Just Call Them “Slayers”

Did you know chicken’s will kill mice and rats?! Don’t let their size fool you, they’re fierce little dinosaurs who will protect their young and guard their grounds from invaders! That’s one more point in favor of house chickens, am I right?!

They will also kill snakes but it’s not as common. Snakes can pose too high of a risk and they know it, however roosters will bravely fight any size snake if they feel their ladies are in danger. Roosters are the epitome of a “knight in shinning (feather-y) armor”. Such brave and fearless creatures, willing to lay down their life in order to save their flock.

Chickens will also kill their own kind when establishing the pecking order. This is why integration can be dangerous and should be done cautiously. You can check out my stress free, “Look but Don’t Touch” integration method on a previous blog entry.

Chickens know they are only as strong as their weakest member so in order for the flock to appear strong they will sometimes eliminate the weaklings. Cannibalism occurs when blood has been drawn. Chickens are actually attracted to the color red and will peck at the wounded bird until eventually they kill him/her. I recommend always having Blu-Kote on hand for when a member of your flock is injured. It’s a purple liquid wound barrier and disinfectant that not only keeps the injury clean but disguised it so the flock wont peck at it further. You can find it on amazon or any feed store. Its quite literally a life saver!

In short, the animal kingdom is freaking intense!