We lost our alfa hen, Big Red, 2 days ago. She was 8 and was like and old grandmother that would scold you, but was nice about it. She would also protect the chicks, and peck whoever went after them. I'm just wondering what is going to happen to the others now that she is gone. Yesterday we brought home 3 day old chicks that are currently in the brooder. We do have a rooster, but only 12 of the 15 hens follow him. The rooster thinks everyone (including the ducks)are his babies and is very nice to chicks(12 youngest ones were 6 weeks when he met them.) The other 3 were the offspring of Big Red and would follow her around, and pick on the other 12 (Rooster was her offspring too). I'm just curious about what if going to happen to the dynamics of the group now that she is gone. Will a new hen become alfa, or will they all just go along and follow the roo from now on? Also, how is it going to work with the chicks when we introduce them to the flock? Will the rooster protect them, or will they be on their own?
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