Saturday, September 29, 2012

As the feather turns

This afternoon I took a bucket and sat in the chicken yard to play warden while Miss Nasty got another chance at parole. Good thing, too, because she isn't ready for a new nickname yet. While all of the Golden Girls occasionally draw fire, Goldilocks is far and away her – and others' – most frequent target. Poor Goldilocks seemed to realize I was protecting her, and often drew somewhat near to regard me thoughtfully. It was easy to reach out and catch her, so I held her for a bit, gently stroking her beautiful feathers. I think she liked it!

The SS enjoy an overripe tomato the Golden Girls were unsure of
After awhile, the Golden Girls ventured timidly into the empty henhouse so I gently closed the pop door to let them have a little peace. They bedded down just inside the opening as if grateful for the chance to dust themselves and rest. Interestingly enough, some of the older hens also took the opportunity to chill out.

I think this integration thing is wearing on both groups!

It's just us chickens, at . . .

6 comments:

Susan said...

There is a lot of drama in Chicken World, isn't there? Your Goldilocks is a lovely hen - as are all your girls. I hope they tire of the drama soon.

Tiggeriffic said...

Chickens are like 3rd grade girls at elementary school.. Sometimes they can be so cruel..Boys go out and duke it out and get over it but not the girls.. They continue to peck peck peck..
Your chickens are so cool ~ I love it.. The neighbor has chickens and their little girl has a pet chicken and gives her chicken a ride on the handle bars of her bike.. Fun to watch..
Have a great Sunday~! from Iowa:)

Laura said...

In working with my flock, the Americanas are the calmest of the bunch when caught. All three of them (one of whom is Goldilocks) would just sit quietly in my arms when I caught them. The others all act like I'm killing them!! It must be a breed characteristic.

Sorry this is turning out to be such an ordeal! I had hoped for a quick integration, but I guess it's not to be. Thinking back, I've always had mine loose when I've added birds - they had room to escape! Oh well, I'm sure it will get better eventually!!

Michelle said...

Me, too!

Michelle said...

So true! But the one SS (Miss Nasty) is doing more than pecking...

Michelle said...

Hey, it's not YOUR fault that I have a Speckled Sussex that is DETERMINED to fight! As long as she is penned up, everyone else is getting along fine. I really do think she needs a hood....