Twix has officially claimed the top bunk, and honestly? Good for her. When you name all your chickens, you're already all in on the drama, and this little lady is living out the classic tale of "I just want some peace and quiet, but the flock is a lot." We've all been Twix at some point, hopping up on the nearest high surface to escape the chaos, only to come down for dinner because, let's face it, snacks are worth the risk. The pecking order is no joke, and watching your sweetest hen get picked on while you stand there feeling helpless is a special kind of heartbreak wrapped in feathers.
This story hits close to home for anyone who's ever kept a mixed flock. You want everyone to get along, but nature doesn't work that way. The OP's comment about not wanting to "kill like 75% of my chickens" is the kind of dark, self-aware humor that every backyard chicken keeper understands on a cellular level. We've all done the math on flock dynamics, and the solution is rarely pretty or practical. It reminds me of the pure joy we celebrate in Six fluffy chicks have hatched—egg-cellent news from our feathered friends! and the sleepy charm of Tiny Marans Froment chicks are cluck-tastic, and currently napping!, where everything is new and hopeful. But the real feathery truth is that chickens are tiny dinosaurs with social anxiety, and sometimes the best you can do is provide a high perch and a little extra snack time.
So what do we actually take away from Twix's rooftop rebellion? First, that perching up high is a survival instinct, not a personality flaw. If you've got a hen who's getting picked on, give her more vertical space, multiple feeding stations, and maybe a spot where she can watch the world without being dive-bombed. Second, that guilt you feel? It's a sign you care, which already puts you ahead of the game. You're not failing because you haven't solved the pecking order; you're just navigating the messy, clucky reality of keeping a flock. And third, that sense of humor is your best tool. The moment you can laugh at the absurdity of a chicken named Twix sulking on a coop roof, you're going to be fine.
Here's the concrete thing to watch for: does Twix start coming down earlier over the next few weeks, or does she find a new hiding spot? If she's still choosing the high ground after you've added a few extra roosts and treat stations, then you'll know she's not just scared, she's making a lifestyle choice. And honestly, you can't blame her for wanting a room with a view. Just make sure she's got a safe way down, because nothing ruins a good sulk like a sprained ankle. Keep doing right by your feathered friends, and remember, you're not a bad chicken parent. You're just the bouncer at a very feathered, very dramatic nightclub.
