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My co-broodies this year are getting special leg bands because the one silver phoenix hen as done this twice and I know she accepts older chicks pretty readily. Shes my oldest silver phoenix hen. The one I named Star. If they can reliably keep doing this they may get a pen of their own just for hatching and raising chicks. Would have to be to the side of their permanent home pen so integration is still easy.
That's a good idea! I let mine brood in the pen with their flocks, but fence them off for the first few weeks just to be safe. They integrate pretty easily afterward!
She definitely is rotten. Maybe the other people didn't interact with her enough? I went out to feed them and she's actually keeping track of me because she already knows I provide the food. The little blue one is buddies with her, so I guess she's got her place for now.
It's very likely that a lack of much handling would do that. I suspect that's why the birds I've gotten in the past that were fully grown when I got them were sketchy. My original OEGB pair was like that, but their offspring are such lovely little birdies with me.

When I watched the vid, Cheddar was literally on his back at one point. I felt bad for him, but they seem fine rn. We are going out of town for the weekend. I just hope they behave.
I watched yesterday and Cheddar is a fence fighter. He antagonizes Rebel when Rebel is on the duck's side. Rebel usually sits up on the fence divider. Since he can get anywhere in the run, he can pick a fight any day he chooses. But, usually he chooses peace.
But, I don't think Cheddar expected Rebel to have had enough.
This was probably Cheddar the day before -
View attachment 3866902
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Oh my goodness!!


Also, if I had to get rid of one of them, Cheddar would be chosen. Although he's never done anything to me. He's just not that interested in me either. Rebel comes and talks to me, pinches me when I don't give him a treat fast enough, and when I picked him up to check on him - he leaned into me - like a hug of sorts.
OK, I know he wasn't hugging me... but we have more of a bond.
I had a hen who would sit in your lap (and I mean the general 'you' because she did this with pretty much anyone) and press her chest into yours with one or both of her wings out a ways like she was hugging. Like you, I know it wasn't really a hug, but it sure felt like it.


Excited to see how this all unfolds.![]()
So far so good today!! Picture coming soon
