MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

It's called the feather shredder gene. It occurs in lavender chickens. The feathers shed as the year goes on. Let me see if I can find a picture.

They occur on her back by her tail and migrate towards her head until she molts.

View attachment 4291553View attachment 4291554

Thanks Bob. Do you think there's a loss of insulation?

 

[BDutch]

None of those look like the ones on Ocracoke, although their calls are very similar.

This is our culprit (I didn’t list the standardized common name correctly):
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Collared-Dove/overview

We name them Turkish doves (Turkse tortels in Dutch). A pair visits our garden daily. They are not very common where I live. These Turkisch doves are much smaller than the more common wood pigeons.

 

[BY Bob]

Thanks Bob. Do you think there's a loss of insulation?

I do. They cannot be as efficient. That is why I am glad she has new feathers for the winter and they fail as summer gets hotter.

 

[MaryJanet]

The chicks had a great day. Lots of discoveries, flapping, flying, play fights, naps, snacks and sips.

I cleaned out the back room they've been living in, which wasn't as much fun but it was very rewarding.

 

[BY Bob]

We name them Turkish doves (Turkse tortels in Dutch). A pair visits our garden daily. They are not very common where I live. These Turkisch doves are much smaller than the more common wood pigeons.

Speaking of doves....

 

[MaryJanet]

Monday morning.

The little ones are more confident this morning. They've ventured to the full extent of their run on the side where the hens roost but still have further to go on the side where that faces the house, which is more exposed as the shade cloth doesn't cover that patch.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Monday morning.

The little ones are more confident this morning. They've ventured to the full extent of their run on the side where the hens roost but still have further to go on the side where that faces the house, which is more exposed as the shade cloth doesn't cover that patch.

They look great; happy and healthy!!

 

[Shadrach]

Shadrach might notice something subtle we're not picking up.

I can't tell one way or another. Chickens and fences; their behaviour while fenced apart has in my limited experience little to do with what will happen when the fence isn't there. It's unusual for a hen to try and kill chicks of this age but bully them, depends on the hen...

 

[BY Bob]

Monday morning.

The little ones are more confident this morning. They've ventured to the full extent of their run on the side where the hens roost but still have further to go on the side where that faces the house, which is more exposed as the shade cloth doesn't cover that patch.

They are quite the diggers! Adorable. It seems they are enjoying their new digs.

 

[MaryJanet]

They are quite the diggers! Adorable. It seems they are enjoying their new digs.

I think so! They're very happy little things. Confidence is growing all the time.

An hour ago, I had Hilda on my right shoulder like a little black parrot softly chattering into my ear, Martha on my left knee, and Nancy on my right knee with Nelly! I was very surprised when Nelly jumped up, she doesn't like being touched and nor does she like touching me. I guess the knee doesn't count?