I had what started out as a very sweet moment in the coop this afternoon. There was a tussle over the top nest box (there are usually 3 on top, but I need to hose a couple out, so there was only one today) and finally, my super-meek Ancona, Rangi laid claim to it while the two other hens fighting for it, Maggie and Marama, were distracted by each other. Rangi started to nest when my golden Sebright, Rosie, flew up and stood at the opening of the nest. I was cleaning the coop at the time and not paying much attention to them, but I noticed a small sound, and turned around to see that Rosie was looking into the nest that Rangi was sitting in and making these soft, soothing clucking noises while Rangi worked.

It was so sweet!
Not long after that, Rosie left to go eat, and Maggie came back to harass Rangi and lay claim to the nest she was in. Once again, I was cleaning the coop and not paying attention, but the next thing I knew, Rosie had flown back up to the top row of nests and actually chased Maggie away from the nest! Little tiny bantam Rosie stopped large fowl EE Maggie from harassing Rangi on her nest! I couldn't believe it!
So then, I went over and started hugging on Rosie and praising her for being such a good midwife, when Rangi got up, jumped forward and nabbed poor Rosie on the back of the head.

The ingrate! Sweet moment over. Rosie got lots of hugs from me after that. Poor little sweetie.