2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Isabel]

I'm going to attempt to attach some photos of our girls.

 

First up is Nigella, Orpington, 8 weeks old - or is she? She seems so big compared to the other two but maybe it's her feathers. What does anyone think?

 

 

Delia, Buff Sussex, 7 weeks

 

 

Rachel, New Hampshire Red, 6 weeks ... the baby

 

 

Finally, all together - this is where you really get an idea of Nigella's size

 

 

They've been pretty happy in their run today though I did pop them in for an hour this morning when they looked cold and were huddled together. All eating well and pooping copious amounts ... it's unreal! Had to help them to bed tonight, Nigella was happy for me to pick her and put her in, as was Rachel who is pretty inquisitive and cheeps away. Delia had to be cornered and caught but was happy to have a cuddle on my knee before going in. 5 mins later they were all snuggled up together.

 

They seem to be eating their Growers ... Daphne was kind enough to advise me on another thread to avoid treats for now (thanks!) but what about corn? Can they have a little in the evenings?

 

Isabel

[Snowy]

Hm, orpies are big, but I think I would put Nigella at a bit older than 8 weeks. Her feathers look to be better developed. They are all lovely though

[tom123]

Nigella looks more like 14/15 weeks old to me. Delia looks more like 10 weeks old and Rachel looks about 5 weeks old. Not very good of the breeder to put them together with such drastic age differences They are lovely though. Please keep an eye that Rachel isn't picked on as there is such a size difference

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Beautiful girlies . Congratulations .

[Plum]

No idea about ages but they are absolutely gorgeous. The sizes are extreme

[Isabel]

Thanks for the replies ... I'm head over heels in love with them! Yes, huge size differences and your estimated ages are interesting thanks Tom. I've to ring the breeder on Monday so I'm going to ask her to check her dates re Nigella & Delia. Rachel is pretty fiesty and was first out this morning ... I've been watching her like a hawk but the others seem fine with her ... she snuggles in under Nigella if she's a bit chilly - Delia does too for that matter. If there's such an age difference then, yes, I'm annoyed with the breeder. On the other hand, they all seem healthy and they were all in the same run at the breeders so at least they all knew each other!

[Redwing]

Nigella looks more like 14/15 weeks old to me. Delia looks more like 10 weeks old and Rachel looks about 5 weeks old. Not very good of the breeder to put them together with such drastic age differences They are lovely though. Please keep an eye that Rachel isn't picked on as there is such a size difference

 

I'd say you were pretty much right there Tom

 

They are super girls though and seem comfortable enough with each other in those pics, Rachel being allowed to drink unchallenged etc.. so hopefully things will be ok but do keep an eye on them

[ISCA]

They look lovely. Nigella looks very much like my Buff Orp who is now 12 weeks so I think she is probably older than was suggested!

[Space Chick]

I agree with Tom123 and Redwing. Keep a close eye on Rachel and check she is being able to eat and drink without being chased/bullied. I would put a few feed and drink stations in to be on the safe side, even if you just jot around a few coup cups.

 

If you do see any bullying though, please come back on here for advise

 

But as you say, they seem good together at the moment, so fingers crossed

 

I do think it was naughty of the breeder to sell you 3 of such varying ages and sizes

[Jules.]

Lovely chooks, but naughty breeder .

I love photos!

[Daffodill]

They are soooo lovely

[Lewis]

I love Nigella

 

Great photos

Hope they get on ok

[Isabel]

Thanks everyone. I got quite annoyed at the breeder last night - and at myself as I did question her in Nigella's age at the time but took her word for it. But then, I'm the amateur and she knew it! Also, when I look closely at the photos (and the chickens), it's obvious (I think) that Nigella's older as she's pinking up a bit more around her eye and comb. Oh well, she's a gorgeous chook and I wouldn't change her - even at this stage!

 

They're still okay together. Rachel was out first this morning - like a bullet, followed by Nigella, then Delia. They cleared all their pellets pretty quickly so I refilled feeder. I've been watching from window and have seen Rachel eating quite a bit. Definitely no sign of any pecking but I will keep an eye out and will definitely be shouting for help if any bullying develops.

 

They're still pooping like crazy - lovely runny specimens now which aren't so good for picking up!

 

Isabel

[Isabel]

Sorry, meant to ask ... given that Nigella is obviously that much older, what should i do about worming. Breeder said to wait til they're about 17w before worming. That means Delia (going by Tom's more accurate aging!) will be around 15w and Rachel only 10-11w. Will Rach be okay with worming meds that early? I'm hoping we'll have the Pekins by then and they'll only be 7-8w ... and I've seen them so know they're around 2w now!

 

Also, should i introduce a teeny bit of corn in the evenings at this stage? It might really help me with bedtimes!

[chickyhazel]

We have been sold 12 week olds (well, around that we think) as 16 weeks before and they coped with the worming medicine. I know they are older but I don't think it should make much difference. You could always wait a couple of weeks.