The current pecking order

The new pecking order has very quickly become apparent. The only thing I wasn’t sure of was where Amber and Honey would be with each other after their recent spat because Amber had come off worse from it. It soon became clear that she hadn’t lost her place through this as when Amber and Honey are together with the treats Amber will still give Honey a quick warning peck and Honey moves out of the way.

I was discussing this with my son Steve last night and he said that it doesn’t matter how battered they are it’s about not backing down. This reminded me of the “Rocky” films. Rocky would have has hand held up in victory after a boxing match but would be completely battered.

Topaz is top girl followed by Sparkle. Amber is in third place followed by Honey and Toffee is in fifth place with Emerald at the bottom.

I thought it would be good to get some up to date portraits of the girls.

Queen Topaz is top girl

Sparkle is second in command

Amber is in third place with her ragged head and bare neck

Honey is in fourth place with her red comb and bare neck

Toffee is in fifth place and has a good red comb

Toffee is allowing me to get closer to her now

Emerald is bottom girl but likes to get close to the camera

Emerald has a very small comb

Emerald laid an egg on the second day she was with us which really surprised me as her comb is so tiny. She hasn’t laid one since though and has been with us nine days.

I rang the farmer to let him know how well they have settled in and mentioned this. He said that this breed does have a very small comb. Emerald has not yet been broody and has probably just started laying.

I asked how soon Toffee was likely to lay and he said she had just finished being broody and would probably start laying in about three weeks time. He said she may lay for a month then go broody again.

We talked a bit about broodies and I said whenever any of mine are sitting on an egg I lift them out, remove the egg and distract them with some corn. They shout a bit but soon forget. He said this is the right thing to do but may not work with this breed as they are prone to broodiness which is why he uses them to hatch his wyndottes eggs. I may have a broody experience to come in the future but at least I know what to expect and will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Meanwhile the flock are really happy and settled and peaceful which is lovely.