Everyday when I bring the girls their fermented feed, Betty and Lucy beg to be petted. Betty often won't start eating the feed until she's had a few pets. Ethel is always right their waiting with them, and often pecks at the jar, spoon, my finger, etc (she has terrible manners and if she doesn't changer her attitude, she might be finding a new home). Betty, Ethel, and Mable are the first to dive into the feed. Scarlett and Gertrude stand by watching and waiting their turn, and sweet Lucy wants some lovin's while she's waiting for the bossier hens to have their fill. This day, she hopped right up in my lap and sat down.
She's so sweet! Buff Orpingtons will always have a place in my flock.
Gertrude does not approve of Lucy socializing outside her species.
This picture perfectly depicts the dynamic of the flock. Ethel (Golden Laced Wyandotte), right in front and ready to fight to be first to the food/treats/fingers; Betty (Barred Rock), leading the pack with driven, but friendly, ambition; Lucy (Buff Orpington), patiently waiting her turn, socializing with me, and otherwise occupying herself; Mable (Easter Egger), ever at attention, pretty sure something's up, but not sure if it involves her or if she should be concerned about it and warn the others (she's always the one to sound the alarm if any questionable sight or sound comes close); Scarlett (Rhode Island Red) and Gertrude (Golden Comet) waiting for the higher ranking hens to finish eating while wondering if they should be concerned about that non-chicken in the doorway.
Betty hasn't hopped in my lap on her own yet , but I know she thinks about it. Hopefully Lucy's calm friendliness is a good influence on the rest of the flock!