When it's windy

[WindingRoad]

Pecking order goes out the window. I went to put my babies to bed to night. It had been a sunny day Temps above freezing . 35-37F. Even their water wasn't frozen this morning. But the temps dropped quickly around dusk with a NW wind. I had left a small window open. It was about 1645 not quite dark yet. As I open the drop down coop door I couldn't see any of my chickens. Unusual because they usually put them selves to bed. I got closer and there were all 4 of them huddled in a corner nesting box. They were so funny. No one was fussing at another. No pecking or pushing. My ISABrown is the head hen and will peck. And glare. My Buff is just neutral. And my 2 SLW are submissive. But when you're cold you do what you have to. LOL

One of my SLW will let me pet her now sorta. She squats and puts her wings out slightly but this morning she was raising her hackles. Looked like a cat. But she continued to let me pat her, check her feet and crop. The other one isn't ready yet. She will be. I always hold them tenderly and talk softly.

 

[BY Bob]

Warmth before position. Makes sense to me. Huddle up girls!

 

[WindingRoad]

Warmth before position. Makes sense to me. Huddle up girls!

If you saw them during the day you'd be surprised. They chase each other away from food even though I put out 2 dishes. The Buff and ISABrown were raised together and they get along fine. The 2 SLW the same thing. They squabble over water and mostly my ISAB will go looking for some one to pick on. She's the smallest of the bunch. My Buff is just a sweetheart. She doesn't bother anyone.

 

[BY Bob]

I love watching how they interact. I have one who is trying to preserve her spot at number 2 by terrorizing the 2 newbies (chicks at one time, now grown up). They are scared to death of her now. Safe at #2.