kitschwitch Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 So sad, but her pen mate, June passed away this evening and now we're left with the intro problem, they were doing so well free-ranging together with the 6 big girls (all hybrids) - June and Pamela were/are Orps. When she was two birds, she and June have had eye contact and been free-ranging together with only a small squirt of water necessary, since June was brought in on Sunday though, Pamela has been on her own and is pretty much calling for her! On her own all day in the eglu run and looking at the big girls We let them out for 1/2 hr last night and 2 of the hybrids went for her immediately and then she was left on her own whilst the rest were all together - she is only 16 weeks and we have opened up a shade between the runs so there is more eye contact. So what to do, if I managed to source a similar sized Buff Orp, would she know the difference in the dark of night??? Or should I divide and conquer and put the top but gentle top chook in with her (eglu and cube alongside). Although a 4M longh run is not big enough for 7 and we were planning on Intros in November after the WIR was ordered and they were over 20 weeks old. Maybe worth mentioning though that top chook also calls for her girls when they are not in eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Sorry to hear you've lost a pullet Assuming it was nothing infectious then you have 2 choices as you've outlined and really its up to you. I think I'd be inclined to get another young orp as orps are generally docile and can be bullied by others, which may happen with your older hybrids (not sure how old they are). Also, I prefer (possibly a daft human thought!) to let 2 birds of the same breed pal up together. However, you should keep the newbie separately (quarantine as far away as possible) for ideally 2 weeks in case she brings disease which your birds aren't used to. This is especially important with youngster/growers. So if you can't quarantine/find another orp then I'd be inclined to do as you suggest (assuming I've read your post correctly and you have an eglu with a run next to a cube with a run) and put top hen in with her in the eglu. I do mine at night and rarely encounter any bother - but I hang around in the morning to make sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitschwitch Posted October 20, 2010 Author Share Posted October 20, 2010 Thanks Daphne, We've decided to try and source another Buff before the weekend of similar age and size (I have 1 or 2 breeders in mind and will have to drive a fair way - BUT "She's Worth It") with a back up plan for a mini intro if necessary (thanks to pics on here) If we can't, then our top chook is about to move next door temporarily Fingers crossed!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 As she is still so young I think I would do that and take longer to do the 2 introductions. I have found with other breeds that they really don't start standing up for themselves until they are maturing and with orps that will be later i guess. Your new girl will help heal the wounds left by June but don't expect Pamela to thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitschwitch Posted October 21, 2010 Author Share Posted October 21, 2010 So.... I've sourced a new Buff Orp to look at tomorrow (they have 4 of the right age) and a cunning or not so cunning plan is afoot. We've kept an eye on Pammy for the past couple of days and apart from longing looks she seems more than fine, going to bed 1/2 hr before the big girls but I think that's normal. The cunning plan is that, lasttime she saw June, she was in a dog crate in our conseratory, so tomorrow afternoon, they will get to free-range and June II will be in the garden in said dog crate. Later at dark we will put June II in the egg port of the eglu classic with a little squirt on both of anti-peck spray. If all goes upside down then we have the 1:1 integration pics from here ready and easily put in place! Arms at the ready, fingers crossed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodinparts Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 Sounds hopeful....please keep us posted (and bravo for sourcing the right chook of the right age too!) Hope all goes well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Good luck, lots of people do have success with integrating that way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 The story continues **here**. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
