No, not YOU kids. That isn’t how I feel. It is Agnes. She is totally done with being a mother and has reverted to queen mean chicken. I watched her peck Helen (twice!) this morning. After that, Helen kept her distance and hid out under a hydrangea most of the day. Frankie was smart enough to stay out of her way from the start, but Frankie seems to be a flighty one. It has been weeks of watching those three hanging out closely together and now suddenly Agnes is telling them loud and clear to clear out.
I had read about this, but continue to be curious. Why are chickens done mothering at 4 weeks? I know their brains are small, but how does this serve their chicken society? Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Meanwhile, I am going to sneak out into henhouse and see where the chicks are sleeping. I know for a fact that they were tucked under their mother just yesterday. If she has hopped back up on the roost we’ll know that the new game is on.
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4 weeks? doesn’t sound too bad. some mothers have trouble respecting their child’s sovereignty as an adult even when they’re, say, like 27 or so. i guess either method could cause difficulties. ’tis probably a happy medium out there somewhere.
as i’ve never been a mother, i can’t say i can give your chicken any advice. she can just take comfort knowing that you’re around to look after ol’ helsie and the frankster.
July 25th, 2009
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