Today’s Run:  Rest Day

I have shared with you the names of my hens and how they came by those names.  They fit each and every chickens personality quite well.  Drill Sargent’s fits her a bit too well!

Drill Sargent aka: “Sarge” got a “Time Out” today.

Sarge is an aggressive hen.  She bullies and pushes, pulls out feathers, picks, prods…she is mean.

Last night, she had poor little Ginger cowering in a corner of the tractor.  There was no other place for Ginger to go and Sarge was pecking on her something fierce.  I caught this interaction in time to prevent any injury but you had better believe I had Sarge’s number after that.

I “Googled” aggression in hens last night.  The best and most effective remedy I found was a chicken “Time Out”.  They recommend a “bunny box” (hutch) which I have, and place the offending chicken in the hutch. Make sure she is visible to all the other hens and leave her there with food and water.

The “Time Out” gave her a humbling experience.  All the other chickens were free to come and go at will.  She was stuck.  They actually came up today and taunted her!  I was astounded!  I know that chickens are mean but they were like little kids making fun of her as she sat in that box.  Amazing.

So, I set the timer for 15 minutes.  At the end of the 15 minutes, I opened the hutch and she meekly walked out.  Some of her strut was gone.  I think it had an effect on her!  Now, mind you, she got a chicken pop on the butt later on in the day but no need for a “Time Out”.

I never even used “Time Out” for my own children!  I cannot believe I am doing in on a hen.  This is a first!  But I cannot stand by and let her abuse another chicken.  It goes against everything I know to let her do that.  Seeing as I cannot talk sense to her (she is not too terribly bright), “Time Out” it is.  Hopefully, I will not have to do this often and she will be a quick learner.