mostin Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 The Ex-batts are starting to settle in properly now. It's been just over a week now. They've figured out who feeds them so they come running towards me now when I walk up the garden . They don't appear to be scared of anything , my OH actually said today "Are you sure these were ex-batts?". They've come out of their shells so quickly. They are desperate to mingle with my other girls, but I'm holding off on that for a while for their own good, as they are about a quarter of the weight . They still haven't figured out dustbathing yet, even though they watch my big girls avidly, but they cracked the sunbathing today. This is Crazy Daisy in her favourite position. I can't believe how fast they are learning to dig for their own worms, and scrounge for corn from me . They have even befriended the cat already. They are going to have everyone round their little claws soon, I can see . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Glad they are settling in and making themselves at home Great pic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Great news, Mostin . She certainly looks very chilled . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 my smile to go to bewd with ahhhhh bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Mostin - That pic is so heart-warming - you must be so proud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwenLdn Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 So pleased your girls are settling in well! They must be having a sensory overload at the moment- must be lovely to see! All the best Owen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 How lovely, she looks very happy there doesn't she? Great to hear that they're coming on well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Good to hear they have fitted in so well and love the pose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Smashing news. A lovely picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hens@HalfMoonLane Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Lovely picture, they are really special times the first few weeks. I picked my 2 up yesterday from BHWT Adele and they managed a sunbathe on their first day with me. Today they had a wander around the WIR, they were really sweet - kept running back into the Eglu run before coming back out a few seconds later. My resident hen doesn't look too pleased about her new friends, infact she looks like she'd go for them given the opportunity. They seem quite unaware of her behaviour through the mesh. Can your new hens see the old ones and if so how are they behaving towards them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 14, 2009 Author Share Posted May 14, 2009 Lovely picture, they are really special times the first few weeks. I picked my 2 up yesterday from BHWT Adele and they managed a sunbathe on their first day with me. Today they had a wander around the WIR, they were really sweet - kept running back into the Eglu run before coming back out a few seconds later. My resident hen doesn't look too pleased about her new friends, infact she looks like she'd go for them given the opportunity. They seem quite unaware of her behaviour through the mesh. Can your new hens see the old ones and if so how are they behaving towards them. I agree, really special times. I have put the new girls right next to the walk in run so the old girls and the new girls can see each other at all times. It's very funny watching the reactions. I think 3 out of the 4 ex-batts aren't going to be a problem. They are so friendly, and when they have been out free-ranging they bounce straight up to the WIR and say Hello, to the old girls. They are clearly dying to get in with them. The other girls don't seem that bothered by them, as if they know they aren't really a threat. There hasn't even been any shouting at them as there has been before when I've brought new hens home. There is one big problem though........ May . She is boss already of the ex-batts. I am having to squirt here in the face with water to stop her pecking the other 3 at treat time . When I let her out to free range she charges over to the WIR and squares up to Dolly, who is Boss hen of my other flock . They then start pecking each other through the wire until sprayed with water. The song "There may be trouble ahead", keeps floating through my head . What will be, will be though. I'll just take it slowly. The ex-batts are still getting used to not having to fight for every inch of space and ounce of food, so things may calm down in a few weeks. I'm going to take them a bowl of pellet porridge out in a while. They had their 1st one the other day. it took them an hour to work up the courage to try it, but then they loved it . Heres to all those magic moments to come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Glad to hear they are settling in well Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 It's fabulous to watch them finding their feet, isn't it? I've had ex-batts for 4 weeks now and despite the heartache of losing one of them, it's been fantastic. They very quickly get the hang of being chickens. Today mine are under the bushes, chilling out in the shade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 That's great to hear Mostin. I hope that May sorts out her issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Thats a great photo. There is still nothing like an ex-batt sunbathing to warm my heart. Out of all the different things they learn to do, it was always a sunbathing ex-batt that makes me stop in my tracks and remember where they come from. for giving them a life