We are Free Range and Proud
A good farmer takes the time to stop and scrutinise their livestock and I enjoy stopping to inspect the hens going about their business.
They are rarely still during the day, going from one activity to another. They will take their turn or time laying their egg (hopefully in the nests provided!), then have a drink or a feed, perhaps a dust bath before running outside for a scrounge and a pick, or just a rest in the sun.
Although the hens do preen on another, we have never had a problem with feather pecking or cannibalism and we feel this is because the girls are busy and have places to go and things to do. Still, as the girls get older, they do tend to get tetchy with each other and it is not uncommon to see old hens 'chesting' each other with a flurry of dust and feathers.
