Recently, we started letting the chickens out into their run. The 26' x 10' space includes a huge oak tree rimmed with rhododendrons in layers of decayed leaves, and, unknown to us, hoards of small ants. The first ones out the door were the Barred Plymouth Rocks, always the bravest even as chicks.
Next came a Rhode Island Red and an Americauna.
Then there was a bit of excitement and the platform became crowded - sort of like the subway just before the doors open up.
The original Barred Plymouth Rocks had lost their courage and made it back up to the platform. No one wanted to make the first move. Then some brave chicken decided to take the first step, and they all followed suit. All except Stevie, our rooster. When I peeked into the pop door, Stevie was perched on the side of the brooder as though he needed to make sure everyone got out safely.
Then he made his move.
At first it was a tentative step.
Then he waltzed down the ramp as though he owned it. And I guess in Chicken World, he does.
The chickens immediately found the ants among the dead leaves and scratched away.
Now for the reason I titled this the First Cockadoodle doo - Yesterday morning, the day after their first outing, as I reached in to give them some greens, I heard a distinct, UR UR UR UR. Granted, the voice squeaked like an adolescent boy, but the sound was clearly crowing, and it came from Stevie, standing at the highest location in the coop.
Anne at Echo Mountain View Road chickens
Then there was a bit of excitement and the platform became crowded - sort of like the subway just before the doors open up.
