Spring sets the girls hormones racing. They start to lay their eggs and seem to grow in confidence. They also strengthen or contest the pecking order.
I saw a few blood spots, this morning, behind their roosting perch in the chicken shed and on inspection see that Peaches has a spot on her comb that has been pecked. Peaches and Barley’s floppy combs are a target for pecking.
This afternoon when I went in I saw that Honey had blood on her comb that hadn’t been there earlier. Just as I was wondering what had happened to her Barley and Honey started scrapping. They were circling each other and grabbing each other by the back of the neck.
It seems that Barley is trying her luck at moving up the pecking order. At this time of year Honey and Amber used to do this. Honey finally moved up the ladder above Amber and has been second in the pecking order since we lost Sparkle. I don’t think Honey will give up her position easily despite a bloody comb.
Honey has blood on her comb
A close up of the blood on Honey’s comb
I hate it when the girls have these spats but there is nothing that we can do to stop them when we are not around.
Butterscotch’s pin feathers on her head have grown.
Butterscotch’s pin feathers
Those spikes on her head are the unopened feathers. I hope that when they open they will be fluffy enough to cover her head despite having some of her pins pulled out by Topaz. At least she is safe in the nest box at the moment while she is broody.
Finally I know I have put out a lot of egg photos recently but I can’t resist another one. Both Honey and Speckles laid today and their eggs are at each end of the size spectrum.
Honey’s egg is on the left and Speckles egg is on the right
The contrast in these two girl’s eggs makes me smile.
There always seems to be some drama going on in the run. I just hope there isn’t any more blood shed but I guess chickens will be chickens and the pecking order isn’t called the pecking order for no reason.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I am still puzzled at why I don’t seem to have a top chick any more. They all get on extremely well.
So now I am preparing to get new girls and know that the hassle will begin. In the past I have been lucky with introducing going well. lets hope the next time will be as easy .
Poor Honey she’s not getting any younger and has to deal with new kids on the block. She will have to keep all her wits about her.
My husband said the same thing, the oldest girl is having to fight for her position. She is a fighter though and will not give up her position. She used to have these spats with Amber and has now moved on to Barley. This is the second time I have seen these two sparring but no damage done last time. Honey has spent years working her way up from the bottom to near top and she isn’t giving that up.
It’s funny how obvious it is in my flock and yet not in yours. It could change with new girls or it could just go on as it is. Only time will tell but it will be interesting!