megalin Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Hello everyone, How long does it take generally for chickens to get used to each other? We got our new hens on wednesday and it's sunday now.... I'm wondering if I've done the wrong thing putting 2 bantams with a buff orp.... The little ones have had colds anyway so have been a bit subdued but they aren't really allowed out of the house much by the Orp not allowed to the food and water etc still so they don't spend much time in the run just enjoying themselves. I feel sad for them. I'm wondering how long I should leave it until I know it's not going to change? I still have to feed them separately or they don't get any food. I'm thinking if it doesn't get better I may get another bantam and give the Orp away. Or extend the coop and have one for big and one for small hens... What do you all think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 To be honest,if your new hens have 'colds' then they should have been kept in isolation from other hens until they are well. Personally,as someone who has big hens & bants,I wouldn't like the 2 lots to run together,as some bants are very small compared to my big hens,so must be tiny next to an orp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Orps are generally placid so while I would normally say one large fowl and two bantams arent a good combination I would venture an opinion that yours will eventually be ok Was the orp already in residence when the other two arrived? this makes things harder if so If I was you this is what I would do: Move the two bantams somewhere warmer and sheltered to recover from their colds as they should be separate anyway - a dog crate in a garage/shed (must have ventilation) or a rabbit hutch in the garden is ideal Once the two bantams have recovered put them back in their run and remove the orp somewhere else for a day or so (it will be ok in a dog crate but not a rabbit hutch) a small run would be ideal if you are able to do this Then I would put the orp back in with the other two If this doesnt help then you'll need to separate the run in to two and separate the orp so she can see but not get at the other two If you leave things as they are then make the run as sheltered as possible for the sick birds and add two more feed and water stations (hook on pots are ideal) so they can eat and drink without being bullied Regardless of what you do make sure that the orp gets the same treatment as the bantams for their colds even if the orp shows no symptoms When bringing in any new bird in the future always give them at least a weeks quarantine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 some sound advice about quarantining there. I was just going to add - once they've got over their colds - don't worry too much if they spend a lot of time in the house etc,just make sure there is more than one food/water station so the Orp can't guard them both. My last lot of new hens spent days hiding behind the Eglu and looking terrified, but they do settle down and get bolder quite quickly, and it's all part of the adjustment process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megalin Posted October 31, 2010 Author Share Posted October 31, 2010 Thanks for the advice everyone, I've ordered a big dog cage today as I haven't had anywhere else to put them. All 3 hens are our first and came together, with colds, they were sneezing in the car! I've contacted the breeder. Today they were all out together eating and scratching around and both bantams are looking better not sitting around so much, just the occasional sneeze. I've been giving them all poultry spice, citricidal silver and have given them the occasional nutri drops when they were looking really rubbish. The coop is nice and warm, draught free etc. There's several food and water points at all times but they do seem to be eating together more and more each day. Do you think it's still worth quarantining them now they're looking better? Considering they've been together for 4 days and it may take a few more until the cage comes? I think if they all settle down happily I'll leave them be until spring when we intend to get more large hens and I will then separate them , if not I'll build another coop and run asap. Megalin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 if they all came together, I wouldnt bother separating them now to be honest, unless there is bad (blood-drawing) bullying. sounds like you are doing the right things and they will settle in time. I've always mixed banties and big girls and never had a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megalin Posted November 1, 2010 Author Share Posted November 1, 2010 Hurrah! We have happy bumbling chooks! I am sooooo pleased, they're all better and chatty, exploring and jumping up on things, I let them out a bit today (Under very close supervision!) Seemed to cheer them up no end... Think they may need more time out of the run. Although then they refused to go to bed and just ran around giggling excitedly, making moves like they were trying to get up on the fence, naughty naughty...... Going to construct a run extension tomorrow that will mean they can wander more of the garden. Little baby steps. I love them sooooo much....... I think they'll get along just fine. Thanks for all the advice! Megalin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
