We had recently been considering re-homing our perpetual broody, Topaz, at the farm we got her from as she could have the chance to hatch some eggs there. I haven’t somehow been able to bring myself to ring Richard at the farm and run the idea by him.
We talked about this idea again yesterday and I have changed my mind about it. When we re-homed our big girls it was a difficult decision but it was for the good of the flock. The girls were being stripped of their feathers and some girls were being bullied.
At the moment the flock is happy and settled and although Topaz is perpetually broody, doesn’t lay eggs and is often grumpy, she isn’t causing any distress to the flock.
Topaz is also top hen and as Steve and Yu Lee pointed out when they visited last weekend, her going could massively change the pecking order. As top hen she keeps all the girls in their place and no one messes with her but she does it without her pecks connecting and there has never been any blood drawn. A look or a motion towards another girl is enough for them to back away.
When Treacle, our top hen at the time, passed away it seemed to be the trigger for the feather plucking. We have decided it would be best not to rock the boat. Topaz is beautiful to look at and is healthy and is a good top hen. The fact that she is perpetually broody, doesn’t lay eggs and is grumpy, is all part of her very individual character.
I don’t want to part with her and I don’t want to cause unnecessary stress to the flock. We have decided to leave things as they are and let our flock continue happily together whether they lay eggs or not. Topaz is just an individual, a conundrum, but so be it. She is our flock’s conundrum.
I actually feel a bit guilty now for even thinking of letting her go but sometimes it’s just good to throw your thoughts out there while trying to come to the best decision. For now I think we should just celebrate our flock and enjoy their mix of characters.
This morning I gave the flock some yogurt with a little limestone flour stirred in to help Sparkle with her egg shells.
The girls have some yogurt
The girls love yogurt
Looking at this happy flock, how could I think of risking upsetting them. The decision is made and we will stay as we are.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I think that’s a good decision. The flock seems to be the best it ever has with everyone healthy and happy.
Although the extra drama could have made for a good read…
I agree and now that I have made the decision I actually feel happier. You are right they are the best they have ever been.
Integrating new girls could have caused a whole new set of problems and with our shed project starting next month we really don’t need any extra hassle.
I look at them now and wonder what I was thinking of. They look so good apart from the two girls moulting and that’s just normal.
I’m glad you have decided to keep her but can fully understand why you considered rehoming her.
Bloodiness does not last forever ( I don’t think ) and as long as she is not upsetting the flock it will pass I’m sure .
I agree with Steve it would have made a good Blog .
I agree with everything you say. I am glad now that I have made the decision to keep her.
You’re probably right to leave the status quo; there are no welfare issues with Topaz in charge and removing the top hen would certainly cause some turbulence. 3 chicks hatched under Cotton, but one died straight away; have added 3 more bought at day old – 2 buff rocks and a lavender pekin. 🙂
I think you are right about maintaining the status quo. I am certain now that this is the right decision.
It’s a shame you lost one of the hatched chicks. Keep me posted with the remaining and day old chicks added. Exciting times ahead as the flock grows and chicks are so amazing to watch growing up.
I like how nobody is at the fourth bowl of yogurt! 😉
How funny! Until you pointed that out I hadn’t noticed. When I collected the dishes back in they were all empty so they must have found it eventually.
When I give them fish as a treat I put it in two bowls and very often they all crowd around one and only move on to the second bowl when the first is empty. Who knows what makes one identical bowl seem better than another. Funny little chicken brains.