What did you do with your flock today?

[Gammas Bearded Babies]

brothers, same environment, same flock, same age…all things constant including the love and attention. Puff was more curious, bold, and friendly while Fluff was more cautious, scared of things and friendly. Puff got less huggable and less friendly and started treating my presence as a threat as he got older while Fluff stayed the same and has never once been aggressive to a person.

Oh they sound a lot like Grayson and Joey!
I had a customer here to buy several babies and they ended up wanting Grayson and I had been toying/trying to rehome him for a while but always chickened out lol.
Grayson was very cautious and skittish and Joey always cool, calm, collected!
Idk if it's cause Joey is only one his age and the rest are all babies of different ages or if he's hormonal or both but he has gotten a lot more aggressive towards me and humans the past month or so.

I would love to keep all my boys!!! We got a good sized backyard that is fenced but it's the wrought iron so not much safety there. My problem is I'm not supposed to have boys...dang laws. We've never lived in the city til now so I'm used to do whatever I want on my property and didn't even think of needing to check city laws for anything in my own backyard! Now I know...and just can't stand parting with em unless I get a knock at the door.

@TropicalBabies sounds like you have been ultra busy and flustered too! U be careful out there!!!

 

[TropicalBabies]

Mizuki! so big and beautiful! @kurby22 too funny on the coaching cardio- way to go! ♡

Good morning gang!
Well, all of my days complaints were canceled out with watching the flock free range last eve, a delicious dinner of Zucchini and penne pasta with tea and I finally was able to finish my movie. Took me 3 nights lol so 3rd time was the charm.
The little feral hens have befriended us. The wild cockerel has not shown back up on property. He was just doing a hopeful tag along with the 3 girls anyways, no spurs and certainly no challenge for Spider. Spider learned his hard lessen @ 6 months old with a wild roo ☹ but now seems to be able to keep intruders at bay with a mere look (and mommy's backing)

Forest ready to pounce on one of the wild ones. Poor things.

Love new days and starting fresh! Good coffee is a absolutely treat too. It is cool with breezy misty rains from yesternoon till this morning. Classic tropical rain forest stuff and I am loving it. Brought my chainsaw back up so may stay the day and do some work. Depends on this mornings hatch report from dh.

Speaking to the flock cuddles... i like the early imprint, same time as mom, then back away supportively like a mom @ around 2 months. I don't cuddle or lap time my chooks, that is what my kitties are for... well, except Princess Peaches cuz she is so funny and special and I am basically powerless over her... but she never stays too long after the treats are gone... and Manono gets some lap time too or did. Now Manono is big and a flock member and has an important role so proud.
I am a more conversation and inspection holds with them. I def respect their space and species. If I try and crowd a horse I will get kicked. I coexist as a separate species.

I agree with the breed thing making a BIG difference but my guys do peck, try to mate my hand or foot , do the dance and all kinds of goofy stuff. That does not scare or make me nervous or bother me. They are just practicing/ growing. When they get testy and cross the line I pick them up and we go adventure and come back as friends. It does require timing and my time. My favorite was having a rooster so pent up, h♡rny and being a dork that he e***ulated on my arm. Who would have thought?
Not saying I won't get challenged one day but even with all of the wild fighting stock/mix roosters here it has just never happened, also not everyone of my boys is a keeper for me. But I do sell friendly and respectful boys and hope the new people find them so outstanding that they want them as forever roos. I think it takes cockerels having their own flock for them to really and truly shine.

 

[BantammChick]

Yesterday my dad and I set up a stock tank for my ducks to swim in! I can't be the only one who spent all morning trying to get my ducks to go in a pool
I will post some pictures later

 

[ChicksnMore]

That does sound like a busy and rather tiresome day! I spent about an hour outside tonight helping coach my daughters soccer scrimmage and my Fitbit said I got 132 cardio mins! Guess between the 101 degrees and pacing and yelling at 8-9 year olds to stop doing a lot of “not soccer” things my heart was working overtime!

I got to spend a glorious 1.5 hrs this morning sipping my coffee with the chickens before 8 am. It was cool with a breeze and felt so calming. They’re so good for my stress relief even if I’m constantly stressing over them I definitely have seen both sides of the rooster viewpoints so I think like always it depends on the bird! Puff and Fluff are good examples—brothers, same environment, same flock, same age…all things constant including the love and attention. Puff was more curious, bold, and friendly while Fluff was more cautious, scared of things and friendly. Puff got less huggable and less friendly and started treating my presence as a threat as he got older while Fluff stayed the same and has never once been aggressive to a person. He lets Aria cart him everywhere, he gets hugged and loved and will spend all day on the couch with me. It’s been interesting to watch and learn their behaviors and responses to us.

