NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieSB Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 They are absolutely adorable. Good luck with getting them all to flock together nicely -- it seems things are off to a rather good start. Nice that Dopey is keen to be with them (even if it is for a good game of chase ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 Thank you! I think they are lovely! I will put Dopey back in this afternoon, while I'm at home, to let them acclimatise a bit more. They've had some food and water now, which they find harder to do when Dopey's in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Gorgeous looking girls, hope they'lll soon all be happily playing together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 They look lovely - what are they? one looks distinctly Bluebelle like. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 Yes, one is a Bluebelle, the other a 'silver link' hybrid, which I think is basically an amber star. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 they are indeed very beautifull.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexgirl73 Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 ooooh gorgeous. I think I will have to branch out into fancier breeds at some point lol. They are very pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 They are lovely and practically identical to my new girls. I have 2 of the blue ones. If I could get my camera back off my son I'd post some photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 egluntine, would love to see some pics of your new ones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Gorgeous girls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 egluntine, would love to see some pics of your new ones! I'll burgle his van this evening and try to oblige. 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchlayer Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 SOunds like it's all going well. It does take time to introduce new hens from what I have been reading and it looks like you are doing all the right things. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 I have decided to change the white chicken's name - I never fully 'clicked' with Snowball, so I am going to call her Snowdrop, which is much more elegant, and a prettier name for a beautiful chicken! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 They are lovely youngsters I have two the same and beautiful birds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 They're lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Oh my they are gorgeous girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 What lovely girls! Sounds like everything is going well too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 5, 2008 Author Share Posted July 5, 2008 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 to watch them strutting in the run, as that really did seem to help yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 5, 2008 Author Share Posted July 5, 2008 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 Hi NClaire. As they seem to be getting on ok, you could try sprinkling some tinned sweetcorn for them all to share. Be prepared to separate them though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted July 5, 2008 Author Share Posted July 5, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 That's the stuff...it is fantastic. You might find it a little cheaper at **Wiggly Wigglers**. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
