M & M

Alas, two of the hens were indeed roos.
I think we were in denial.
**Come on people, your "hens" are CROWING and are twice as big as the other 2, very docile, chickens!**

Andrew rounded up the big boys, formerly known as Goldilocks and Ethel and took them back to the chicken farm. The farmer gladly threw our roosters into his rooster pens and swapped them out for two new little ladies. Andrew brought back a Silver Laced Wyandotte (like Ethel but female), and a Brahma, which is white with a black collar, and white fur-like feathers down to her toes. Very stylish, but completely impractical in this heat!

I knew I might be in trouble when Andrew asked if he could name one of the new hens and I could name the other. Based on Jemimah's small chick gastrointestinal issues giving her the nickname "Poopy Butt", I was slightly worried. I agreed to the deal and Red and Jemimah are now joined by the younger pair of hens: Milk Toast and Matilda. Can you guess who named who?!

From the start Jemimah made it VERY clear that she was the boss of the coop. If chickens could experience the effect of a birth order, she'd definitely be the bossy firstborn. Don't ask me how I know this.

After a few pecks, poor little Milk Toast was so intimidated that she hid under the food bin until Matilda was near enough to sit next to for support. Red doesn't seem bothered by the new chicks, which makes me glad because ole Poopy Butt...urr...Jemimah is enough of a bully to contend with by herself. The farmer said the new girls may be picked on (or is it pecked on?) for a while, but will grow and bullying shouldn't be an issue. We shall see. I wish I knew how old the little ones are, to give us an idea of when they might start laying. Time will tell.

Goldilocks and Ethel, it was nice knowing you. May you be able to contend with the bigger roosters at the chicken farm, make lots of new baby chicks, and someday end up as nice juicy chicken dinners. You never knew how easy you had it in the Borne coop!