Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[TOMTE]

I wonder, is there any use in me trying to figure out the pecking order before they mature? I know they start to establish a pecking order amongst themselves even as chicks as young as day olds, but do they challenge each other more often as pullets and settle once they mature (as long as nothing shifts the balance, such as adding more chickens to the flock)?

I am completely at a loss for who's the "boss" at this point, though I also haven't had much time to study chicken behavior yet so I'm not even sure where to start looking for clues.

All I know is that Sybil is left behind a lot, and she sometimes even seems reluctant to go with them. I'm guessing she's at the bottom rung. She isn't bullied but she's almost always last to anything; last in and last out of the coop, last to start eating, last to follow when they move to another foraging spot. She gets pecked on the head or back a lot.

Yesterday I picked Sybil up and she absolutely lost her mind. She was okay for a minute and then was flapping and clawing at me to get away. Aliss was watching this happen, and when I put Sybil down, Aliss went after her and pecked at her head and back a few times... It was almost like she was saying "calm down, don't treat our weird looking tall flock member like that!"

Or, knowing that some chickens think being picked up is mating (though Sybil didn't shake herself when I put her down), maybe Aliss (if she sees herself as a top "hen") got angry that a low ranking flock member "mated"? They're not even laying eggs or crouching yet but I wonder if that's a possibility.

They all have their moments where they fly/jump at each other with legs forward, hackles raised... It's so funny to watch

Also, with Aliss, she usually is the first in the coop in the evening. She likes to inspect it, it seems like. She'll walk and look around for a few minutes before she starts making what I call her "bedtime whine". The majority of the time, if another of the girls hops up before Aliss has deemed the coop safe for roosting, that girl will get a hard peck on the head and be chased out of the coop.

That seems like top hen behavior to me, but sometimes when challenged to a staring contest by Gytha or Magrat for example (they're the "bratty" ones ), Aliss will be the one to back down first.

...I should start a logbook of their interactions. YAY STATISTICS!

Now Sybil AND Aliss got separated from the others and when they were reunited Gytha gave Aliss a peck on the head!

The way chickens do that reminds me of an older sibling/little sibling relationship. You get yelled at and a punch on the arm for doing something stupid because I love you, type thing

 

[RebeccaBoyd]

Hi everyone.

I think me and mom opened up a can of worms yesterday that there is no escaping from inadvertently.

I love this set of neighbors, they live right in front of us. They have been here for almost 13 years and have always been very nice and helpful if needed.

They both are middle 50s and they have a early to mid 20s son. I'm really not sure on his exact age. The son has Autism and something else. He is verbal but very shy and soft spoken, but from what little I have gotten him to talk to me you could tell he is very smart.

The last 2 years both parents have had both of their health decline pretty bad and in the last year the wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The disease is advancing rapidly and is also affecting her mind. The last month they have had to call 911 for her at least a dozen times if not more. Her husband did reach out to me asking if I would sit and stay with her a few weeks ago when he had to go to the store. I told him yes but then never heard nothing else from them.

Yesterday when we got home from hunting once again the ambulance was in front of their house with her already loaded up. He was a wreck and asked if their son could stay with us this time if he would agree to it. He figured he would stay with us as he likes CeeCee and is not afraid of us. So we said yes and to his amazement his son agreed. He has refused and had a meltdown when asked to stay with a few different neighbors. He told us when it got close to dark he would probably want to go home and was apologizing saying his house was a mess and embarrassed to say there were a few bugs but was waiting on the landlord to sent out the pest control guy.

His son happily came over, sat in the recliner with CeeCee beside him, Keeper in his lap and watched cartoons. I fixed lunch and after we ate he wanted to go home so we went. We told him we would help his dad out and clean a little bit if he showed us what needed done and wanted us to do. I found out very quickly he has a routine, and things have to be done in a certain order or way or he gets anxious. He asked us to help by vacuuming the living room and sweeping and mopping the kitchen, dining and laundry room. We also did 2 loads of laundry for them. He also let me do the one sink full of dishes. I had to wash them in a strict order but he helped me dry them and put them away. When it got dark every door had to be locked, and all the dead bolts locked and every light turned on. He is terrified of the dark. I have saw meltdowns from him in the past and they all stemmed from the power being out at night. Yes I prayed the entire time that the transformer would not blow as it likes to do about twice a year.

