I was going to call this post “Saying goodbye to Bluebell” but changed my mind as that sounds too final. I can still visit her and I know Jackie will keep me updated so it isn’t goodbye.
Jackie had her separate part of the run ready for Bluebell and I carried her from the dog crate and put her in the run. She set about exploring her new area and was soon scratching happily.
When ever I have separated Bluebell in the past when she was bullying the little girls she was always happy and never looked like she wanted to get out. She seems to quite like a bit of time on her own.
The odd thing was that Jackie’s Bluebell was the first to go and check her out. Jackie’s Bluebell is bottom girl and very cautious and not one to usually go up to another hen. We wondered if somehow they sense this in each other.
Jackie already has a Bluebell so there may have to be a name change here.
Bluebell explores her new surroundings
She seems quite happy
Jackie’s Bluebell checks her out
They seem quite interested in each other
A little later Clover, Jackie’s top girl, went to check her out and they both raised their ruffs to each other. There wasn’t any pecking though.
I think if top girl puts Bluebell in her place she will accept it and take her place in the pecking order whereas with the little girls she felt compelled to show them all the time that they were below her.
I felt a bit emotional but happy that Jackie will take good care of her and we feel sure that she will be a happier girl there.
Jackie will decide later if Bluebell will sleep in her own side or join the others. Jackie is happy to take as long as it takes to integrate her and will play it by ear and I said that I know from past experience that Bluebell isn’t bothered by a bit of separation. I feel sure this is all going to work out well.
I am sure my little girls must be relieved to have a break from Bluebell and I am sure I will be visiting Bluebell soon.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Bluebell as you know settled in her quarters quite happily yo day and this is where she will stay for at least a week . .tomorrow I am going to shut the old girls out completely so she can havehe run of the place. The plan is at the weekend to slowly mix her with the old girls. She went to bed on her own in her little coup tonight . So tomorrow is another day .
She is such a lovely girl and will do well.
I will have to change her name as I already gave a bluebell and gave decide on Blossom …OK Carol I know it is not what I mentioned ….Blossom will Blossom
I am so happy to have had Jackie’s phone call after bedtime giving me all the news and Bluebell want to bed on her own too!
She will do so well with Jackie. As to her name she has been Bluebell, Dusty, Marilyn, now Blossom, (all in an afternoon) Go girl, what’s in a name!
What ever she ends being called she will be a happier girl and I am happy knowing she is in the best place for her.
Thank you Jackie and it won’t be long before I am back to visit and she will always be Bluebell to me but her name doesn’t matter at all as long as she is happy which I know she will be with you.
OH, I’m sorry. That whole pecking order thing makes me crazy sometimes. I hope this brings about some peace and quiet for your flock. And how nice to have a friend who could take her.
My Ginger was a serious pill and we always said that she would have been perfectly happy being an “only chicken” with no one else to eat her food, drink her water, use her dust bathing spot or be anywhere near her on HER roost. Ah, they may have tiny brains but they know what they know and there’s not much we can do to change that.
You are so spot on. Both Jackie and I said this afternoon that Bluebell is a bit of a loner and seems happy on her own. I think that is why she couldn’t fit in and always had a problem within my flock. She always had to spend her days chasing the bantys from the food, the dust bath or anywhere. I think not only will they be happier not to have this constant chasing but she will be happier not having to do it constantly. I really think this is the best solution for every one.
Thank you so much Jackie and what ever you call her will be fine by me and her. She is quick to learn and will adapt but of course will always be Bluebell to me in my head.