Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[percy049]

I know a lot of us are doing our intros, and i thought I'd start a thread for us all to talk about our introduction situation, and to help others with theirs.

2 1/2 weeks in, we've finally just got them sleeping in the house together tonight, minus one poorly hen (who is the boss), who sleeping in a box in the living room, awaiting her appoinment with the vets tomorrow morning. I've just put the other old chicken in the house, so it's really dark and they can't see eachother. There's only an odd peck now and again in the garden, usually over food or dustbaths.

Eggs. we had 3 good eggs from Binnie the bluebelle, but over the past week she's laid 2 very soft shelled eggs, so she's going on a no treat diet with liquid calcium in their water.

Looking forward to hearing your stories

[jimnpaula]

I currently have my WIR separated with new POL's Crystal, Sky and Jet in the eglu end, and all the others in the cube end.

 

Today I may have had Sky (skyline) crouch for me - not where she 'throws herself on the floor in front of you and you nearly trip over her' style, but more a 'tipping up the tail when you stroke her back' type thing.

 

P

[Chucky Mama]

I got 3 new POL chickens on Sunday to join 2 existing hens. Against all my usual preaching I decided not to quarantine the 3 new hens. The reason for this was that they were vaccinated, I carefully examined them before buying them and they came from somewhere that I was 100% confident in. They are the picture of health ( - touches wood).

 

I had intended to put them in the cube run when the other 2 were out free ranging and make my next move gauged on what the reactions were from both groups. It didn't go quite to plan as one of my older girls looked like she had a softie on the way and was desperate to get to the laying area at about 3pm So, I had to let her in, she shot past the new 3 and stayed in the nesting area until morning. So, they spent the first evening together through necessity really. There were no problems overnight.

 

After that I have to say that I have left them to it. There has been a bit of telling off and posturing but nothing to write home about. The older girls tell the younger ones off occasionally and the younger ones take it out on any passing bird There is a definite split and the older 2 are very much respected by the new 3 but they are going to bed together and fingers crossed they are sorted. I can see them becoming more comfortable with each other all the time but there is a healthy respect shown by the younger hens.

 

I do have to say though that they are all out all day in large garden so they can easily avoid each other and get to know each other slowly. If they were confined in a run I would most certainly have to do things differently.

[percy049]

the younger ones take it out on any passing bird

Laura (who's the youngest and bottom) constantly flies around the garden chasing birds (blackbirds, collared doves etc) away! well at least shes in charge of someone...