His dad finally got home around 11 last night. They kept her for observation and more tests today. They think she had a mini stroke. He broke down. He is exhausted, in poor health himself, not sleeping and is like us. He needs help but because she is not terminal is struggling to find options to help him. I remember the struggles with grandma until we were blessed when hospice was finally able to step in. Those ladies were a godsend I promise. Mom still has all the paperwork from them with some information about other programs she is going to give him to see if any of them can step in to help.

Mom offered us both to sit with her when she comes home if he needs to go to the store or a doctor appointment. She also offered to help him clean a couple times a week. It is the right thing to do. Jonah helped us in the past. When our lawnmower was broke or when we did not have time to step outside with grandma he would mow our grass when he mowed his.

I just have to pray that his son does not have a panic attack or a meltdown with us.

 

[featherhead007]

Getting thru that 1st year is stressful. I'm always so glad when our birds get to maturity to get pecking orders & alpha status established. Every flock, every bird, so different!

When we had 3 Dominique hens they protected Silkie Violet from aggressive Cuckoo Breda Char who was a very large heavy bird compared to little 2.5-lb Violet. We eventually lost 2 Dominique hens ~ the one remaining Dominique Dana protected Violet from Char but it was just too stressful for Dana & Violet and us!

At 4-1/2 yrs old we finally rehomed Char w/our rescue friend ~ we gave Char the chance to be a good hen but she was just too big & mean towards Silkes. From this experience DH & I made the decision to turn our backyard flock into a Silkies-only flock.

Luckily Dominique Dana is a kind alpha towards Silkies so we keep her. Just yesterday Dana went face-to-face w/ a feral cat who dared to creep up on her! DH went out to intervene but the feral was already scared from Dana. I love cats cuz they have the good sense to fear chickens but dogs I don't trust that they would back off from a good scrap.

Dana & Violet ~ down to a 2-chicken flock 2020
View attachment 3987066

Today ~ a 6-chicken flock of 5 Silkies & Dana
View attachment 3987067

I see one chicken and five feather dusters without any handles.

 

[featherhead007]

The hormonal idiocy phase is a lesson in patience. At least with chickens it's only about a year long. In humans, it's roughly 10-13 years long depending upon when the start, when they exit, gender, and how many others they're with at any given moment.

I’m learning patience from being the leader - manager of the gardening and lawn care business.
Some of my employees are very challenging at times. The upper boss says they are my responsibility to manage and he doesn’t interfere with my business decisions. My church has voted me in (even with my health issues) to be their manager of yard maintenance and plumbing issues.
Rant over.
Because of the hawk that flew into the yard hunting sparrows, they are under the woodwork table
Tax

 

[TOMTE]

I just have to pray that his son does not have a panic attack or a meltdown with us.

Speaking as an autistic person— ask him beforehand if there's anything you can do to help him if he gets anxious. Tell him not to be embarrassed, that you're there to help however you can. He's going through a very hard time right now, I'm sure. He might just need a quiet room to freak out in, if it comes to it.

I have a weighted blanket that I wrap myself in when I'm overstimulated, the pressure on my body makes me feel safe and secure. He might have something like that. If he's anything like me, he'll love talking non stop about his interests, if you can get him to open up.

 

[featherhead007]

Hi everyone.

I think me and mom opened up a can of worms yesterday that there is no escaping from inadvertently.

I love this set of neighbors, they live right in front of us. They have been here for almost 13 years and have always been very nice and helpful if needed.

They both are middle 50s and they have a early to mid 20s son. I'm really not sure on his exact age. The son has Autism and something else. He is verbal but very shy and soft spoken, but from what little I have gotten him to talk to me you could tell he is very smart.

The last 2 years both parents have had both of their health decline pretty bad and in the last year the wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The disease is advancing rapidly and is also affecting her mind. The last month they have had to call 911 for her at least a dozen times if not more. Her husband did reach out to me asking if I would sit and stay with her a few weeks ago when he had to go to the store. I told him yes but then never heard nothing else from them.

Yesterday when we got home from hunting once again the ambulance was in front of their house with her already loaded up. He was a wreck and asked if their son could stay with us this time if he would agree to it. He figured he would stay with us as he likes CeeCee and is not afraid of us. So we said yes and to his amazement his son agreed. He has refused and had a meltdown when asked to stay with a few different neighbors. He told us when it got close to dark he would probably want to go home and was apologizing saying his house was a mess and embarrassed to say there were a few bugs but was waiting on the landlord to sent out the pest control guy.