Mostin. Your May is not taking after our May. Although my May was boss chicken, she was a very fair and gentle leader and could sort out any trouble with just a look! Sounds like they are doing grand. Cant wait to meet them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Glad they're doing so well Mostin We did warn you about the ex-batt special ability to win people over instantly! My Daisy's a sun worshipper too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoice Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Your pic reminds me so much of my Babs when she first saw sunshine April last year... Bless all ex-batts, they're such characters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 Your pic reminds me so much of my Babs when she first saw sunshine April last year... Bless all ex-batts, they're such characters! Awwwwwwww, beautiful. I know that look , they are sort of happy but confused because they've never felt like that before. Got to leave your bald bum on show too . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidygirlsuk Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 I'm glad to hear they are having a lovely time with you. Is the water gun thing working with you bossy girl. My large fowl and banties get on great but one big girl sometimes chases my light sussex bantam away. I might try the water gun thing if you think that it works. i might wait till the weather gets a bit warmer though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 I'm glad to hear they are having a lovely time with you. Is the water gun thing working with you bossy girl. My large fowl and banties get on great but one big girl sometimes chases my light sussex bantam away. I might try the water gun thing if you think that it works. i might wait till the weather gets a bit warmer though. Water spray is working slowly. I wouldn't call it a gun , just a spray . I got 2 for a £1 in ASDA from the hair care bit. They are the ones for wetting your hair to restyle it. You have to get them right in the face for it to work though , they really don,t like that, lot's of head shaking. It doesn't wet them enough to make them cold and it certainly improves behaviour. If I just pick it up now, all my old girls start to behave , and I am sure the ex-batts will learn the same soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidygirlsuk Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 thanks for advise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackgold Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Hi Mostin, lovely to see your Daisy chilling out.....I have had mine for 6 months now and they are so tame. I am thinking of getting a few more as i have 2 eglus and a large WIR now. After reading your tales about introductions I am not so sure now. I have had no problems except for Daisys soft eggs but that is sorted now. I think I have been very lucky with my 3. Their story from November 22nd to the present day is told on my collietalk spaces, just click on the link.I would hate for anything to go wrong now. What do you think? Love Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 Hi Mostin, lovely to see your Daisy chilling out.....I have had mine for 6 months now and they are so tame. I am thinking of getting a few more as i have 2 eglus and a large WIR now. After reading your tales about introductions I am not so sure now. I have had no problems except for Daisys soft eggs but that is sorted now. I think I have been very lucky with my 3. Their story from November 22nd to the present day is told on my collietalk spaces, just click on the link.I would hate for anything to go wrong now. What do you think? Love Sue Hi Sue, I've watched your ex-batts through your posts from the day they arrived to present day . So I don't need to go back through your blog. Bossy May isn't worrying me at all. I have done two intro's so far with no problems and even though I've said she's obviously up for a fight, I am not at all worried at this one. The time scale on each intro is very different. I am very chilled out about it all and always let my girls lead the way. They let me know when it's time for the next stage. That may sound a bit weird but it's true. With my first group, I didn't pick up on the signals and they got sick of waiting for me so they all flew over the fence and introduced each other. I think that was after about 5 weeks, and I had set a deadline of 6 weeks , they moved in together without me. My second lot took a lot longer, probably about 9 weeks in total, can't totally remember. I will just go with the flow and it will just happen. We have fence-line treats everyday, when they go harmoniously I will start the free ranging together, and then eventually they will all be in the WIR before winter. That is the only time limit I have set in my head. Phew *takes deep breath*, sorry that was so long. Please don't let worries about stroppy madams and intros stop you from getting more ex-batts. I fell in love with my stinky, messy, lumps of skin and bone on day 1. I've found mine need socialisation skills as well as TLC before they go into the flock. They are beginning to learn that the food is not going to ever run out now, and that the space is not going to go away either. So a lot of the friction is subsiding. I have had to dominate May a few tames by squashing her into a crouch when she is picking on the other girls. I hold her like that as they help themselves to corn. She hates that but now she knows I am top chook not her, and her behaviour has improved a lot over the past few days. Please let me know what you decide. xxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
