Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[no fly zone]

Confetti died. He was only five months old. My friend isn't sure of what happened.

 

[Perris]

the broods here turned 3 weeks old, 4 weeks old and 7 weeks old in the last day or two, so here's some photos to update for those who can only enjoy chicks vicariously:

the 3 week olds still stick close to mum most of the time

the 4 week olds are more independent and don't always stick so close to their broody or each other

btw, that black triangle on the throat of the one closest is where something - a rat, I think - tried to rip its throat out last week. Polka really flew into action over that. It's healing nicely I'm pleased to say.

And here's one of the 7 week olds, sorting out her juvenile plumage

She's really quite independent already, and they are usually too far apart to get into a single shot. Fez cut this brood loose at 5 weeks, which is very early by usual standards here, but I think she was ill (she was staying in the coop in the morning, and had abnormal poop). She too is recovering now, and her chicks seem to have got on fine without her. They are still allowed to eat with the grown ups; not sure how much longer that will last. Their habit of standing in the middle of the food bowl and extending their wings out to keep others at bay can't endear them to the adults who dutifully observe the pecking order

 

[Molpet]

Confetti died. He was only five months old. My friend isn't sure of what happened.

I'm so sorry, he was such a cutie

 

[no fly zone]

It appears that a snake killed Confetti, but was unable to swallow him.

 

[ChaosMom]

It appears that a snake killed Confetti, but was unable to swallow him.

Oh, that’s terrible, I’m so sorry. Poor Confetti.

 

[notabitail]

Confetti died. He was only five months old. My friend isn't sure of what happened.

 

[no fly zone]

These predators are quite intelligent.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smar...ch-surprise-attacks-on-other-birds-180986685/