Follow the Leader

Backyard Poultry

A Few More Venture Out

The brave little Rhode Island Red rooster soon overcame the fear of its first steps into the outdoors, and began to investigate a clump of grass in the dirt. There was too much to explore to stay frozen in one spot forever! Meanwhile, the bravest of the pullets began to follow the rooster's lead. Cautiously they stepped out onto the little cement stairs I had set up, all the while keeping a watchful eye on what the rooster was doing. The rest of the flock stayed safely indoors, some watching with interest, while others tried to pretend that nothing unusual was happening. This was certainly a different response than I had been looking for, but I really ought to have expected as much after more than a year of experience in chicken psychology!