The "Pipster"

Would you like to hear how Pip, my re-homed rooster, is doing?

I've received a number of email updates from Verna, the delightful woman who adopted my chicken-abused rooster, Pip, last week. Every one of her emails has left me with the biggest smile.

For anyone possibly just tuning in, last Wednesday, 8/27, Pip, my White-Crested Black Polish Rooster, went to his new home about 2 hours from Critter Farm. Life, since then, has been dramatically different for him.

What is Pip's life like now? I think the words of Verna, along with a few of her photos, tell it best. So, without further ado, and reprinted with Verna's permission, I give you... Pip's new world:

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Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Subject: Pip Update!

Hi Danni,
I've left Pip in the cage, put scratch around on the ground around him and the hens are getting acquainted with him. He has been crowing, which causes a lot of clucking with the hens! I will turn him loose with them before dark so he can find the roost and then observe them in the morning, but all seems to be going well. I will send you another update tomorrow.
-Verna

Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Subject: Pip is free!

Danni,
We turned Pip loose and he has already shown the girls that he is the new boss. About six of the hens are hanging close to him, the other eight are staying back for now but they are all behaving themselves. Looks like Pip is a keeper! It will be fun watching them all adjust to the new pecking order.
-Verna

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Subject: Pip's clan

Hi Danni,
Pip was up on the roost with the hens last night and they are all hanging together this morning, just like old buddies. He has also been seen chasing the hens around, doing what roosters do best!
-Verna

Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Subject: The Pipster

Hi again Danni,
Yeah, he's the Man! Pip is doing great. He does seem to be ruling with somewhat of an iron hand, pecking the hens (lightly) when they are in his way. I did see some heartwarming behavior too. I picked some blackberries and took a handful to the chickens. When I put them on the ground Pip made some clucking and called the hens to "come and get it." My old rooster also did this, as if to let the hens know that he would take care of them. I was delighted to see this behavior and the hens all seem contented!
I'll e-mail you again when there is more to report.
-Verna

Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Subject: Pip's Bald Spot


Hi Danni,
I got these two shots of Pip's bald spot. He was constantly moving so I had to work to get these shots, but as you can see he has some pin feathers showing so it shouldn't take too long before he has a new head of feathers. The hens have never pecked at him. He absolutely rules in the chicken yard!
I will send you pictures as he gets his new head of feathers.
-Verna

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Good boy, Pip!! And (again) thank you so much, Verna! I can't imagine a better home for that sweet boy, Pip.


Would you like to read Pip's story from the beginning?
5/20/08: Poor Pecked Pip
6/24/08: This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Two of Them
7/18/08: In Critter Farm Rooster News
7/30/08: Happy Monday turned into Challenging Tuesday