My chickens are so much fun, and they're always doing new stuff (I'm still new enough to this!) that make me laugh or wonder.
Lately my drakes have become VERY aggressive, and will attack anything that moves. The kitten also thinks it's a great game to stalk anything that moves. So between them I have to keep busy when I let the chickens free range in the evenings.
When a drake comes in to bite a chicken, I will raise my arms and chase after him and yell, which makes them run away. The kitten gets the same treatment (although he enjoys the game and I think I'm only reinforcing him!).
After a few days of this, I started noticing that the girls have also gotten into the game. Sometimes when I chase the drakes, the chickens will all stream out behind me and join in the chase. Sometimes, I don't notice the drake sneaking up (or the kitten) and the chickens get there first ... there are a few now that run up to the invader and peck before they are attacked. I think the drakes and the kitten are now learning a new respect for chickens!
I just got a kick out of that ... and it makes my job easier too!
trish
Lately my drakes have become VERY aggressive, and will attack anything that moves. The kitten also thinks it's a great game to stalk anything that moves. So between them I have to keep busy when I let the chickens free range in the evenings.
When a drake comes in to bite a chicken, I will raise my arms and chase after him and yell, which makes them run away. The kitten gets the same treatment (although he enjoys the game and I think I'm only reinforcing him!).
After a few days of this, I started noticing that the girls have also gotten into the game. Sometimes when I chase the drakes, the chickens will all stream out behind me and join in the chase. Sometimes, I don't notice the drake sneaking up (or the kitten) and the chickens get there first ... there are a few now that run up to the invader and peck before they are attacked. I think the drakes and the kitten are now learning a new respect for chickens!
I just got a kick out of that ... and it makes my job easier too!
trish