch roots into account. Please don't plant MORE birches near your pool Bob! Unless you want to, I guess

 

[Labsandchickens8]

Waiting for Santa

Many of you will recall in that in 2019 3 of my 4 hens got to see Santa. When you got to PetsMart, you had to wait in your car with your "pet" until it was your turn to see Santa. I realized today that I took video of Aurora patiently waiting in the car for her chance to see Santa. You can see the excitement and expectation in her face. Watch along with me.

Here is her photo with the big guy from 2 years ago today.

View attachment 2935845

A blast from the past that seemed really timely.
I love this so much. Aurora just sat in that car waiting like she took car rides every day!