Yesterday the wife and I converted our 8'x4' run into an outdoor brooder for our five fast growing 5 week old Jersey Giant chicks. Our BR's and Lavender Orps are now free ranging all day and don't need the run so we thought the little ones would like it more than the 3.5x2 box they are normally in.
As will happen, the older chooks noticed the babies after an hour or so and began pacing the fence of the run. The little ones were pretty intimidated of course and would run from one end of the run to the other to stay away from them..... UNTIL....
Treat time.
I brought out some chopped cabbage for everyone and even dropped some into the run for the JG's. My BR rooster Dave was none too pleased with that and set to making a fuss. One of the blue JG's (I am thinking it is a roo, but it is a bit early) comes near the fence to get a chunk of cabbage and Dave tried to peck him though the wire. Instead of running, this little fella rose up and flared his hackles and fired right back before Dave could get away from the fence. Sure enough, one small barred feather floated down to the ground and Dave made a noise that I think he is still ashamed of this morning.
Dave was STEAMED!! He paced around that run for 15 minutes, clucking and shaking his head. And that little fella stood tall, stretching out his neck, almost willing himself to be as tall as that big ol' bully on the other side, all the while staring him down.
I wish I'd had my camera out for some video because it was the funniest thing I have seen since Dave beat up my wife's stupid little dog.
I think it put Dave in a bad mood though, because he took a shot at me when I was putting him up for the night. He didn't connect, but I did. I think he understands the pecking order now.
As will happen, the older chooks noticed the babies after an hour or so and began pacing the fence of the run. The little ones were pretty intimidated of course and would run from one end of the run to the other to stay away from them..... UNTIL....
Treat time.
I brought out some chopped cabbage for everyone and even dropped some into the run for the JG's. My BR rooster Dave was none too pleased with that and set to making a fuss. One of the blue JG's (I am thinking it is a roo, but it is a bit early) comes near the fence to get a chunk of cabbage and Dave tried to peck him though the wire. Instead of running, this little fella rose up and flared his hackles and fired right back before Dave could get away from the fence. Sure enough, one small barred feather floated down to the ground and Dave made a noise that I think he is still ashamed of this morning.
Dave was STEAMED!! He paced around that run for 15 minutes, clucking and shaking his head. And that little fella stood tall, stretching out his neck, almost willing himself to be as tall as that big ol' bully on the other side, all the while staring him down.
I wish I'd had my camera out for some video because it was the funniest thing I have seen since Dave beat up my wife's stupid little dog.
I think it put Dave in a bad mood though, because he took a shot at me when I was putting him up for the night. He didn't connect, but I did. I think he understands the pecking order now.
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