Yesterday was a big day in the chicken pen.
The hens were all a twitter...
squawking and clucking...
first about the fact that they were not allowed outside their yard,
and second because eleven new girls moved into their coop.
The chicks that I bought this summer at the feed store are now full grown
and soon ready to begin laying.
They packed their belongings this morning,
and loaded up in the gator...
an adventure beyond their comprehension awaiting them.
( I have to add that catching them all by myself was a bit of a comedy act...
that sadly no one was around to film!)
With my trusty chicken herder, Maddie, we set off for the upper chicken houses.
The girls hastily exited their carriers and joined the hen party,
with the exception of the barred rock hen on the left.
She took her good old time...
While the rest of the gals joined the flock without incident,
the little Barred Rock still hesitated.
And naturally, when she finally got around to introducing herself,
there were some ruffled feathers,
and a minor skirmish ensued....
The conflict was brief and no one suffered any wounds...
except perhaps wounded pride.
Thankfully, the rest of the day was uneventful.
I will keep all of the gals inside their yard for the next few days,
giving the newbies a chance to identify it as home...
at which time, all of them will once again be allowed to free range during the day.
As for hen #12 who turned out to be a surprise rooster....
He took a ride in his very own compartment...
to his new home in the barn.
(Bobby served as welcoming committee.)
It wasn't long until he found his way outside...
and joined the bachelors at the barn...Elton, Number 6, and Giuseppe
(who has decided that he is no longer a guinea!)
Number 6 gave him a little welcome song
and dance.
And all was well in the barnyard!
Comments
Friends,
Susannah
They all look wonderful!
XO Kris