I think one of my chickens is a rooster. It is larger, more aggressive, has a larger comb (that thing on top of their heads) and a larger wattle (that thing hanging off of their chin) it has been trying to crow, but more importantly... it tried to mount one of the chickens. Chicken porn is not some thing to see before you have had your coffee. However, the expression on the unsuspecting chicken was priceless..."WTF ?!"
They clammer to get out of the coop when I open the pop door and push each other off of the ramp. Some fall off in an unceremonious thump on the ground. Then they all begin to argue over what ever treat I have brought them. Old melon, salad, greens etc. After they have sorted this out they notice me returning their freshly filled water font and begin to follow me in a curious waddle formation. There is one that is fascinated with my shoes. When I stop she pecks at my laces. I encourage them all to come out by picking up the stragglers and placing them on the ground. They usually give me the "stink eye" and run back up the ramp.
Oh well, at least they touched the ground first. At sundown it is time to go in for the night. This is a time of great jocularity. I have both of my kids out helping me. My daughter quietly shushes a chicken to a corner and picks it up. I try herding several in one direction and grab the one who doubles back. My son uses the chicken hook which is like a shepherds hook only smaller. He snags their leg from behind and pins them to the ground.You've heard the expression "herding cats" well it has nothing on "herding chickens". Though I must say my daughter does a little better than my son and I (3-2) My son has little patience and I hate being outsmarted by a chicken.
I no longer bring the dog down to run in the orchard while I care for the chickens. He has a tendency to frighten them by running around their fenced area yelling, "Yummy, yummy, yummy" while the ladies scream and run away. Peace and love to you all....
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