Chickens: Amazing Dumb Birds

My young Turken hen, Nelly, doesn't seem to know what food is-- that is, until she sees Snow White eating it. Even though Nelly appears to be slightly older than Snowy she seems a bit slower at processing information. For example, if I toss two bread crumbs to the ground Snow White will grab one only to be chased by Nelly who then takes it away from her forcing Snow to go back for the second piece.

Sometimes their behavior is really quite amazing. BB has no interest in Nelly and Snow White and really wants nothing to do with either of them but Elizabeth dotes over the younger birds just as Gus dotes over his entire flock.

Yesterday I carried some pinto beans out to my chickens. To the best of my knowledge none of my birds have ever eaten pinto beans before but as soon as Gus saw them he stood over the aluminum pie pan and began his special excited cackle that he only does when telling the others he's discovered something good to eat. In seconds all five were gathered around the pan with Elizabeth and BB digging in while Nelly and Snow White stood back watching and Gus cackled.

It was then I saw the most amazing thing. Elizabeth and Gus both picked up a bean apiece and carried them to where Snow White and Nelly were standing only to drop the beans as the feet of the younger birds who quickly gobbled them down. They then repeated this twice more before returning to stuff their own gullets. Only then did Snow White and Nelly come to the pan to eat on their own.

Later I decided to lift a board I deliberately placed on the ground a few weeks ago to look for bugs. The ground under the board was teaming with bugs so I called to Gus while touching my finger to the ground saying, "Gus, bugs. Come get the bugs."

Gus then ran over and upon finding the bugs began repeating his special cackle until all in his flock were happily enjoying the feast.

I fear that BB has found a place to hide her eggs as I've not found one of her eggs in well over a week. I expect her to begin the process of hatching them soon. Anybody want any chicks crossed between a Bantam hen of unknown origin with feathered legs and a Cuckoo Maran rooster with clean legs?