Happychick Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 We have two Cream Legbar chicks of about 12 weeks old. They've been with us for about 6 weeks now, and in that time they've steered very clear of our existing 3 hens. We'd really like them all to be able to sleep in the Eglu Cube together, but the big girls won't let them in at night. For the last week or so we've been putting them in the nesting box at night, with a barrier to shut them off from the roost. Then at about 11pm we've been taking the barrier down. The roost door is left open all night as we have an electrified enclosure, so somehow they sort themselves out in the morning. Has anyone got any good ideas as to how we can get the big girls to accept them in the roost? Any suggestions gratefully received! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 It will take quite a time and you will need to rig up their own accommodation in the meantime (see topic in FAQ section). Spraying them all with vinegar at night before popping the newbies in will sometimes work. Please don't be tempted to rush it though. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 My 3 youngsters are about 18 weeks old; I've had them since they were 10 weeks. They’ve been free ranging with the big girls since they were about 13 weeks old, and in the main run extension separated by mesh for 2 weeks and the big girls are just starting to let them get within touching distance occasionally. The cream legbar still takes most of the pecking I'm not looking at full integration until there at least 22 weeks and off grower’s pellets and on to layers pellets as Claret says don't rush it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happychick Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Oh that's interesting to know that it's 'normal' that they're not integrating yet. In that case, we won't try to rush things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happychick Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 In fact up until recently they were sleeping in a cat/dog carrying box that we put in a rabbit hutch (with the front taken off). They do try to go into the Eglu Cube at night, but when rebuffed, they head back for the cat/dog box. Do you think it would do them any harm just to let them continue sleeping in there for a few weeks? I just thought that if we weren't careful then they wouldn't know where to go to lay when the time came, but perhaps that's so far off that we don't kneed to worry about that yet! They're the first chickens we've had that haven't been at point of lay, so we've never had to grapple with this before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 You may find that you have 'two flocks' for a couple of months at least, then suddenly notice tat they are all free-ranging together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 i have a lovely little cream leg bar chick about 15 weeks old now. she was nursed from day one by my little grey bantam hen who has been such a good mum. she tolerated the chick jumping all over her back and let her stand on top of her to have a good look around. in fairness to the bantam she only just lost interest in the chick this week. she's back out with the cockerel and the rest of the chooks and poor coco the chick is on her own looking through her run at her mum wondering why she doesnt love her anymore. the chickens are all together at night but the chick is seperated by wire so no one can hurt her or peck at her. i asked a similar question to yours as i thought it would be ok to let them together. i had a very good response from eglutine i think saying the chick could get injured or killed if she wasnt big enough to defend herself. thank goodness i checked on here first. all of the chickens peck around the chicks enclosure but dont take a lot of notice, other than the cockerel who will attempt to have a peck if she's close to the wire. i loved having a little chick around as she was so comical and so sweet. but im now wishing the days away until shes big enough to stand her ground with the others and then mix in. my lot are very laid back and i hope they'll mix together ok but i am ever concious of the bossy cockerel and just want to make sure coco isnt attacked by letting her out to mx too early. im terrified she'll get hurt. she's finding her feet though, i let her have a walk around free range when the other chickens are out of the way. she likes to go down to see the ducks and my big aylesbury boy is terrifed of her haha. can you let me know when you decide to let yours in with the rest of your flock. be interesting to see how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Can I caution against mixing ducks and hens? Drakes aren't too choosy about who they bother for *errr* 'relations' and have been known to harrass a hen to death Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 You may find that you have 'two flocks' for a couple of months at least, then suddenly notice tat they are all free-ranging together. I agree, we had our newbies and oldies seperated for about 12 weeks before they merged. Slow is best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 hi claret thank you for your concern. take on board what you say about drakes. and was something we've been aware of and worried about. luckily they all get on fine, at least so far. the aylesbury is a really big boy but is terrified of his own shadow but gets on with the chickens fine. but they all have a very big area and seem to be live and let live. ive come out before now to find them all relaxing in the same spot and if i leave the utility door open ALL of the little devils come in chickens, ducks the lot. ive even seen the cockerel snuggled up to the mallard! take on board what you say though and we're always watching to make sure there are no squabbles. i think we have a unique bunch down here for some reason. the two ducks take themselves to bed in their little shed every evening! not our coaxing just something they do! how lucky is that! does anyone know what makes laid back chickens and ducks? i handle everyone of them everyday so dont know if that helps? i hope the drakes dont get aggresive like claret suggested they might, they all seem so happy at the minute.... i know this forum is about chickens but do you know if drakes become aggresive with time? there are no female ducks and don't intend to get any? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 will go to the duck forum, but does anyone know the signs if a duck is intending to get amorous? my OH just said if i see it buying a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates then we're in trouble. that's why i go on this forum and he doesnt!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beulah59 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Was at Helligan yesterday - they run hens, ducks and geese all together in the poultry orchard and don't seem to have any problems, but the enclosure is huge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Glad to hear that they all get on fine, but drakes can be over-sexed and none too particualr as to what they share their favours with if you get my drift. They're not overly careful of wee ducklings either. Sorry, but I have seen some nasty scenes, so would hate any of you to get caught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 thanks claret. id be devestated if anything happend to any of them. they're all 100% pets and my OH just lets me get on with fussing over them. a few people have said that male ducks can be a pest now. and that things can turn nasty too! i will definately be keeping an eye out for any chinanigans! i love this website! i was a total novice on all this stuff and spent a month on here before i got my first chicken. the advice from all you eggsperts is so valuable thank you. long live omlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
