My mare's mother went "loco" when the filly was 3 days old--poor mad thing was kept sedated (for human as well as filly's safety) from that point until she was put down 12 weeks later. Her uncle adopted her, but Cricket grew up thinking that all other horses but Uncle Isaac were not to be trusted. When he had to be put down 7 years later, she seemed perfectly happy with just me for company--but I did notice she was quite content to allow the deer into her pasture to graze with her. It was also apparent, if we met a deer while out riding, whether it was a friend or a stranger! (She now has two equine pasturemates--both of whom she detests...) And they all accept the hens quite happily, whether underfoot in the pasture, or invading their stalls!
From old stories, it seems quite common for horses and chickens (not sure about other poultry) to strike up friendships, often with a chicken adopting the horse's stall as home, and the horse's back as a perch, in preference to staying with their own kind. Interesting world, isn't it!
Rhonda
Sidesaddle Hall of Famer
Five-time US National Sidesaddle Champion
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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