Lunch, as he’s now affectionately called, has decided he’s a tree bird. His brother and sister both got out of the run when small enough to fit underneath and my dog “played” with them. My husband made a joke about how the dog doesn’t get Lunch but does have breakfast and dinner…so that should be the survivors name. Aria thinks Daddy is mean and calls him Peanut. Hehe, my husband’s sense of humor does not impress her Anyway, I’m a bit worried he’s going to discover that the bird netting only goes up so far since the trees are quite tall and bushy and end up being somethings Lunch anyway. Might need to move him to the bantam run now that Fuzzy has cut ties and gone broody again.
View attachment 3234179
I got a really nice picture of Elsafish today, suits her Queen of the Bantams title quite well She’s the boss and everyone knows it! Even Nohope who is now at least 3X her size now is afraid of her haha.
View attachment 3234180

And last, but definitely not least…I got a nice picture of Miyuki today too! She’s just so pretty
View attachment 3234181

Miyuki looks a lot like my Oliver! My babies an old boy now and busy sleeping somewhere, but here's an old pic of him. He's a scarf kitty. He spends every minute I'll let him wrapped around my neck and riding my shoulders.

Sounds like you had busy day yesterday as well! Lunch looks so curious and Elsafish is stunning. I wonder if all lavender birds have the darker legs and skin. I was looking at lavender breeds a while back trying to decide if I want to get some and noticed dark legs and face on at least one lavender breed. I'll have to go look again.

Oh they sound a lot like Grayson and Joey!
I had a customer here to buy several babies and they ended up wanting Grayson and I had been toying/trying to rehome him for a while but always chickened out lol.
Grayson was very cautious and skittish and Joey always cool, calm, collected!
Idk if it's cause Joey is only one his age and the rest are all babies of different ages or if he's hormonal or both but he has gotten a lot more aggressive towards me and humans the past month or so.

I would love to keep all my boys!!! We got a good sized backyard that is fenced but it's the wrought iron so not much safety there. My problem is I'm not supposed to have boys...dang laws. We've never lived in the city til now so I'm used to do whatever I want on my property and didn't even think of needing to check city laws for anything in my own backyard! Now I know...and just can't stand parting with em unless I get a knock at the door.

@TropicalBabies sounds like you have been ultra busy and flustered too! U be careful out there!!!

Fingers crossed you get to keep them.

Do you think it would help to talk to your neighbors about your pet chicks that turned out to be boys and ask if they mind if you keep them?

 

[kurby22]

Miyuki looks a lot like my Oliver! My babies an old boy now and busy sleeping somewhere, but here's an old pic of him. He's a scarf kitty. He spends every minute I'll let him wrapped around my neck and riding my shoulders.View attachment 3234455
Sounds like you had busy day yesterday as well! Lunch looks so curious and Elsafish is stunning. I wonder if all lavender birds have the darker legs and skin. I was looking at lavender breeds a while back trying to decide if I want to get some and noticed dark legs and face on at least one lavender breed. I'll have to go look again.

Fingers crossed you get to keep them.

Do you think it would help to talk to your neighbors about your pet chicks that turned out to be boys and ask if they mind if you keep them?

Awww Oliver is adorable! You can tell by his eyes that he’s a gentle soul. My Mom has a kitty that looks even more like your Oliver I used to have a scarf kitty too! It was hot Miyuki is a “get under your feet follower to every room you are in but don’t pet me much” kitty Which isn’t so bad with an active family.

Elsafish is a Swedish Hedemora so she has dark skin and dark legs. I think it’s super striking Most lavender birds SOP requires slate/dark legs and toes and darker features (beak, eyes, toes) like a black chicken would have—since they’re a black chicken in every way but feathers. Most have white/pink skin though…unless they have been specially crossed or are naturally black skinned like svart honas, hedemoras, or silkies From what I understand anyway!

Got a couple good shots today…I just LOVE Amy’s beard

Fluff will be moving back out with the flock tonight at bedtime and Honey is moving in :-( She is molting hard and I think between that and the heat and her struggle to see…she has not been eating much and feels super thin. I gave her a place indoors to rest, some vitamins, and fresh water and food and she immediately started eating. Hoping some rest inside will help, but I fear her eyesight is declining more Poor sweet girl

 

[ChicksnMore]

Speaking to the flock cuddles... i like the early imprint, same time as mom, then back away supportively like a mom @ around 2 months. I don't cuddle or lap time my chooks, that is what my kitties are for... well, except Princess Peaches cuz she is so funny and special and I am basically powerless over her... but she never stays too long after the treats are gone... and Manono gets some lap time too or did. Now Manono is big and a flock member and has an important role so proud.
I am a more conversation and inspection holds with them. I def respect their space and species. If I try and crowd a horse I will get kicked. I coexist as a separate species.

That sounds exactly like what I'm talking about. Lots of watching and interacting but not cuddling. They often get held for a little bit right after hatch for an inspection and a greeting. I'll tap at food for them etc., I just don't really hold them unless I need to until they get older and then I hold the birds if they ask me to or if I need to. I get birds that strut and try to mate my hand etc, but none that attack people.
My kids cuddle cuddle cuddle them and I did to as a kid. Tote them around and just love them to bits. A lot of those birds grew up to be just some of the most lovable birds I've ever seen. Some grew up to like people but definitely didn't want to be picked up any more. And some of the roos grew up to be the worst roos I've ever seen.

