The Sentinel
There she stands like a Sentinel. Guardian of a flock that is not hers to rule. Yet she does it gladly with no recompense. The lives of her fellow flock-mates subject to her wariness, her keen eyes and ears. Let trouble arrive and she will sound the alarm. All will speed to safety.
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Have you ever noticed in your all hen flocks that one lady always seems a little more vigilant than the others? In flocks without roosters one hen will assume the position of Sentinel for the flock. It is never the Alpha hen and typically is #2 in the pecking order. In my flock Hattie (my #2) has the job, as you can see from above photo.
I dont know if it is an elected position, appointed by the Alpha hen, or if she just decides to take on the role. I do love the mental picture of hens campaigning for the job, debates and all.
It is much easier to see when they are free ranging in the open. For years in my flock of 3 I just thought Patsy was more wary than the others but she was their Sentinel. While Jabber was running the flock that was his job and the hens concentrated on foraging when they were out. When he left and Patsy took over again, Hattie was Sentinel even though she was #3 hen. I guess Lilly did not want the job.
Watch your flocks and tell me who your sentinels are. Post pictures of them on duty if you can. They deserve some special attention for all the work they do for the others.
