Integrating a cockerel into a flock of mature hens

[speckledhen]

I guess time will tell. Sounds on the surface like he really just loves your company. Just standing there is not necessarily boundary-testing, but he does need to move aside when you walk "through" him, through his space. He seems to like to be around you and maybe that is as simple as it is. I hope so! My own late Isaac was affectionate with me and liked to sit in my lap in the hammock so it's possible. And he was a full-grown rooster, not a cockerel, either.

 

[islandgirl82]

When I went back out a few minutes ago, he moved out of my way without any hesitation. He did take interest in the little brass pieces on the ends of the waist ties of my skirt earlier in the day so he may have been more focused on those when he just stood there than I could tell from my bird's eye view in that moment. Fingers crossed that's all it was anyway.

 

[islandgirl82]

The hen that was on my lap doesn't typically join me on the bench. She'll let me hold her and she'll get up there but she's not usually the first one, nor has she just voluntarily climbed on me like that before (she's one of the new girls). The weather has been funny all day too; like it can't decide whether to be sunny or to let the skies open in a raging thunderstorm. It's been lingering in the threshold all day. Maybe that has something to do with the peculiar chicken behavior.

 

[speckledhen]

The hen that was on my lap doesn't typically join me on the bench. She'll let me hold her and she'll get up there but she's not usually the first one, nor has she just voluntarily climbed on me like that before (she's one of the new girls). The weather has been funny all day too; like it can't decide whether to be sunny or to let the skies open in a raging thunderstorm. It's been lingering in the threshold all day. Maybe that has something to do with the peculiar chicken behavior.

Sounds like our weather for the last month. It's frustrating, not knowing whether to put them inside or let the barn stay open. When we have something on radar, we get no rain. When there's nothing all day, BOOM! Sudden storm pops up. I hate summer afternoon stuff. I'm ready for fall.

Love the picture of him with the water in the distance, I meant to tell you, Heather.

 

[islandgirl82]

Thank you.

Though they have full access to the coop to escape the inclement weather, they inevitably prefer to take cover on my front porch...much to my dismay.


(earlier this summer)

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you.

Though they have full access to the coop to escape the inclement weather, they inevitably prefer to take cover on my front porch...much to my dismay.


(earlier this summer)

Well, of course! Wouldn't you? Beautiful view, who wouldn't want to sit there?

 

[islandgirl82]

I don't mind them being there so much....it's the clean up. Nothing like having to pressure wash your outdoor dining area before you can serve dinner or a nice Sunday brunch. Every. Time. *sigh*

They really just like to hang out there so they can stare at us through the windows - the house might as well be a fishbowl. It has nothing to do with escaping the rain, wind and snow for them. They're just nosey. hahaha. It's like chicken tv...in reverse.

 

[limited25]

They really just like to hang out there so they can stare at us through the windows - the house might as well be a fishbowl. It has nothing to do with escaping the rain, wind and snow for them. They're just nosey. hahaha. It's like chicken tv...in reverse.

 

[islandgirl82]

Ichabod spent some more time getting to know the big guy today.

 

[aart]

Ichabod looks fierce...that dog is the bomb.