 

[TropicalBabies]

Hatch report. 2 out, 5 pips ♡

You can judge my ratty under sized cloth, I do too lol.
I obviously panicked when I saw lock down earlier than I had guessed.

 

[TropicalBabies]

That sounds exactly like what I'm talking about. Lots of watching and interacting but not cuddling. They often get held for a little bit right after hatch for an inspection and a greeting. I'll tap at food for them etc., I just don't really hold them unless I need to until they get older and then I hold the birds if they ask me to or if I need to. I get birds that strut and try to mate my hand etc, but none that attack people.
My kids cuddle cuddle cuddle them and I did to as a kid. Tote them around and just love them to bits. A lot of those birds grew up to be just some of the most lovable birds I've ever seen. Some grew up to like people but definitely didn't want to be picked up any more. And some of the roos grew up to be the worst roos I've ever seen.

The 2 birds I held back for the grandkids are very shy and flighty. Especially the blonde which causes the black on to react skittishly. I secretly cringed at all of the handling that was done by kids and grandkids but they were hatched for someone who would treat them more livestock-ish till hubby said we would keep those 2 . I did not think twice... lol. But yes, sounds like we are on same page. My command of the English language is only good here in Hawaii lol. ♡♡♡

 

[kurby22]

Mizuki! so big and beautiful! @kurby22 too funny on the coaching cardio- way to go! ♡

Good morning gang!
Well, all of my days complaints were canceled out with watching the flock free range last eve, a delicious dinner of Zucchini and penne pasta with tea and I finally was able to finish my movie. Took me 3 nights lol so 3rd time was the charm.
The little feral hens have befriended us. The wild cockerel has not shown back up on property. He was just doing a hopeful tag along with the 3 girls anyways, no spurs and certainly no challenge for Spider. Spider learned his hard lessen @ 6 months old with a wild roo ☹ but now seems to be able to keep intruders at bay with a mere look (and mommy's backing)
View attachment 3234426Forest ready to pounce on one of the wild ones. Poor things.View attachment 3234427
Love new days and starting fresh! Good coffee is a absolutely treat too. It is cool with breezy misty rains from yesternoon till this morning. Classic tropical rain forest stuff and I am loving it. Brought my chainsaw back up so may stay the day and do some work. Depends on this mornings hatch report from dh.

Speaking to the flock cuddles... i like the early imprint, same time as mom, then back away supportively like a mom @ around 2 months. I don't cuddle or lap time my chooks, that is what my kitties are for... well, except Princess Peaches cuz she is so funny and special and I am basically powerless over her... but she never stays too long after the treats are gone... and Manono gets some lap time too or did. Now Manono is big and a flock member and has an important role so proud.
I am a more conversation and inspection holds with them. I def respect their space and species. If I try and crowd a horse I will get kicked. I coexist as a separate species.

I agree with the breed thing making a BIG difference but my guys do peck, try to mate my hand or foot , do the dance and all kinds of goofy stuff. That does not scare or make me nervous or bother me. They are just practicing/ growing. When they get testy and cross the line I pick them up and we go adventure and come back as friends. It does require timing and my time. My favorite was having a rooster so pent up, h♡rny and being a dork that he e***ulated on my arm. Who would have thought?
Not saying I won't get challenged one day but even with all of the wild fighting stock/mix roosters here it has just never happened, also not everyone of my boys is a keeper for me. But I do sell friendly and respectful boys and hope the new people find them so outstanding that they want them as forever roos. I think it takes cockerels having their own flock for them to really and truly shine.

Oh my goodness!! The picture of a cockerel being that excited about your hand/arm/feet is hilarious to me haha. Teenage boys man…

I mostly leave my roosters too. If they want attention or to be near me I’m happy to let them. Roosters are just so personable and entertaining and I just love them so!

 

[FBMcrazy8]

Yeah, we are going to say good bye to Ferdinand this weekend and while I know the flock will be happy, my daughter is going to be so sad. The rooster rescue is so great though. I may have to rehome the Polish too, especially if they are both boys as I am almost certain the frizzle is a Joe--not a Josephine. He is a really sweet and quiet boy that wants to visit me and be loved on, but is really afraid too. Spider wants nothing to do with people but he's started crowing and challenging some of the other boys. UGH, why couldn't he be a pullet?? Gonna be pondering my choices a bunch!

It is so nice being able to see them and have them close by! I wouldn't trade my cameras for anything haha!

Oh man! I know one day I’m gonna be in your shoes and I don’t know how I would pick who stays and who goes. I mean obviously the mean ones will have to go but I can see it being hard if they are pretty or even breaking my kids heart.

We have a camera system that I haven’t set up yet but we really need to. Not necessarily for the chickens or ducks but for other things. However, we have enough cameras I can convince my husband to do it. It wouldn’t go in the coop or anything but I can face the coops from the house. The neighbors have hound dogs that I’m waiting for them to break out and find their way here.