Can we say jealous?

[Ravishaw]

Last week something odd happened. I noticed that my smallest RIR stopped jumping on my leg when I'd bring out treats. One of the bigger ones would jump up instead. My EE would always jump up and stare at me, with their little furry beards sticking out before diving in to whatever goods I'd brought.

This RIR though is jealous of my 3rd RIR hen. Whenever I picked up the 3rd, or dabbled around her too much, this hen would peck her. I know it's a dominant ladder kind of thing but she would not do it until I was around...

This morning I picked her up again, (the 3rd hen), and played with her for a bit, gave her scritches and set her down. This jealous RIR came running from across the yard and jumped on this one's back and started pecking her. I was a bit surprised and picked up this jealous hen and put her in a time out (upside down 5gal bucket). After 2 mins I let her out and she seemed pretty normal and didn't go after the 3rd hen...

I just wonder sometimes if my hens are territorial.

My EEs are just a bunch of goofy gangly gals. But I love watching them!

 

[chicmom]

Oh, isn't that something. I do think that's a pecking order thing. I would just give the one hen her affection/attention, then watch for the other before I sat her down....stop the pecking before it happens. Just kind of stay near the one hen, and when the agressive one comes over to attack, you give her a poke, or kind of shoo her off. That's your way of saying, "Hey, I'M the top dog, and this little hen is MINE, so buzz off!"

 

[theoldchick]

Pecking order within the flock is jealously guarded by the top hen!

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

that sounds like my dogs actually....animals are so amusing..