Chicken Interactions

Chicken Interactions:

Interspecific, Intraspecific…

by Sharon Gaughan, PCLF Education Program Director

This past weekend was another warm and sunny gift – so Rhubarb and Rutabaga had another field trip to my backyard.  They stayed for about four hours on Sunday, while I puttered around doing various yardwork tasks.

I observed some interesting interactions during this time – both between Rhubarb and Rutabaga, and between the hens and some non-chicken critters.

 

The first happened very shortly after they arrived.  They started exploring the yard as usual, but then suddenly stopped. Rhubarb started giving a mildly agitated warning call.  Rutabaga joined in.  At first, I couldn’t figure out the cause – but I followed their gaze and fairly quickly spotted the intruder.  A rabbit, hunkered down in the bushes.  Abruptly, the rabbit took off, further startling the chickens (who was more afraid of whom?) – then all was well in their chicken world once again. 

Chicken-cat interaction…  I have a an indoor cat named Moira – the furthest outside she’s allowed to go is my screened-in back porch.  Moira is a bit of a “chicken” herself – if I can use that term.  Once last year, when I brought a sick chicken home in the same dog carrier (and brought the carrier onto the screened-in back porch), Moira tore back into the house (I’ve never seen her run so fast!), absolutely terrified of this strange new creature. 

But when I bring Rhubarb and Rutabaga home, Moira intently (albeit cautiously) watches from inside the screened-in back porch, while the hens mostly ignore her as they wander around outside the screened-in back porch.  Either Moira has become a bit less chicken, or all she needs is that thin screen to help her feel safe. 

Check out the photos!

 

Can you see the cat, watching from the back?

 

There she is!

 

And finally, the chicken-to-chicken interactions.  There are many, but my favorite this time was also a first for me to observe.  After several hours of scratching around the backyard, Rhubarb and Rutabaga settled into some preening behavior – each preening themselves while standing close, side-by-side.  A sure sign that the hens are feeling safe and content.  Then I noticed Rhubarb reach over and start preening Rutabaga, as Rutabaga continued to preen herself.  She continued to “help” for several minutes.  Too cute!  I wish I had been quick enough to catch that with my camera – but, alas, I did not…

Thanksgiving tomorrow… 

I am thankful that my job gives me the opportunity to work with chickens – Rhubarb, Rutabaga, and the rest of our flock.  I am thankful that our new flock of hens is producing many, many farm fresh eggs for our customers.  I am thankful for Anya (our Hen House Helper Coordinator) and our great group of Hen House Helpers – dedicated folks who help us care for our hens every day.  Thank you!

Here’s hoping that you have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving – and that you have the opportunity to share the day with those you love. 

Thanks for reading!