MadAboutChooks Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 Hi There, Picked up our 3 new girls this am,2 columbines from one place,and 1 orpington from another place. Put them all in their fenced of area of the WIR together at the same time the problem is that the orpington(Margo) is fully grown and BIG and the columbines (Noodles and Chilli)are young and small in comparison. Now I thought orpingtons were docile and gentle giants.,but ours seems to be throwing her weight around and has already tried to breach the fencing to get to the oldies and has fronted up to them in an aggressive manner. She is picking on the columbines and not letting them out from under the cube. Is this normal behaviour for an orpington? or have we a trouble maker? Or am I just being an over protective mummy? I think part of the problem to start with was because Margo needed to lay and didnt know where to go, she was gaping and showing very aggressive behaviour I put her in the cube and she immediatly went and layed an egg. Afterwards she had a long drink and became slightly less grumpy. Someone please tell me that we havnt made a mistake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 It is normal for chickens full stop. They need to sort out the pecking order. As long as no blood is drawn, they should be ok. Useful details re intros in the FAQ sections - viewtopic.php?f=42&t=25886 The fact that the Orp is older (?) and much larger AND from a different supplier will make the intros slightly harder. Good luck with them all though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 As a rule Orps are fairly docile so I wouldn`t worry too much at this stage. Providing she (Margo) is just all talk at the moment I would keep an eye on them and see how they go. Even though the three new chooks are new they will need to establish their own pecking order within their flock and it sounds like Margo has decided she wants to be Top Chook. If Margos behaviour becomes physically agreesive (pecking, jumping on etc) then I would be a little more concerned. I would: - make sure your fencing between the newblies and the oldies is secure - put three or four small feed/water stations in with the newbies so Margo gets used to the idea that there is food and space for everybody Top chook and second in command in my flock of 15 are my two oldest Orps.....they rule with a calm authority but can dish out punishments when required. By punishment I mean a gentle head tap/shoulder barge...see if their punishments are docile Keep an eye on them which I am sure you will anyways, Chillax a little and enjoy your new girls ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadAboutChooks Posted April 25, 2010 Author Share Posted April 25, 2010 Thank you, | think I am just being a bit of an over protective Mum, Chilli and Noodles look so small in comparison. I have reinforced the fence and although they can see and peck through the slats if they get too close, I am hoping that it is secure enough to keep them apart. OH is home all tomorrow, so can keep an eye on them. At the moment they are just staying out of her way, and only getting a pecking if they get too close to her. Hopefully things will settle. Thanks again for all your help, it really helps to know you lot are on hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 It does seem cruel at first, but they will sort it out. Maybe scatter some corn around to give them something to do? Or some green veg hung up? Any distraction usually works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
