My alpha hen, Churkey (Delaware mix raising 3 EE chicks), did the strangest thing yesterday. She actually started growling!!! She stood real tall and was growling very loudly. All 3 EE chicks and my 4 23 wk old pullets immediately went to the brushpile to hide. Churkey continued this behavior out in the open, until, sure enough a huge hawk flew out of the woods about 30 yards away and left the area.
I was amazed!
I had never seen a hawk that big on our property, although I figured they were around. Churkey seemed almost to be daring the hawk to come get a beating.
After the hawk was gone, Churkey started dancing around clucking and all the chickens followed her to the coop area where I guess they felt safer...
In the absence of a rooster, my alpha hen, scared off a huge hawk all by herself. I just couldn't believe it. She has got one hell of a chip on her shoulder. Neither the cat nor dog will go near her either.
I was so proud of her protecting the whole flock, not just her babies. Amazing!
I was amazed!
After the hawk was gone, Churkey started dancing around clucking and all the chickens followed her to the coop area where I guess they felt safer...
In the absence of a rooster, my alpha hen, scared off a huge hawk all by herself. I just couldn't believe it. She has got one hell of a chip on her shoulder. Neither the cat nor dog will go near her either.
I was so proud of her protecting the whole flock, not just her babies. Amazing!
