[Catsmuvva]

I've just been outside to break up what I thought was yet another skirmish between Patches (protective mum) and Bella (innocent bystander), only to find Patches "treading" Bella!   

Is this normal behaviour for a mother hen trying to impose some sort of matriarchal hierarchy ... or just plain odd?    

[Ice]

Perfectly normal behaviour for a hen trying to assert her dominance.  One of mine does it now and then to keep the others in their place.

[Catsmuvva]

Thanks for that, first time I've seen it in 2 1/2 years, but then none have had chicks before!