Ribh's D'Coopage

[Shadrach]

No~ but I'm about to. Thanks, Sad!

It's easy to get distracted by the weight advantage.
For a better insight concentrate of the successful encounters part. It helps explain how the second in command behaves and some of the behavior of the most senior hen.
The breeders here tend to let their second in commands do the sitting and hatching. Because the second in command has more disputes with the rest of the flock; the senior hens strategy is to let the second in command do her fighting for her (yup, they go on management course for it ) the second in command has least problems with the rest of the group while broody.

 

[Ribh]

Have you read this Ribh?
https://brill.com/view/journals/beh/137/6/article-p705_3.xml

If I have understood this correctly it bears out my observations, though in more specific , scientific, language. Those I identified as more dominant: BAs & BRs are bigger, heavier birds & they caused all the trouble in my last integration. This time 1 of my BRs is broody so her mind is a little pre~occupied. The other is quite light for her size. The rest of my flock is pretty placid by nature & the new girls are small & light so no threat to anyone in the hierarchy.

 

[Ribh]

It's easy to get distracted by the weight advantage.
For a better insight concentrate of the successful encounters part. It helps explain how the second in command behaves and some of the behavior of the most senior hen.
The breeders here tend to let their second in commands do the sitting and hatching. Because the second in command has more disputes with the rest of the flock; the senior hens strategy is to let the second in command do her fighting for her (yup, they go on management course for it ) the second in command has least problems with the rest of the group while broody.

My senior hen is broody. Has been for a while. I'm about to do something about that now the little coop is free again & the torrential downpour has stopped. My 2nd doesn't really like the responsibility & is prone to go broody on me @ the drop of a hat. My 3rd is a big calm FavorelleX who is really fair & sensible & in many ways actually runs the flock. She keeps the trouble makers in line & protects the weaker/younger birds.

 

[Shadrach]

If I have understood this correctly it bears out my observations, though in more specific , scientific, language. Those I identified as more dominant: BAs & BRs are bigger, heavier birds & they caused all the trouble in my last integration. This time 1 of my BRs is broody so her mind is a little pre~occupied. The other is quite light for her size. The rest of my flock is pretty placid by nature & the new girls are small & light so no threat to anyone in the hierarchy.

What has been interesting here is this doesn't quite work tribe to tribe. The seniority of a hen in another tribe seems irrelevant when it comes to disputes.

 

[Ribh]

What has been interesting here is this doesn't quite work tribe to tribe. The seniority of a hen in another tribe seems irrelevant when it comes to disputes.

Yes. I saw this last night with Morrigu, who has been senior hen with the youngsters & certainly thought herself entitled to a top roost last night. The girls were having none of it & she got a good pecking.

 

[BY Bob]

Sometimes you can be lucky.
I let my first lot of layers back into the coop.
Next thing I know everyone is lined up to get back in.
I was a bit hesitant but here they are, all calm & peaceful. Everyone is happy. Everyone has found a happy place to be.
View attachment 2029738​

WOW! You are off yo a flying start.

 

[BY Bob]

It was Ducati for me. I've owned to cars in my life. All the rest of my transport has been motorbikes or trucks.

I had a motorcycle when I was in the Navy. I really liked that bike.

 

[BY Bob]

Me too! I sort of expected worse so I'm really happy.

It is early, but this is really good.

 

[BY Bob]

I thought Ducatis were bikes.

They are.

 

[pspatbyc]

Thanks, Bob. You have much more sedate birds so I'm sure your integration will be very calm whereas I can pretty much guarantee the Campines will do nothing they should. Until they calm down somewhat around me it will be fun & games.

maybe a little prozak in their water LOL might help