Bickering in the Flock (Children and Chickens)

Reader Contribution by Wendy E.N. Thomas
article image

They’re at it again. It didn’t take long for the unstructured and sticky, humid-filled days of summer to get my teenage daughters to begin bickering with each other. Loud, teeth gnashing, and foot stomping taunts of “It’s your turn to wash the dishes,” “I already called shot gun,”and “DON’T TOUCH MY STUFF!!!” ring out in the household as routinely as the hourly chime of my grandmother’s mantle clock.

It’s not that unexpected. Any parent will tell you that heat, oppressive humidity, and the sometimes close quarters of sharing the only cool space in the house can make even the strongest soul quarrelsome. If truth be known there are stiflingly days when I even want to turn to my daughters and shout “DON’T TOUCH *MY* STUFF, EITHER!!!!!”

I see this all the time in our flock. Flock mates who have peacefully shared a roosting bar, quietly and companionably whispering throughout the night, in daylight become mortal enemies capable of deep scratches and bruised feelings. It seems that no amount of mama hen correction will stop these birds when they are hot, and tired, and honestly feel that one chick might be getting preferential treatment over another.

“She got ice cream when I was visiting with a friend last week, you owe me ice cream!” Stamp. Stomp. Door slam and hot tears.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368