Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[fluffycrow]

It would be interesting to know exactly what's going on with the males getting dark purple comb tips in hot weather. Henry did it and once active for a while the blood would flow to the tips again and no adverse effects noticeable. The roosters in Catalonia rarely exhibited this. Around 38C to 40C the larger males did, most noticeable when roosting.
Those I've seen close to, or having a heart attack lost blood to the entire comb and wattles and the colour was more blue.

Much like the chickens in Catalonia, the chickens here have never exhibited this. We’re sitting at 38 degrees Celsius right now, much more pleasant than the 40-45 we had last year. The roosters seem to get dark tips when the temperature drops, rather than when skyrockets. I suppose it could have something to do with what the body is used to dealing with.

Comb tip in relation to heart problems is still very much a mystery to me

 

[fluffycrow]

Tax for talking about plants: My first chicks in 5 years
View attachment 4158890
Bit weird to think about that my Ayam Cemani is now a dad. This silkie is a first time mom and the black and I think the middle left one are hers biologically. The one in front should be from my blue hen, while the 2 in the back and the middle right one are from my white hen. The middle right one is a rooster, there are also 2 hens, the silkie crosses are unknown and the last 1 is confusing.

Did have some difficulties with the 2 on the back as I had a staggered hatch. But they are dry and relatively active now. This "coop" is in the run, so their dad and biological mothers can interact with them.

Also introduced three 3.5 month old pullets to the flock and they are getting bullied by the other hens. The AC rooster either tries to dance for them, the close proximity scares them, or also pecks them . Wish I could feed them in another place as the pullets are not used to the pressure plate feeder, but using a separate feeder would just be feeding the magpies. Will try to put a barrier against the magpies tomorrow. Hope the flock will get along soon...

Congratulations! What a cute bunch