Hector's World: Adventures and Mayhem at Mountain View Poultry (or Sequel to The Evolution of Atlas

[getaclue]

Ok, got it. I thought you had said that Hector was injuring the ladies. Well, you could try putting Jill in chicken jail, in a dog crate inside their coop, for a few days, to see if that might help with the bullying, and change the dynamics some. I had to do that with a hen once. It took 2 attempts, 3 days the first time, and 4 days the second time, but after the second jail sentence, she caught on. I was prepared to go longer, had she not learned her lesson, but she did learn, and while she was the alpha hen, she was never truly mean ever again. I know it doesn't always work, but it might be worth a try.

 

[speckledhen]

It's possible Hector could have done it, but my money is probably on Maddie's mama, Jill. Thea is the head hen. Jill is just crotchety for some reason. She doesn't like to be picked up while Thea is a big baby, sweet as she can be, and not mean to the newbies.

 

[getaclue]

Putting Jill in chicken jail for a few days shouldn't hurt her, and may do wonders for her attitude. Like I said, I did this with one of mine. It didn't work the first time, 3 days, but I put her right back in chicken jail, for 4 more days, and after that, she changed her behavior. I used a big dog crate, and put her in the same coop with her flock mates. It's worth a try, if she stops bloodying up her flockmates.

 

[speckledhen]

Part of the problem is that they are in one of the 5x8 pens and the weather has not been conducive to them getting outside much at all lately. So, close quarters are probably contributing to Jill's bad mood and probably not doing much for Mr. Energetic, either.

 

[1muttsfan]

Cabin fever. We've all got it pretty bad up here, I have a feeling it's going to be a long time before our snow is gone this year.

 

[speckledhen]

Goober Alert! Click pics for EXTREME Goober Closeup!
Hector loves to pose for the pasture game camera! And he noticed it was doing something, smart guy. Mary, here's your boy!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Look at those wattles. He's such a good looking boy.

 

[1muttsfan]

Here is a handsome lad.

Hi Cheryl, how's the snow over your way? Ground in St. Ignace is still completely covered with about a foot-and-a-half of snow, except for what the sun has melted where the wind blew the snow away

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here is a handsome lad.

Hi Cheryl, how's the snow over your way? Ground in St. Ignace is still completely covered with about a foot-and-a-half of snow, except for what the sun has melted where the wind blew the snow away

I'm Lisa. Cheryl is getaclue I believe. It's okay. It's hard to keep everyone's name straight for me too. Unless you were actually talking to Cheryl?

All our snow is finally gone, for now. Frost is coming out of the ground too. I think I'd be mad if we get snow again, but I know I can't count it out yet. Maybe by July. I can't imagine still having a foot worth of snow to melt off.

 

[1muttsfan]

Yes Lisa I meant you, Jeez reminds me of my dad he used to call all us girls by each other's names.