We have an outside coop for the ladies. After they free-ranged yesterday, we put them back in the coop so we could mow the barn lot. Imagine our surprise to see Ruby Begonia outside the coop! She is a well-filled-out bird, and has learned that by backing up to the chicken wire and leaning against it with her fluffy little chubby backside, she can pop the staples and loosen the wire. I snagged her and put her back inside, then spent a half-hour screwing retaining boards on the coop frame to secure the wire better. Ruby Begonia is going on a diet . . . .
It sounds to me like Ruby uses more than her backside to get out of the coop. Who said chickens were stupid birds???
Yes Eileen, Ruby is very capable at both ends! And Frank, I have to be careful what I say around Ruby, she's very sensitive. They free-range when I can be with them because there are predators around, and the hens also like to try hitch-hiking.
