Keeping chickens can be a dangerous game.  I didn’t realise how much until I experienced rooster rage this week.  I can tell you being pecked by a rooster that seems to grow bigger every day is not what you want before you’ve had your breakfast in the morning.

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that the chicken kingdom is a very different place that the world I live in.  No equal opportunities in the chicken run.  It’s all pecking order and rooster in charge.

That doesn’t mean I like what happens.  In the last week George has turned his pecking attentions towards me so I’m learning the signs so I can get out of the way pretty quickly.  I wonder whether this rooster rage is linked to the hens starting to lay and growing bigger and brighter combs.

Now I know that this business about the combs is a bit of a contentious issue.  Ranchmum wanted to know more about this theory of mine.  I have to confess that I’ve failed to find anything definitive on the comb theory but there is no doubt that the combs are getting bigger and brighter.  Oh, and there are now two hens laying or rather we’ve been getting two eggs most days.  Who knows who is doing the laying.

The eggs continue to be delicious although cooking with them is such a different experience from shop bought eggs it’s taking some getting used to.  It’s a challenge that’s nice to have.  If only I could get George to stop his rooster rage I’d be totally happy with my hen keeping world.

My friend Ruth says that there is not enough chicken blogging, so as always this post is dedicated to her!

Egg laying in action – sshh, don’t disturb and make sure the flash is turned off!

Guess who ruling the roost, pen, bush and all other parts of the chicken domain

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Parade of the chicken combs

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Almost as good as a comb – a cute fluffy behind

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The happy harem

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