mimi5 Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Ah lovely Wish my intros went so well and an egg too Keep us posted and mybe photos???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 In answer to your question I had the top part of the garden fenced off (well I wanted it to be my part of the garden) and so the eglu and run was stationed up there. It was grotty weather so there was clear plastic all over the top. The chickens could hear each other and when it was a little drier I lifted up the plastic so they could see each other. There was some curiosity on both sides. Eventually we moved the front end of the run around so that it was close to the netting but not close enough to peck at each other eventually we draped the netting around the top so that they could see each other much better - and not get into my part of the garden. The door was eventually opened and they were all supervised. A little overly assertive behaviour but soon everyone settled. They still both went to their own bedrooms! As it got a bit colder I put the newbies in the cube with a dusting of red mite powder - the only complaint was that I opened up the back while disturbing their sleep. No pecking. And now they all go to bed in the cube and at last the newbies are also laying in there. Today I moved the greenhouse dustbath outside. Sat outside with them and observed. There are still the reminders of the pecking order which can be a bit confusing as the pekin is really second, the cuckoo now 3rd but the orpie who should be 4th will not be bullied by the pekin. But at least they do not fight and they all preen together and have tea together without any squabbling. This is week 3. Last ones in to bed tonight were the marans. I think when the Queen is lost it does cause a bit of confusion with them all. But they sort themselves out eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowerpot Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well this is day three. The weather is so lovely I think I might let them all out to free range today because I am home to make sure they all go into the cube at the end of the day. So far Doris (one of the new hens) has decided she is going to be in charge and I think Rosietoo is happy with that. She doesn't like being put in her place but she seems more settled somehow! Myrtle who was bottom of the old pecking order has decided she is not going to be there anymore so she is pecking at Mable (the other new hen) whenever she can to ensure that this small girl goes into what was her place. Quite alot of the time that I am around they seem to be Ok just a bit of kerfuffle every now and again. When it comes to bed time Doris and Mable go into the cube first and Doris stands guard as if not to let the other girls go in. This is where I take over and make it clear that the cube is neutral ground and everyone has to get on in there. I speak with a stern voice and once gave Doris a bit of a poke with my finger when she was attacking one of the other hens in the cube. I suppose I kind of stand guard on the space until everyone is in and settled. That seems to work!!?? Anyway - I did nothing as I should have done even though I spent hours making another room for Doris and Mable - and so far it is not as bad as I imagined it would be and yesterday I had four eggs - two from the new girls - and one soft one. I wonder what will happen when they get chance to free range? Flowerpot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi, Flowerpot - just read through your thread and firstly I wanted to say sorry about the chicken that has passed away. I also lost a chicken recently and it is very sad. I am so pleased you got two new hens - as you said the advice given on this forum is fantastic and it's great to see this helped you. Your intital intro looks like it couldn't have gone better for you and your hens, but I have experienced this when I reintroduced a flock that I had to split in two and then put back together after several months. The hens were OK right away but eventually a top hen and order needs to be established so this was worked out over time rather than immediately. Maybe this is what you're experiencing more so now with Doris being a bit bossier? I'm not an expert on intros so I am sure someone else will give you more advice - good luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowerpot Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thanks Mrs B Yes you are right! Doris is definitely taking over as chief in charge. Myrtle is trying not to be at the bottom of the pecking order and Martha is not quite sure where she is; neither does Mable, but somehow it is beginning to work. The girls went free ranging this afternoon and that allowed them all to keep a distance and I am pleased to say that they all came in to the run at the end of the day. Still had difficulty getting them into the cube and there was a continuation of pecking once they were in but they did eventually settle down. Hopefully it won't take too long to sort out the order. Flowerpot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