His son happily came over, sat in the recliner with CeeCee beside him, Keeper in his lap and watched cartoons. I fixed lunch and after we ate he wanted to go home so we went. We told him we would help his dad out and clean a little bit if he showed us what needed done and wanted us to do. I found out very quickly he has a routine, and things have to be done in a certain order or way or he gets anxious. He asked us to help by vacuuming the living room and sweeping and mopping the kitchen, dining and laundry room. We also did 2 loads of laundry for them. He also let me do the one sink full of dishes. I had to wash them in a strict order but he helped me dry them and put them away. When it got dark every door had to be locked, and all the dead bolts locked and every light turned on. He is terrified of the dark. I have saw meltdowns from him in the past and they all stemmed from the power being out at night. Yes I prayed the entire time that the transformer would not blow as it likes to do about twice a year.

His dad finally got home around 11 last night. They kept her for observation and more tests today. They think she had a mini stroke. He broke down. He is exhausted, in poor health himself, not sleeping and is like us. He needs help but because she is not terminal is struggling to find options to help him. I remember the struggles with grandma until we were blessed when hospice was finally able to step in. Those ladies were a godsend I promise. Mom still has all the paperwork from them with some information about other programs she is going to give him to see if any of them can step in to help.

Mom offered us both to sit with her when she comes home if he needs to go to the store or a doctor appointment. She also offered to help him clean a couple times a week. It is the right thing to do. Jonah helped us in the past. When our lawnmower was broke or when we did not have time to step outside with grandma he would mow our grass when he mowed his.

I just have to pray that his son does not have a panic attack or a meltdown with us.

Poor kid doesn’t have any other choice, but to be honest with you, I think he is in the best place to be for now. I pray that you have the strength and patience to work through this

 

[SimpleJenn]

Hi everyone.

I think me and mom opened up a can of worms yesterday that there is no escaping from inadvertently.

I love this set of neighbors, they live right in front of us. They have been here for almost 13 years and have always been very nice and helpful if needed.

They both are middle 50s and they have a early to mid 20s son. I'm really not sure on his exact age. The son has Autism and something else. He is verbal but very shy and soft spoken, but from what little I have gotten him to talk to me you could tell he is very smart.

The last 2 years both parents have had both of their health decline pretty bad and in the last year the wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The disease is advancing rapidly and is also affecting her mind. The last month they have had to call 911 for her at least a dozen times if not more. Her husband did reach out to me asking if I would sit and stay with her a few weeks ago when he had to go to the store. I told him yes but then never heard nothing else from them.

Yesterday when we got home from hunting once again the ambulance was in front of their house with her already loaded up. He was a wreck and asked if their son could stay with us this time if he would agree to it. He figured he would stay with us as he likes CeeCee and is not afraid of us. So we said yes and to his amazement his son agreed. He has refused and had a meltdown when asked to stay with a few different neighbors. He told us when it got close to dark he would probably want to go home and was apologizing saying his house was a mess and embarrassed to say there were a few bugs but was waiting on the landlord to sent out the pest control guy.

His son happily came over, sat in the recliner with CeeCee beside him, Keeper in his lap and watched cartoons. I fixed lunch and after we ate he wanted to go home so we went. We told him we would help his dad out and clean a little bit if he showed us what needed done and wanted us to do. I found out very quickly he has a routine, and things have to be done in a certain order or way or he gets anxious. He asked us to help by vacuuming the living room and sweeping and mopping the kitchen, dining and laundry room. We also did 2 loads of laundry for them. He also let me do the one sink full of dishes. I had to wash them in a strict order but he helped me dry them and put them away. When it got dark every door had to be locked, and all the dead bolts locked and every light turned on. He is terrified of the dark. I have saw meltdowns from him in the past and they all stemmed from the power being out at night. Yes I prayed the entire time that the transformer would not blow as it likes to do about twice a year.

His dad finally got home around 11 last night. They kept her for observation and more tests today. They think she had a mini stroke. He broke down. He is exhausted, in poor health himself, not sleeping and is like us. He needs help but because she is not terminal is struggling to find options to help him. I remember the struggles with grandma until we were blessed when hospice was finally able to step in. Those ladies were a godsend I promise. Mom still has all the paperwork from them with some information about other programs she is going to give him to see if any of them can step in to help.

Mom offered us both to sit with her when she comes home if he needs to go to the store or a doctor appointment. She also offered to help him clean a couple times a week. It is the right thing to do. Jonah helped us in the past. When our lawnmower was broke or when we did not have time to step outside with grandma he would mow our grass when he mowed his.

