Single hen

[likeastar--x]

I just bought 2 pekin bantams very young, definatly not POL. they have virtually no combs and are very pale skinned and make chirping noises like chicks do. They are gorgeous one buff and one black.

 

 

I already have 3 chickens, 2 of which are laying, and they live in a wooden coop. The woman we bought the bantams from said we could wait until dark then slip the bantams in and they should be fine (a little pecking order action may occur). im not entirely sure of this as the breeder we bought our chickens from said that if we added in bantams it was a long process, including keeping them in a seperate pen, letting them see each other through a fence first etc. could anyone give me any advice on adding bantams to a group of chickens? im really worried about how young they are!

 

 

thanks a lot

Edited September 27, 2008 by Guest

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

I was told not to mix them as the size differential would more than likely lead to bullying. But if they are really weeny, then I'd definitely err on the side of caution and keep them apart until POL at least.

 

Anna x

 

ps: given the cuteness factor of weeny bantams, can you post any pics?

[likeastar--x]

Yea sure as soon as poss

 

Im guessing they are about 12 weeks or so though i cant tell really they are about a 3rd of the size of my chickens.

is bullying definatly going to happen? would it matter if we joined them to see if they would be bullied and then if they were then find another solution??

[abwsco]

I got some 12 weeks olds and was told by the breeder not to introduce them until they were a similare size to my older ones or around 18 weeks old.

 

Not wanting to scare you but if they are really small they are likely to get pecked to death.

 

Mine are now 18 weeks old and are still choosing to go to bed in the rabbit hutch not the main coop.

[likeastar--x]

Here are some pictures:

 

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/likeastar--x/S4021165.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/likeastar--x/S4021166.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h155/likeastar--x/S4021170.jpg

 

 

Could you please tell me how old you think they are?? Ahh we have nowhere to put them and now we have nothing to feed them because we tried giving them layers pellets and they are too small! ahhh why did the breeder not tell us this!!!!

[Groovychook]

Aahhh!!

[Egluntyne]

I definitely wouldn't put 12 week old bantams with adult hybrids.

 

Have a look **these articles** for some info and advice on managing intros that you might find useful.

[bronze]

They are dinky

 

Your breeder sounds very irresponsible.

If needs must you can keep them in a cardboard box ina shed or utility room for a couple of nights. they will need growers feed though if theyre babies still.

[likeastar--x]

AHH ok i have nothing to keep them in not even a rabbit hutch or anything and ive asked around everywhere. tonight they will have to spend the night in a cat box as im now nervous if i do the process of introduction on that page then ill have to do it in the space of like a day as i dont have any time :( this is SO annoying, and its not fair on the chickens either. i have no growers pellets so ive just cut layers pellets into smaller pieces and given them mixed corn. is this ok??? ARGHHHHH!

[mostin]

Where do you live likeastar as you may be able to borrow some temporary accommodation for them from one of us on here until they are old enough to go in with the big girls and be fed on layers pellets.

 

Very cute little things though.

[likeastar--x]

i live in essex near epping ill make a post on the wanted page aswell i am desperate if someone could please please help me! :(

[Electricbarbarella]

could they not stay in the box they are in in the house fr a few days while you sort something out, i used to keep a baby duck in my bedroom when i was a teenager.

[Janty]

Don't put them in with the other girls and don't feed them layers pellets.

 

I have been in the same situation as you and two of my pekins died. I was heart broken and don't want anybody else to go through what I did. The breeder told me that the girls would be fine with the others and just to feed them the same. I lost one girl within a week and when the second one died I started researching and asking questions on the forum. I felt so responsible.

 

I will pm you.

[Egluntyne]

A bit confusing as there seem to be two threads running on the same topic.

 

Best not to mix them with the older girls till they are at least 18 weeks ols and definitely don't feed them on layers pellets only. It is completely the wrong food for them, with too much calcium for this age.

 

You really must try to get some growers pellets tomorrow if you can. Try local agricultural or smallholding shops. I get mine from an equestrian shop, surprisingly. Ring around.

[Gallina]

If you can't get grower's pellets, give them chick crumbs. This might be what they are used to anyway, and would explain why they won't touch the pellets.

 

Growers' pellets are exactly the same as chick crumbs: they are just a way of getting them used to pellets when they are young so that layers' pellets do not come as too much of a shock at 18 weeks. But don't give them layers' pellets before 18 weeks.

 

They look like darling little babies, but the big hens will do them severe damage if they are put in a confined space together.

[Egg Lou]

They are lovely but agree with everyone.. please try not put in with the others yet.. they look about 10 weeks (as look same as mine) mine free range with my big girls but have been around them since hatching.. but I don't confine them in run together as they could not get away from any pecking..

 

I would guess you have about 8-10 weeks before you would be able to safely get them fully intergrated.

 

I do wish you the best of luck and hope it goes well for you as they are lovely

[likeastar--x]

i just rang the breeder who claims they are 14 weeks that would mean that they are 2 weeks younger than my chickens were when we got them...i think he might not have known and just guessed (its a very big poultry farm) so now were stuck as to how old they are. its between 6-14 weeks lol. weve just been feeding them weetabix mashed up for the last 2 days and hoping for the best

 

i wish I hadnt got them as a suprise as we couldnt plan for them and now they may not get the best start here

[Janty]

They are lucky to have you as you care. Some animals haven't got that luxury so don't beat yourself up over it.

 

You might not have been ready for them but you are doing everything that you can to remedy that situation.

[Egluntyne]

i wish I hadnt got them as a suprise as we couldnt plan for them and now they may not get the best start here

 

They'll catch up as soon as you get things sorted for them.