I have started to put them out during the day in the baby gate we saved (I knew it would come in handy again someday! This used to keep the boys away from the woodstove when they were babies). They are very much enjoying the fresh air, new space and perches I set up in there. Well, Rose has been sparring with one of the other hens quite often, so I'm watching with caution to make sure they're not hurting each other. So far, they are just posturing. Chickens figure out a pecking order (hence the term) and so it's normal for some of that to go on. Well...then yesterday...I witnessed her hopping on the back of one of the other chicks...uh oh. That's not girl behavior, that's randy teenage boy behavior. Now, I'm on full alert.
This morning while the boys were eating breakfast, we heard what is unequivocally a beginning practice crow. And yes, it was emanating from Rose...Rose, the Rooster. As this is Little Red's chicken, and he loves it and named it himself, it looks like we're gonna have to be the proud owners of a rooster. No, I didn't want any roosters, but there's not a lot we can do about it. As long as he doesn't become aggressive to anyone, he can stay. Hopefully he'll be good protection for the girls. I'm just praying the one he spars with, Betty, is not also a rooster because I definitely don't want two roosters for 4 girls!
And by the way, Little Red has decided to rename Rose, Pete Rose. We've got to leave the boy with his dignity.
Wishing you hilarious practice crowing of your own, ~Peacemom
