2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Isabel]

Thought I'd update on how we're getting on with introducing the two Pekins, one of whom we think is a boy, to our 3 existing big girls. This day last week, I thought Delia was going to kill the little ones. Over the last week, we've kept the Pekins in a small area fenced off within the big run. They had daytime shelter but I had to lift them into the henhouse to sleep with the big girls at night. By Thursday morning they were all roosting happily in a row on the perch bar. Mid-week, I started letting them wander around with the big girls for 10 mins whilst I poo-picked. They were scared off the big girls and were chased away from food but the bullying lessened each day. Thurs night I let them f/r together for an hour or so ... cue a little chasing but nothing major. Same last night ... big turnaround then when Fudge (? boy) stood up to Rachel (2nd hen in pecking order). It was amazing to watch - they faced up to each other and he flew/fluttered up at her ... eventually she turned away. Woohoo! Well done Fudge. When I went out to put them to bed last night ... they were all in roosting ... Pekins included!!

 

Let them out this morning again when I was around to watch ... they all fed together - the little ones did turn away if Delia came to the feeder but Rachel left when Fudge came alongside her! Few altercations (minor) between Fudge and Rachel - Delia came over to cast her evil eye at Fudge who backed off. But ... they have fr'd together all day. I've seen the little ones eating and drinking. The big girls aren't really bothering about them.

 

I was ready to spend weeks doing a slow introduction and if you'd told me last Saturday morning that a week on they'd be f/r together quite happily, I wouldn't have believed you! Thanks everyone for your help ... I know we've done it faster than recommended but they're together, happy enough and, most importantly (touch wood) the Pekins are safe!

 

Isabel

[Jools]

Well done! Every situation is different and if you have space and time to free-range them, and you have a man-about-the-coop to stop any stroppiness, it is much easier.