There's a Chicken in My Laundry Room...

"They're establishing their pecking order!"

I'm sure you've heard that saying before...but once you've seen chickens in action, it takes on new meaning...

A few weeks ago, we acquired three Americauna hens that lay beautiful, pale green eggs.  At first I thought the chickens themselves were nothing much to look at, but now, after a few weeks, they've grown on me!  I like their personalities!  They're rather shy, and hang out together, away from the "oldies", taking their dust baths at the far side of the pen and cleaning up the leftovers when I toss goodies over the fence. 

And it's no wonder!

As chickens adjust to newcomers, establishing their pecking order is just what it sounds like.  They will peck, squawk and chase away "anyone" they think doesn't belong.  And...if they draw blood, they will continue to peck until the injured bird is mortally wounded.

Thus, the chicken in my laundry room...

I fed the chickens yesterday morning before breakfast, and at lunch time checked the nesting boxes again for eggs.  I found this poor chicken injured from being pecked in the face. 

Now...anyone who knows me well, knows that as much as I love animals, I don't want them in my house.  But...this chicken deserved some special attention.  We put her in a box with clean straw, water and feed, and brought her into the laundry room overnight.  This afternoon I checked her out, and saw that her face was dried and beginning to heal, so I cautiously re-introduced her to the chicken pen. 

After milking tonight I checked her again, and she's doing fine.  No fresh injuries, and she was settled into a nesting box for the night.  We'll watch her closely, and separate her again if we need to, but I'm hoping for the best...I really don't care for chickens in my laundry!

Maybe tomorrow I'll even find another beautiful green egg!