Chickens and Tomatoes

Not much happening around here yet, it's still too cold out.

Kim does have tomato plants growing along with lettuce and carrots in the cold frame.

And thanks to my friend Carol,  I have some Meyer lemon plants growing.  Perhaps someday we'll be eating lemons from our own tree!

And we're still battling Ginger's backyard adventures.
She looks as if she's ready for a fight, doesn't she?
Actually she's just prepared to dig up more of our plants.

Here she is on the back porch with Frankie.

There seem to be some pecking order issues happening within our little flock.  Since we introduced the three younger hens one year ago Brazil (our Black Australorp) has been the unhappy recipient of the bottom of the pecking order.  She's lost quite a few feathers due to this position.
We've actually witnessed Tootsie jumping on Brazil's back and pecking her.  It's very unpleasant to watch.

But lately we've witnessed Ginger being chased around by Hazel, (our second Easter Egger).  Even Brazil chases Ginger around.  We don't understand this new behavior.  When the new hens were introduced Ginger was one of the worst offenders towards them.  Now she's getting picked on by them.  Maybe they're all angry with her because she's the only one who has figured out how to escape into our backyard (chicken paradise).  Whatever the reason, I hope they get it all sorted out soon.

I did come across a great post on rearranging chickens pecking order when a hens life is at stake.  You can read all about it here.  So far we haven't seen any blood drawn.

Here Felix looks on as Tootsie (Barred Plymouth Rock), Jelly Bean (Silver Laced Wyandotte),  Peanut (Golden Sex Link), and Brazil look through the gate.

And they're all keeping the nesting boxes busy.  That's how I got a photo of Brazil this morning, she was waiting in line.  (Hazel on the left, Tootsie on the right).