Flapper is still inside the cabin due to the cold weather and her lack of feathers thanks to Clyde. She has one of the largest combs and large, red combs seem to turn the roosters on. So the ladies with the biggest, baddest combs get the most action, which can lead to feather loss. Poor Flapper even has a bad abrasion where Clyde's claws scraped her - another reason to keep her inside, so she can totally heal. Men! ;)
Since the dog crate is quite confining, I've been letting her out some to stretch her legs and get a little exercise. She wonders all over the place with Dusty in tow, who is totally absorbed by this new non-cat creature. Once he experienced a couple of pecks on the nose, he figured he couldn't hug her like he so wants to do. Flapper is no shrinking violet and puffs up, looking almost twice her size and runs after him if he gets too aggressive. It's a sight. Sophie and Miko just get on high ground and watch. Sophie is used to chickens... ho-hum, and Miko would rather be left alone to sleep.
Here are some pictures of Flapper and Dusty in the kitchen yesterday.
If Dusty had his way, they'd be best buddies. As it is, Flapper offers endless entertainment for him.
I hope to get the chicken saddle in the mail soon. While it's entertaining to have a chicken in the house for a short time, chickens don't have sphincter muscles and poo whenever and wherever. I've been lucky so far, but it's just a matter of time before I discover a mess.
Even if the weather warms up, I can't put Flapper out with the other chickens unless I remove Clyde, until the wound heals. She might be inside for another four or five days and I'm not sure how such a distraction will affect me. But, I don't think I've mentioned that she is my favorite hen because every time I go out to the coop/run, she follows me around wanting me to pick her up. I sometimes walk around for ten minutes with her in my arms. Yesterday we watched a little Masterpiece Theatre together, her sitting in my lap (on a towel, just to be on the safe side). Dusty was taking a nap in the sun at the time. Peace in the cabin.
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