Very beginning stages of flock integration

[newchickmomma4]

So, today my hubby and son are taking down our existing run to allow for our expanded run (a dog kennel). The littles who have been in a grow out pen just a few feet away from the big girls run for several weeks now are in a pen in the shade in our yard today, and the bigs are free ranging (except for Dixie who is in our laundry room hopefully getting stronger from whatever it is that ails her....thought she was egg bound but I don't feel anything in her vent). So anyhow, one of my SLW, Penny, keeps circling the littles pen and for the first hour or so they would run to the other side. Now 3 of the 4 littles have had stare downs with her. She is not my dominant hen, but I think she sees a way to move up in the peckin order. It is very comical.

 

[boskelli1571]

Sounds like she's scoping out the possibilities of being higher up the 'corporate ladder'

 

[newchickmomma4]

Sounds like she's scoping out the possibilities of being higher up the 'corporate ladder'

Yes, I believe she is. Of our 4 older girls she is definitely #3-4. She and the bottom girl alternate spots occasionally. I think Penny sees potential in squaring off with these 4 young ones. I know that at least 2 of them will stand their own with her. Not sure if the other two will go toe to toe or not?

 

[boskelli1571]

I have a RIR - Red Sonya. Of my original 10 she was probably at the lower end of the pole. When I was given 2 Marans she took great delight in terrorizing them and trying to 'rooster' them - if you know what I mean! She's happily in the middle of the peck order now..... currently I have 5 littl'uns joining in with the big girls - they in turn are being picked on by the Marans - c'est la vie!