Luffa
Chirping
Our nine 13 w/o pullets are now in an outside hen house/run combo. Like many of them, there's a ramp that leads up to the hen house. We figured we'd probably have to pick up Martha Orpington every night and put her in, then take her out in the morning. The unfortunate girl has some sort of neurological affliction and has lousy balance among other things. She often falls over when walking so we knew she'd have trouble with the ramp.
For two nights and two mornings she got picked up and moved into and out of the hen house. Then, on day three, there she was inside at night! How'd that happen?
After a few days, we noticed that Marilyn Cochin was walking behind her on the ramp. She seemed to be steadying Martha and encouraging here. When the hen house was opened the next day, all the chickens rushed out except...Martha and Elizabeth Easter Egger. Martha popped her head out and hesitated, but Elizabeth was right behind her, seemingly supporting her.
It's now a regular thing with most of the other chickens taking turns helping Martha in and out. They all could easily shove by her or push her aside but haven't done it.
Am I hallucinating? Or are they really helping their impaired flock mate? I didn't think chickens were capable of something like this.
For two nights and two mornings she got picked up and moved into and out of the hen house. Then, on day three, there she was inside at night! How'd that happen?
After a few days, we noticed that Marilyn Cochin was walking behind her on the ramp. She seemed to be steadying Martha and encouraging here. When the hen house was opened the next day, all the chickens rushed out except...Martha and Elizabeth Easter Egger. Martha popped her head out and hesitated, but Elizabeth was right behind her, seemingly supporting her.
It's now a regular thing with most of the other chickens taking turns helping Martha in and out. They all could easily shove by her or push her aside but haven't done it.
Am I hallucinating? Or are they really helping their impaired flock mate? I didn't think chickens were capable of something like this.
