Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[ISCA]

Sadly since I first got my six hens in 2010, 3 have died and my remaining girls are not really laying many eggs now. So I decided some new hens were needed. I have been looking for months. Sadly the breeder I was getting them from ran in to problems so I sourced some new stock from a reputable breeder and collected the four new girls yesterday.

 

Now there are scores of online advice pages on introductions, some practical for us, some not. We do not have the facilities for isolation for 2 weeks and as the girls are all vaccinated, they have had to be be put together from the outset. I know this is a small risk but needs must.

 

Last night they were were placed in the coop together under the cover of darkness. They were all sprayed with dilute vinegar (I have real doubts this is of any value, other than making them smell like a pickle!!!).

 

At dawn today the squabbling began. A few pecks and some low rumbling clucks. There appear to be three gangs now, the old trio, now free ranging in the garden, the White Stars and the Marans, both in the run but sticking to their own kind.

 

My plan is to keep the old and new separated by day as above, cooping up together at night, for a few days. Then by next weekend have them free-ranging together in the day and cooping up together at night.

 

This is rather more stressful than I had imagined it would be

 

Why they can't just get along like civilised chickens is beyond me

 

It should be an interesting few days in the garden me thinks!

[Guest]

Chickens are like politicians no logical thoughts whatsoever

[Cat tails]

Chickens are like politicians no logical thoughts whatsoever

 

[Beantree]

I beg to differ Mrs B. Chickens are very logical and do everything for good reason as a result of learning during 2,000,000 years of evolution.

 

Politicians on the other hand are exactly as you describe.

[Chickabee]

Brilliant Beantree

[Luvachicken]

I beg to differ Mrs B. Chickens are very logical and do everything for good reason as a result of learning during 2,000,000 years of evolution.

 

Politicians on the other hand are exactly as you describe.

 

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