Just been told off big style!!!

[Nicos]

Tis a lovely sunny day here- so I've let Tippy outside with her 3 chicks.
I've thrown some crumb down for them and stood back to watch.
The head cockerel came over and had a good look at the chicks and started to eat the crumb. All calm and serene, so I was pleased that he was fine with the chicks as with the last couple of clutches he'd had.

Anyway- one of the chicks went over to him and started eating 'his' crumb and he grabbed the little thing and violently flung it to one side

Naturally I dashed over and shoved him hard out of the way and stood up to him and he legged it off.
Turned round and there was Tippy , she flung herself at my leg , grabbing hold of my trousers with her beak and grappled with my leg with her feet in the way the cockerels do when defending their gals!!!!

Urmm....excuse me Mrs....It was me defending your chick- not attacking it!!!

( I've kept my eye on them for a while now- and all is fine thank goodness- but it did cross my mind if Au Vin knew the chicks weren't blood relatives???- anyone know if they can tell?...he certainly should start wondering when they are 4 times his body weight!!!!)

[RichmondHens]

They are weird things sometimes, chickens! I have hens who have in the past defended their brood so violently that they have actually trampled them in their attempts to attack whoever is "threatening" them - be it the cats, other chickens, or me.

[HayleyB]

Good little mum though..

[Nicos]

Isn't there a saying though....'don't attack the leg of them what feeds you' ...or something like that???

I've got a decent sized bruise too!!!

...wasn't bothered at all about the cat keenly watching the chicks !!

[Shellintons]

lol the last cockerel to attack a feeding leg round here ended up as Sunday roast

I think after sitting on eggs for 3 weeks it must send the hens a bit loopy and they just get mixed up. You didn't run off after the tussle so she probably just saw you as the strongest in the situation, and she had to put you in your place. It's a possibility anyway, I always said chickens had more brains than they are credited with. ;p

[Nicos]

Spot on Shelli!!!

Having her hanging on to my leggings I managed to pick up the 3 chicks to put them away for the night!!!...took me 20 mins though!!!

Wish my OH had been here to take a piccie!!!

[petal]

Was the chick alright?

[di]

Are YOU alright?

[Nicos]

We're all fine- thanks muchly!

Having spent yesterday in the rabbit hutch they were thrilled to be free ranging with mum and extended family this morning!
I just think 'dad' was letting the chick know he was in charge- but a mighty bit roughly for a 3 day old chick!

I am now down to one laying hen- all the rest are broody!...stuck inside with all this lovely sunshine too!