Ribh's D'Coopage

[Ribh]

I've always found that decision unfathomable in a home flock when hens contribute so much more than eggs. My main reasons for keeping hens is weed control and soil enrichment, not that I don't love and appreciate the eggs. When I first moved in, the weeds were above my head.

Me too. When we moved it was the older girls who remained calm. The Campines & Vorwerks acted as scouts initially but apart from 1st thing in the morning when they get out the younger hens have followed the older hens lead & foraged the perimeters where there is plenty of shelter. The open ground is only worked as they head to & from their roosting place.

 

[MaryJanet]

Me too. When we moved it was the older girls who remained calm. The Campines & Vorwerks acted as scouts initially but apart from 1st thing in the morning when they get out the younger hens have followed the older hens lead & foraged the perimeters where there is plenty of shelter. The open ground is only worked as they head to & from their roosting place.

Smart moves.

 

[Shadrach]

What is it with broody bantams?
Desdemona & Chavi sharing a nest box & any eggs that come their way.​

View attachment 2948288

They like to share the responsibility. Bantams, they're socialists.

 

[bruceha2000]

A bit strange - getting used to the whole retired thing - it is only 48 hours old!

You will get used to not having any idea what day of the week it is


I've never had a flock leader. Oldest hen is 9.5 years but she's never been a leader. They all get along OK except when it is time for BOSS or scratch. Everyone wants as much as they can get.

 

[Ribh]

Sif has had a couple of close calls this morning.
Her legs seem useless @ present. After some initial improvement she is pretty much paralysed. I lift her out of the cage each morning & make sure she's managed to eat & drink & prop her up somewhere she has access to both dirt & grass. This morning it was against the boulders in the background. In the high winds generated by cyclone Seth the Palm is shedding old fronds. A couple landed almost on top of Sif. When I went to check on her I noticed she'd moved a considerable way to a somewhat safer spot. Despite her disability she enjoys what she can & the access to grass most days unless it is terribly wet & cold.

 

[Ribh]

Aoife in the hole she dug.​

 

[Ribh]

Most of the tribe gathered in a favourite spot.​

 

[LozzyR]

As far back as my Uncles farm, the senior hen was considered a great asset and was the prefered broody. Many of my Uncles free ranger senior hens went broody once the no longer layed eggs.
Fat Bird, BlueSpot, Gedit and Dink were all invaluable to the tribes as senior hens.

Dear Fat Bird. I miss her and the tribes.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

A bit strange - getting used to the whole retired thing - it is only 48 hours old!

Woohoo! Free at last from the grind. Congratulations RC.
I'm sure you will find many interests to fill your time with soon, starting with certain Princesses.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Strange when one considers many kill their older hens because they no longer lay enough eggs.

My 3 girls are young but I haven't had many eggs from them in the last 8 months or so. It would never occur to me to kill them off. And thanks to these threads it doesn't worry me healthwise that they are not laying because they are either broody or moulting!