Chicken bald back

[cd8jbr]

Well, having lost my little Funky Chicken at the end of August I was left with my one remaining ex-batt, Dumpling. She's been with me over two years now and is still going strong. She doesn't know it yet but she's getting some sisters on Saturday to keep her company in her eglu.

 

I'm quite excited about having some new girls - and I'm sure Dumpling will be happy about it when they all settle down. Am I right in thinking that introducing new chickens to an existing chicken is much simpler than trying to mix flocks? I'm hoping for an easier ride than last time when poor Noodle was bullied for 2 - 3 weeks before it all settled down.

 

Any tips would be more than welcome to get them to settle quickly...

 

Cheers

 

Jill

[Luvachicken]

I remember reading about your little Noodle.

I sure Dumpling will love having some new friends, but I don't have any experience of adding new girls to an existing one, but I'm sure someone else will come along who does.

Don't forget to show us some pics of the new girls

[Chickabee]

My silkie, fifi, takes newcomers in her stride. Wish they all would. I was given a tip by my local breeder/seller. Keep the girls separated, but where they can all see each other. Smother all of them in mite powder. Put them all to bed together. In the morning they all smell the same and think they are best of friends. Sounds easy, but doesn't always workl. The best thing is keeping them where they can see, but not get at each other. If they're not getting on in the morning, try again.

 

I get soooooo excited about getting new girls. What are you getting?

[redsunset]

I bet after the initial boks in indignation, she will actually be quite chuffed to be part of a flock again. Others will give better advice re the intros here. What are you getting, and of course pics are a requisition here!? Chicken pics are always welcome.....

[Chortle Chook]

I do the 'introduce in the dark' thing too and it has worked for me.

Are you getting 2 more ex-bats? What will you call them? I love the names 'Noodle' and 'Dumpling'

[cd8jbr]

They are more rescue hens. Technically I suppose they're not ex-batts but I guess there won't be that much difference!

 

I''m hoping for 4 to take me back up to 5. They will get home at about 1pm today, so there will be a few hours of light before bedtime. I thought I'd put the newcomers in the run today and leave Dumpling outside until bedtime then they can all go to bed together. She can watch while the others try to work out what on earth is going on!

 

I am thinking of calling these, Susie, Phoenix, Hope and Brenda (all named for Glen Campbell songs). Glen is my hero and since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's any money I'm given for the eggs, assuming I get some, is going to Alzheimer's research. I don't sell the eggs but some people give me money - I don't keep the hens for profit so, I'll donate the money 'for Glen'.

 

I'm sure Dumpling will be happy to cuddle up at nights again, she's been on her own for a while and it's not getting any warmer!

 

I'm really quite excited about it...I might even get some eggs. Dumpling went through the henopause ages ago!

[Chickabee]

Oh how lovely. People on here never cease to amaze me

[gavclojak]

Ex cage fighters...good on you ....will look forward to the updates

[cd8jbr]

I have my new girls and Dumpling is not happy! The girls are standing in the run not really doing anything while Dumpling is prowling trying to find a way of getting at them. Hopefully after a night together Dumpling will become less aggressive.

 

I' have treated them with louse and mite powder and they don't look so bad - just very she'll shocked.

 

I will post ics tomorrow.

[gavclojak]

ah she is bound to be shocked at the appearance of the newbies....she is thinking '' what the hell''

Once she realises they are warm and friendly hopefully she will come to accept them....I am sure of it...

[cd8jbr]

Just before bedtime I let Dumpling back in with them and while she tried to dominate there were no attacks. They are all pecking around each other but not nastily. The newbies are getting a bit more animated though after the initial shock of their arrival so that's good. I'll let them all out later to enjoy the garden for the first time and see what they make of that.

 

The difference between these and the ex-batts is very noticeable though - their general condition is so much better but they are so skinny! Dumpling has never put on much weight but compared to these she's huge. Still from now they will have as much food as they want. Treats when they find out heat they are, and space to do just what they want.

 

In short - they will now have a life rather than an existence.

[Chickabee]

Hooray a lovely happy ending

[Chortle Chook]

Well done to you cd8jbr for taking them on. How kind of you. Hope all is well now and the Glen girls are finding out that there is a wide world out there and a meal worm or two and that Dumpling likes her warm buddies Looking forward to seeing their pictures (hint little hint )