Three equals one

(I’ve thought long and hard about posting about this. It’s not what I usually post, but it’s what I consider in the vein of interesting. It’s also one of those things that most people don’t believe. I’ve talked to professionals about it and if you do a google search you will find a smattering of information. So if you don’t believe me, you can search for yourself.)

Chickens are social creatures with a rather complex social structure. They NEED an alpha chicken, be it rooster or hen. The rooster serves to protect the flock from predators and other threats (children in particular) by warning the flock. As I’ve shared before, we have two roosters. They are both bantams, which means they are small guys. Really small guys. Think ounces, not pounds.

Part 1: This is Napoleon. Napoleon stands not much more than seven inches tall but what he lacks in stature he makes up for in volume. He is vocal. He’s the first to crow in the morning and the last to crow at night. He’s actually quite obnoxious. I guess you really need to be careful as to what you name them.

Part 2: This is our other rooster. He’s a blue silkie. He stands just a tad taller than Napoleon, but I think he weighs less. His official name is Mr. Lee. He got the name because 1) silkies are from China, and 2) Lee is the most common surname in China. He doesn’t crow as much as Napoleon, but I don’t think many roosters do. Mr. Lee is the taskmaster of the flock. He keeps the girls in line. He’s actually kinda mean to them. While I don’t necessarily understand it, it serves a particular function in the flock. I really thought that Napoleon + Mr. Lee = one regular rooster. Sheesh, was I wrong.

Enter part 3:  Brandine. Why am I posting about her when I’m speaking of roosters? Well, Brandine decided that two small roosters were inadequate for our little flock. So Bradine quit laying eggs and started to crow. Brandine is now a rooster. She is not a true roosters, as she can not mate.  She is the biggest of our flock standing at a good 2 1/4 feet tall, which is why I had to take two photos to get all of her in the shot. She has giant voice but a mild temperament. Her physical appearance changed a bit by getting larger tail feathers so she looks more like a rooster. She really quite stunning.

I’m having a hard time changing her name.  In her heart she is still Brandine. She’s just doing what she needs to do. Evidently, we needed three chickens to make rooster.

I’m shaking my head right along with you.

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