Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Scrambles83]

Once a day is fine. No need to take her out a second time

Thanks guys!

 

[BY Bob]

I like this plan Bob.

It gives them enough autonomy to make their own decisions while still nudging them in the direction you want them to go.

It feels like a reasonable compromise to me to.

I'll list out what I considered for everyone as well as why I'm doing what I decided to do.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I really don't think I'm much help. This is a problem of long standing due to how the tribe has evolved over time & it was never going to be a quick or easy fix. On the plus side, as others have mentioned, Phyllis is no longer bottom & the other 2 have each other. Also, Shad may have ideas about this too, I don't think the so called *pecking order* is as rigid as some people make out. There is often a lot of mutal tolerance & help & flux within a group & I'm wondering if we are starting to see this with Phyllis & the Bigger group. You have a lot of strong personalities; I just have dingbats. That means there is more competition but not necessarily antagionism though it may look ugly from the outside. I say this because of the choices Phyllis is making. If they really were making her life intolerable, or she felt they were, she would not be choosing to roost with them @ all or hang with them. I suspect a subtext we've all missed is @ play here. I really wish I could spend a day observing your girls. I find their interactions fascinating.

So basically, trust the chickens!

 

[Ribh]

So basically, trust the chickens!

I'm not sure I'd trust Bob's lot but I do suspect their interactions are far more complex & complicated than we surmise & any keeper is part of that equation. This is why I think Bob will ultimately make the right call, whatever that is. He knows his tribe & each personality & will weigh that against his desired outcome.

 

[BY Bob]

I really don't think I'm much help. This is a problem of long standing due to how the tribe has evolved over time & it was never going to be a quick or easy fix. On the plus side, as others have mentioned, Phyllis is no longer bottom & the other 2 have each other. Also, Shad may have ideas about this too, I don't think the so called *pecking order* is as rigid as some people make out. There is often a lot of mutal tolerance & help & flux within a group & I'm wondering if we are starting to see this with Phyllis & the Bigger group. You have a lot of strong personalities; I just have dingbats. That means there is more competition but not necessarily antagionism though it may look ugly from the outside. I say this because of the choices Phyllis is making. If they really were making her life intolerable, or she felt they were, she would not be choosing to roost with them @ all or hang with them. I suspect a subtext we've all missed is @ play here. I really wish I could spend a day observing your girls. I find their interactions fascinating.

Consider this for a second.

Picture a typical teenager in high school. They are the outsider in a group of similarly aged teenagers. This typical teenager is given the opportunity to join a group of 3rd graders and be their leader or stay with the group of like aged students and remain an outcast.

Which would most teenagers choose?

This is the option I am giving Phyllis at this moment. It may just be too soon for her to switch any allegiance. She did not raise these chicks.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm not sure I'd trust Bob's lot but I do suspect their interactions are far more complex & complicated than we surmise & any keeper is part of that equation. This is why I think Bob will ultimately make the right call, whatever that is. He knows his tribe & each personality & will weigh that against his desired outcome.

You have such confidence in me. It really helps as I am considering my options. Thank you for saying this.

 

[Ribh]

Consider this for a second.

Picture a typical teenager in high school. They are the outsider in a group of similarly aged teenagers. This typical teenager is given the opportunity to join a group of 3rd graders and be their leader or stay with the group of like aged students and remain an outcast.

Which would most teenagers choose?

This is the option I am giving Phyllis at this moment. It may just be too soon for her to switch any allegiance. She did not raise these chicks.

I was that teenager! I don't think I'd give you the answer you're looking for!

 

[Ribh]

You have such confidence in me. It really helps as I am considering my options. Thank you for saying this.

I believe it's true. And you have strong independent ladies in your tribe. Getting them to agree requires huge amounts of tact & knowing each hen.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I'm not sure I'd trust Bob's lot but I do suspect their interactions are far more complex & complicated than we surmise & any keeper is part of that equation. This is why I think Bob will ultimately make the right call, whatever that is. He knows his tribe & each personality & will weigh that against his desired outcome.

I am thinking that no matter what sleeping arrangements the hens end up adopting, the goal of having “like-minded” chickens in the group with Phyllis will be realized. They are the same breed and share like characteristics and genetic traits.
Phyllis will not be the “black sheep” of the family.

 

[Ribh]

I am thinking that no matter what sleeping arrangements the hens end up adopting, the goal of having “like-minded” chickens in the group with Phyllis will be realized. They are the same breed and share like characteristics and genetic traits.
Phyllis will not be the “black sheep” of the family.

Yep. I think this is right. Just more moptops is a huge bonus in my book.