Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

Possibly upheaval in the pecking order here. Little was always the top hen, but I never really saw any enforcemnet drama. While I was gone, my chicken sitter said that "one of the black chickens has been sleeping in the nest box." I said that was ok, since molting makes it uncomfortable for them to snuggle up. I saw it was Little when I got home.

But Little is done molting. So I blocked off the nest box. The first night, I thought she was on the roost. Now she is hunkering down next to the nestbox, alone.

Tonight, two of the Bielefelders were on the roost, and the other three pullets were on the other roosts.

I feel sad for Little. I am not sure who is taking over, though it wouldn't surprise me if it is Robin. (Who still hasn't laid an egg.) I have seen her acting a bit "in charge" at times, chasing other pullets and pecking them at times.

Can you add another roost so she has a place to sleep (other than a nest box?)

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

Can you add another roost so she has a place to sleep (other than a nest box?)

Good idea. I got a new roost for my Storm Chickens when they were getting established.

 

[bgmathteach]

These birds.... I don't get it! Stormfeather and Ijak usually get along nicely, no impromptu squabbles or kerfuffles-EXCEPT when Stormfeather does his little rooster dance (That looks like a bunny with feathers hopping around). Ijak will chase him into the next desert when he does that. I don't know why!!!

My response: Sorry it ended up in a box....

Ijak doesn't want Stormfeather taking any of his hens away. Stormfeather's 'dance' is to either herd the hen or to 'entice' her - either way, Ijak sees that as Stormfeather trying to take his hen, and he will fight him to keep her/them.

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

My response: Sorry it ended up in a box....

I see...
I have a second question. He has 7 pullets that he can try and entice. Why the older hens?

 

[Ponypoor]

These birds.... I don't get it! Stormfeather and Ijak usually get along nicely, no impromptu squabbles or kerfuffles-EXCEPT when Stormfeather does his little rooster dance (That looks like a bunny with feathers hopping around). Ijak will chase him into the next desert when he does that. I don't know why!!!

Ijak is boss and wants to make sure Storm-f knows this. Poor wee fella tough lessons to learn.

SHRA Tax

Hahaha I love how the one chick is poking from her armpit

 

[Ponypoor]

Why would she squat for you when she has Mr. Pompeii?

Hahahaha - true!

Now show us the eggs sister!

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

Ijak is boss and wants to make sure Storm-f knows this. Poor wee fella tough lessons to learn.

SHRA Tax

Hahaha I love how the one chick is poking from her armpit

View attachment 3692958

The chick under the armpit was saying, "Hey wait for me! I want food too!"

 

[Ponypoor]

The chick under the armpit was saying, "Hey wait for me! I want food too!"

I love when they start jumping on mama - I can see this happening soon. They are very feisty.

 

[Ponypoor]

Photo caption contest is back

Thread 'Official BYC Caption Contest 11-24-23 Pic by Saving Grace'
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...contest-11-24-23-pic-by-saving-grace.1605069/

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

I love when they start jumping on mama - I can see this happening soon. They are very feisty.

Reminds me so much of these two-I love seeing mama hens and their chicks!