Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[equichick]

Hi

Wondered if anyone out there can help me. We are new to chicken keeping and have just acquired two lovely pol hens. We have had them a week. They both have lovely temperaments with us, allowing us to catch them and coming and sitting with us when eating outside. However, they have started to square up to each other and Lemon (Amber Star) has just started chasing wild birds out of the garden. Is this normal behaviour or have I got unhappy chickens. Their combs are getting a little darker, so I assume this is a sign of them maturing.

 

They seem happy in themselves and apart from clucking loudly when they are placed back in their run as opposed to free range around the garden. I assume this is just a hen tantrum.

 

Amanda

[Redwing]

Hi there are just establishing the pecking order, this will take a couple of weeks then one will assume the role of head hen and the other will accept that they are lower in the pecking order, as long as no blood gets drawn just let them get on with it

 

the chasing birds is normal as are the tantrums

 

[Guest]

Agree with Redwing.

 

It is hard to see but even chicks do it. I have a pair of 6 week old pekins that are sorting themselves out but you can tell who will be the boss because one will give in.

 

And chasing birds is natural they are protecting their territory and food. My bantams even chase of a heron that sits on our fence ( our neighbours have a HUGE pond ).

[equichick]

Great to hear my chickens are doing normal things.