I just have to pray that his son does not have a panic attack or a meltdown with us.

Thank you so much for helping. I have family with varying support needs of Autism and any interruption is so stressful. Sounds like he really trusts you though, that's good

I second a weighted blanket or lap pad if he has access to one, maybe some fidgety things? My cousin has a couple little things he will go off and play with if he starts to feel overwhelmed.

 

[Ponypoor]

Some waddles for ya, Cholo showing his stuffView attachment 3987127

So nice to see Cholo

 

[Ponypoor]

Hi everyone.

I think me and mom opened up a can of worms yesterday that there is no escaping from inadvertently.

I love this set of neighbors, they live right in front of us. They have been here for almost 13 years and have always been very nice and helpful if needed.

They both are middle 50s and they have a early to mid 20s son. I'm really not sure on his exact age. The son has Autism and something else. He is verbal but very shy and soft spoken, but from what little I have gotten him to talk to me you could tell he is very smart.

The last 2 years both parents have had both of their health decline pretty bad and in the last year the wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The disease is advancing rapidly and is also affecting her mind. The last month they have had to call 911 for her at least a dozen times if not more. Her husband did reach out to me asking if I would sit and stay with her a few weeks ago when he had to go to the store. I told him yes but then never heard nothing else from them.

Yesterday when we got home from hunting once again the ambulance was in front of their house with her already loaded up. He was a wreck and asked if their son could stay with us this time if he would agree to it. He figured he would stay with us as he likes CeeCee and is not afraid of us. So we said yes and to his amazement his son agreed. He has refused and had a meltdown when asked to stay with a few different neighbors. He told us when it got close to dark he would probably want to go home and was apologizing saying his house was a mess and embarrassed to say there were a few bugs but was waiting on the landlord to sent out the pest control guy.

His son happily came over, sat in the recliner with CeeCee beside him, Keeper in his lap and watched cartoons. I fixed lunch and after we ate he wanted to go home so we went. We told him we would help his dad out and clean a little bit if he showed us what needed done and wanted us to do. I found out very quickly he has a routine, and things have to be done in a certain order or way or he gets anxious. He asked us to help by vacuuming the living room and sweeping and mopping the kitchen, dining and laundry room. We also did 2 loads of laundry for them. He also let me do the one sink full of dishes. I had to wash them in a strict order but he helped me dry them and put them away. When it got dark every door had to be locked, and all the dead bolts locked and every light turned on. He is terrified of the dark. I have saw meltdowns from him in the past and they all stemmed from the power being out at night. Yes I prayed the entire time that the transformer would not blow as it likes to do about twice a year.

His dad finally got home around 11 last night. They kept her for observation and more tests today. They think she had a mini stroke. He broke down. He is exhausted, in poor health himself, not sleeping and is like us. He needs help but because she is not terminal is struggling to find options to help him. I remember the struggles with grandma until we were blessed when hospice was finally able to step in. Those ladies were a godsend I promise. Mom still has all the paperwork from them with some information about other programs she is going to give him to see if any of them can step in to help.

Mom offered us both to sit with her when she comes home if he needs to go to the store or a doctor appointment. She also offered to help him clean a couple times a week. It is the right thing to do. Jonah helped us in the past. When our lawnmower was broke or when we did not have time to step outside with grandma he would mow our grass when he mowed his.

I just have to pray that his son does not have a panic attack or a meltdown with us.

A beautiful thing you and your mum are doing.

If he does have a ‘melt down’, like a young horse let him tire himself out, then a quiet offer of a snack or treat should reset his ‘compass’.

But do not let yourself be in any danger.

And lastly if a sore point is lights then have a flashlight or other torch handy.

Sending hugs and well wishes to all of you

 

[Ponypoor]

Speaking as an autistic person— ask him beforehand if there's anything you can do to help him if he gets anxious. Tell him not to be embarrassed, that you're there to help however you can. He's going through a very hard time right now, I'm sure. He might just need a quiet room to freak out in, if it comes to it.

I have a weighted blanket that I wrap myself in when I'm overstimulated, the pressure on my body makes me feel safe and secure. He might have something like that. If he's anything like me, he'll love talking non stop about his interests, if you can get him to open up.

Well put. Thank you for your thoughtful insight and suggestions

As a Nurse having dealt with people who are struggling I alway sit quietly and wait until they are ready to talk or interact with me. People and animals are not so different I have found. Most I have learnt about people I have learnt from dealing with my horses!

No drama, quiet, calm, and treats - we all love treats no matter who we are!