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NClaire

New chickens - an attempt at pics!

By NClaire, in Chickens, Eggs and Hatching

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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I got my new girlies on Wednesday to go with Dopey - for those who saw my other thread, I am SO glad I got 2 birds, not 1 as the original chicken place advised - one chicken wouldn't have stood a chance.

 

Introductions; I let the girls into the run on their own to start with, then at twilight opened the pophole to the house. Dopey came charging out, and there was a bit of warfare :? which involved lots of Dopey chasing, and not too much pecking. The 2 newbies are scared of Dopey, and run away from her. They all slept together no problem, and last night they even roosted next to each other, all in a row which was very sweet.

 

Yesterday I put Dopey in the rabbit hutch for some of the time, looking into the run, so that the other 2 could have some time there, when they could see Dopey but not be chased by her. They are very nervous of her, and won't come out if she is there, so I'm trying to increase their confidence. I'm not happy about leaving them together totally unattended (when I couldn't hear squawking), and I have to be out this morning, so Dopey will go in the hutch again then.

 

They do seem calmer today, though they still won't spend time outside together, and Dopey seems to want to be with the newbies, as she goes into the house and hops on the roost with them.

 

newgirls2.jpg

 

newgirls.jpg

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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I've put Dopey back in with them, and, dare I say it, they seem to be getting on a little better - the 2 newbies aren't 'quite' so scared - they're asserting themselves a little more, and Dopey is going for food first, chasing chickens second. So maybe tomorrow will see peace and harmony! :D

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Egluntyne Eggsistentialist

Egluntyne

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egluntine, would love to see some pics of your new ones!
I'll burgle his van this evening and try to oblige. :D You'll notice the resemblance.

 

I've had them for a week and can't believe how much they have grown, and what good girls they are. I'll definitely use that breeder again.

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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These hens also seem really healthy - the breeder has a lovely set up - they are all in a huge field, and they are very tame and friendly.

 

Today has been a little calmer - I put Dopey in the rabbit hutch, looking into the run, so Smokey and Snowball(?) could spend time in the run without the stress of Dopey attacking them! After a few hours I put Dopey back in with them, and this time they didn't flee for the house - they tried to sidle round her a bit more, and Smokey was definitely thinking about eating while Dopey was there - up till now they have just fled to the roosts.

 

Dopey is also spending time with them in the house - during the day as well, so I think she is coming round to the idea of them. Interestingly, they don't fight on the roost at all, she just chases them in the run, so I will keep concentrating on boosting their confidence in the run. No blood shed - although I'm probably getting this all wrong, but we seem to be going in the right direction!

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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Well this morning, Snowdrop and Smokey each took a little stroll round the run, despite Dopey being there, before she escorted them back to the house. There is plenty of food and water inthere for them, and atm the roof isn't fastened down (there is mesh though) so I can let plenty of light in for them. A little later I will put Dopey in her favourite rabbit hutch :lol: to watch them strutting in the run, as that really did seem to help yesterday.

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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I put Dopey in the hutch for a bit, and the 2 newbies came into the run much more quickly. They are feeding really well, Smokey is still a little squitty in the poo dept, but seems to be settling down. They are getting a little less nervous of Dopey, and she is a bit more interested in food than chasing. They still aren't co-inhabiting the run - either they are all in the house, or Dopey is in the run and the newbies in the house, or Dopey is in the rabbit hutch and the newbies in the run. Still, they are getting on better than yesterday.

 

Any tips for getting them to mix properly? Or will it just take a few more days?

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NClaire Chicken Eggspert

NClaire

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Christian - that is a good idea - I'm not sure the new girls will come out when Dopey is there, so perhaps best to get them in the run eating, then unleash the Dopey! She seems to be going for the food first now, which is an improvement.

 

Thinking of getting Bokashi Bran for the squitters - is this the stuff in the Omlet shop? http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cat=Feed&sub=Chicken%20food&product_id=190

 

Thanks!

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