Monday, September 1, 2008

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

23 comments:

  1. I am glad Pip is doing well in his new home. Thank you for giving us an update.

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  2. Yay Pip!
    I can imagine how utterly relieved you must feel about Pip. I was sad about his story, you must have been more so. So happy that this story has a happy ending ;)

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  3. That's great! Who'd have thought he'd take over as the boss THIS fast. Good for him!

    PS Feels like fall. *grin*

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  4. Pip is turning into quite the ladies' man! You must be relieved that the hens took to him so quickly.

    Way to go, Verna!

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  5. Yay! Good for you Pip! I'm so glad he's "on top" now. LOL

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  6. Great story, and a great new home - I hope all the folks who adopt your donkeys share their rehoming stories with you.

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  7. Great update. Hooray for Pip! With his hairdo, maybe she should call him Friar Pip until his new feathers come back in.

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  8. How wonderful for Pip! Looks like a very happy home for him!

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  9. Way to go, Pip! Sounds like he is fitting in just fine. And thats great news about his poor little head feathers...maybe he will be able to sport his great do after all.

    Im so happy that he is adjusting well to his new ladies and his new role as roo. That was so great of Verna to send you all the updates.

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  10. I'm glad for the "happily ever after!"

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  11. You did good Danni! You did good!

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  12. I read this post with tears of joy for Pip! He is such a happy camper now!

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  13. I'm glad Pip has a great home now! Lots of hens, he must be in heaven. I love my roosters!

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  14. Thanks, everyone, for your good thoughts. I am very relieved things are turning out so well for Pip.

    Robin (seasonseatings): No "Fall Talk" until Sept. 22nd, do you hear me?!

    CeeCee: Friar Pip?! Ah ha ha ha!

    NW Nature Nut: Your mom is the BEST!

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  15. Wow, he sounds like a real lady's man. And, quite the gentleman, too. *sigh* I would so love to have a rooster on my balcony.

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  16. There is home for everybody.... even a rooster.... Cheers to Pip, king of the roost finally, and his ladies!
    Christina

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  17. Only on YOUR farm could events work out so harmoniously. Imagine the worst: Two roosters in one flock, one of them unable to connect with the girls or even crow like a roosterman, and - to add insult to injury (literally) - the entire flock gangs up on him pecking him bald and bloody. However, benign forces of the universe intervened, and Pip is the happy Sheik of a new feathered harem. It could not have been planned any better! The meek shall inherit the coop! (Sorry.)

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  18. Thanks for the update! It's good to know that Pip is fitting in and looking after his flock. What a good roo! That's how it should be. Please tell Verna that I love her blue hydrangeas.

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  19. Thanks for the Pip update. I'm glad he is doing well. I have a soft spot for that little guy.

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  20. I love that Pip is doing so great. Sounds like he is adjusting and truly the king of the roost.

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  21. Now that is what my bad boy rooster needs. A home with just hens. lol...
    It is sad how chickens will pick on one another sometimes.
    Pip has it made now.
    Verna certainly took some great pictures too!
    Have a great day.
    Pam

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  22. I don't know how I missed this when it was posted. So very glad that Pip is having a good time and taking proper care of his ladies.

    Thank you so much for the update.

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  23. Woot Woot, sounds like things are going great for him. You made such a wise choice :)

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