fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

They're beautiful!

Thank you.

I'm currently texting with the owner of the auction. He said he has money for me. That works!

 

[3KillerBs]

I wonder if there's an auction around here. I need to get rid of some birds faster.

 

[fuzzi]

I wonder if there's an auction around here. I need to get rid of some birds faster.

I finally found an auction after asking egg vendors at our local Farmers' Market.

Facebook and Search engines weren't very helpful.

 

[NanaK]

I wonder if there's an auction around here. I need to get rid of some birds faster.

I don't look at Craig's List very much but seems like I've seen listings for animal auctions there.

 

[fuzzi]

As you are aware my flock was reduced on Saturday (6 boys went to the auction), and I've noticed that things are quieter, there's less drama.

I figured there might be some rearranging of the pecking order. However, I didn't anticipate what I saw last night after dark.

One of the Dominique pullets was roosting next to the Sussex boys on the top left perch along with one of the Sussex pullets. The other Sussex pullets were on the lower roost on the right, and the remaining three Dominiques were directly under the boys, on the left.

Interesting...

 

[NanaK]

Sounds like they are becoming 1 flock instead of 2 groups.

You'll have lots of chatter again once the girls start laying. I've also had rooster's help out with the egg song.

 

[fuzzi]

Sounds like they are becoming 1 flock instead of 2 groups.

You'll have lots of chatter again once the girls start laying. I've also had rooster's help out with the egg song.

The Sussex are 4 months old so I anticipate they will be starting in the next month or so.

The boxes are ready, with a little straw in each. I think I will add a little more straw and my fake eggs to encourage them to lay there, and not in a hidden corner.

 

[fuzzi]

Worked a little in the coop this morning.

Added fresh straw and fake eggs to the nesting boxes.

Joel was intrigued:

So were the girls:

Rahab:

Martha:

Hannah disappeared for some time. I located her in the back. It looked like she was practicing, settling herself into a nest. She didn't appear to be dust bathing:

I also raised the shelter I'd built for the Dominiques, as they're getting bigger but still occasionally need a place of refuge.

They're still skittish around me. Now that the Sussex aren't constantly chasing the littles they're coming out more and integrating. I figure when they see the Sussex sitting next to me or on my lap they might realize I'm not a dragon to be feared.

Last picture, and I love it. I caught Samuel in mid-crow, but the pullet's body language is priceless!

 

[fuzzi]

I heard back from the Speckled Sussex bantam breeder and judge, who offered her advice:

Red/Samuel is the best.

Blue/Joel is also good, though not as dark as Samuel.

Purple/Fleck is too orangy, and has too much black "bleeding" into the white tipped feathers.

So I'm planning to take Fleck to the auction next Saturday. If the two remaining cockerels can't get along then she recommended I keep the darker one, which will probably be Samuel.

 

[fuzzi]

Speaking of lap chickens...

Rahab hopped up on her own. She made squeaky balloon noises as I stroked her back.