Ivy wanted to come into the yard, so she's out roaming, eating bugs and picking at the grass a bit. That woman is so darn tough, even in her terminal condition, she walked up to Suede's screen door and faced off with Dusty! I could not believe that she would puff up and get in anyone's face, as weak as she is. She's moving slower than any turtle I've ever seen. Tom says she's the queen of this flock and is still showing it. I do think it's true, that she became head hen after Violet died. Her color goes in and out and she's hanging on longer than either of us expected. Amazing fortitude she has!
Observation I've made in my flock since I know each one very well and spend so much time with them: when the first head hen, Ruby, was dying, Violet stood guard over her, then we were fairly certain that she became head hen. When Violet was dying, Ivy stood guard over her, and we were positive she became head hen. It seems like they are passing the torch to the next queen. I'm not sure if that means Lexie will be head hen or if she is just there because she and Ivy grew up together and had no one else till they were old enough to join the flock, but could very well be. Lexie is a tough cookie as well, though she is small for a standard BR hen.