Ribh's D'Coopage

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MaryJanet said:
How's Alice settling in?
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Thanks for the "17" explanation MJ and Ribh :)

Alice is doing well thanks MJ. Pepper is my latest addition but I can't remember how to change the thingy under my signature so I haven't added her yet :( :p (Any pointers appreciated :))

Pepper seems to have adopted Edwina as her big sister and usually follows her around. All 5 of them hang out together preening under the Chinese lantern bush so, except for Tsuki's bullying and food aggression, they are behaving more like a single flock.

Also, the "old" girls are still roosting in in the old coop at night and the young ones in the new coop :hmm :confused:
 
Jeannie, here are some sunset pics from last night....
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Ribh said:
Oh, Nancy, do you really think so? That does not work for me! She is going to have to get over it!
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This very well could be... I think this is what is precisely wrong with Maryn... remember, she pecks my legs hard until I pick her up and hold her on my lap... or kick her! I just figured this out the other day that that is what she is... jealous! At least she takes it out on me and not the gals... Chickens be... what!?
 
Ribh said:
Oh, Nancy, do you really think so? That does not work for me! She is going to have to get over it!
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I am afraid that @drumstick diva is correct. This is what came to me as well last night. When judging behavior in an all hen flock it is important to remember that you are viewed as their rooster. You serve that role in their interactions.

Now roosters not only protect the flock but they also help to manage their interactions. In general he will not mess with the top leadership, alfa hen, etc. He will focus on the younger hens at the bottom of the pecking order. When he finds food and tidbits, they are the ones he is calling. The bottom of the pecking order needs his help to make certain they get enough food. In exchange they are the most receptive to his affections. They are also usually the youngest hens and subsequently the most fertile. Makes sense for propagation purposes.

This was clearly visible in my small flock as Hattie, 3rd in the pecking order, was really over mated by Jabber because she was willing.

You have been clearly demonstrating to the flock that you are their rooster by emulating this behavior with Lottie. Lottie is bottom of the pecking order and you have been giving her special food, tidbitting.

Your problem hen is likely acting out in order to get your attention. She is says, hey I'm at the bottom too, you should be taking care of me as well. The behavior likely does not occur when you are not present. She has made the decision that it is better to have everyone upset at me if that means I get preferential treatment by the rooster.

I would suggest that when you are out there, you bring something special for her as well. This should help calm her down. Her behavior likely will not change until you pay attention to her as well as Lottie.
 
rjohns39 said:
Jeannie, I wish I had some advice for you. I tend to agree with Nancy. I also tend to let them work things out on their own. :confused:
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WhoDatChick said:
This very well could be... I think this is what is precisely wrong with Maryn... remember, she pecks my legs hard until I pick her up and hold her on my lap... or kick her!
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BY Bob said:
I am afraid that @drumstick diva is correct. This is what came to me as well last night.
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Well, we have a consensus... :( Bob, I'm not interfering in the flock dynamics but I hate being jumped on by an uninvited hen & I won't have her pushing Lottie off the food in my lap, where she should be safe.

So basically I give her a little extra attention & hope maturity will settle her down...? Oddly enough she's a hen who won't squat for me either so I've put some of her behaviour down to sheer cussedness.:rolleyes: I've never thought she was a particularly low ranking hen either...:hmm But you are all right; her worst behaviour is only when I'm in the run with them. Chicken psychology! Aaaargh! I already have 2 cats who fight over my person...:gig
 

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