Patchie was being bullied by the other hens. After a couple of weeks, she decided that Sam made a useful protector.
When he came down to the coop in the morning, she would jump up onto his leg and tuck herself under his arm, out of the way of the others.
She would jump onto my leg and snuggle into my armpit.
Getting to know the individual
Patchie’s story reminds us how much individual attention matters. For her, support has included a familiar person and somewhere she could feel safe when flock life was difficult.
She is still with us, and Floppy has become her best friend. The everyday relationships between these birds are a big part of what makes caring for them so rewarding.
We get to know their habits, notice changes and respond to what each bird needs. Sometimes that means a vet appointment. Sometimes it starts with making room under an arm.