loumabel Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 After a week of looking at each other through wire it is now time to try and introduce my two little Favorelles to Eglantyne my old Wyandotte. There hasn't been any hassle through the bars but I know it's inevitable, I have never had an intro go without at least a little argy bargy, I am just worried as the two newbies are so sweet and little. Eglantyne has always been timid but I worry she will see this as her chance to be a bully, hope not! Wish me luck, tomorrow is the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Fingers crossed she'll be grateful for the company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Good luck - don't watch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Good luck - don't watch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Wishing you lots of luck. Let us know how they get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Ah intro time Best wishes Lots of free ranging and some treats together Let us know how it goes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 Well, they are in together and Eglantyne jumped on them both immediately but since then has just been giving them the odd peck here and there but nothing too bad. They were all sharing out of the same food bowl when I looked a minute ago and no problem but Eglantyne is doing the tall walk, you know the one I mean where they pull there chest right up to appear taller and she is strutting a bit. I can't free range them sadly as we have so many foxes here even in daytime they would be a fox snack for sure! Do you think it's ok to put them together at bedtime or should I bring the little ones in again and give it a day or two? I hate this part of hen keeping it is the worst thing and I never get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Good luck - I am thinking of 2 new girls and am stressing about my old hen whos a tart at the best of times. Have done the intros before and find it mega stressful. Might see if we can get some over Easter as I have no time off now till end May. Its one part of chicken keeping I dont like as not a lot of space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 I have just checked again and sprinkled a little corn around the run and just a little warning peck here and there but not much else. I really would like everyone's opinion on whether to put them in together tonight or keep them seperated overnight and back in together first thing tomorrow. The little ones are not going to know how to put themselves to bed so I would have to put them in the Eglu myself. I really don't know what to do for the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 This is a tricky one. Are the little ones a lot smaller than Eglantyne? I think I personally would put them back in their own bed for a day or two. But I think that's probably just because I imagine them sobbing themselves to sleep because their new house mate is so mean to them, which is of course ridiculous!! My mum put two newbies in with 2 older girls (all hybrids) all in one go and apart from a few pecks and the newbies having to wait until the old girls had settled in bed, all was fine. Sorry - that isn't very helpful is it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Oooo that's a tricky one They will have to learn sometime Maybe see how they go......you can always bring them in and try again tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 It sounds to me like everyone knows their place and is happy with it. You could see what the newbies do at dusk - if they follow Eglantyne into the house then you could assume that they are comfortable doing that, and if she doesn't chase them out then the arrangement is ok with her too. Go with your gut, if you're not happy leaving them in then don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 I'd put them together, but I would leave the pop hole open if you can, so they can escape her at daylight. You'll soon hear if it's not going well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 I decided to bring them in last night. The little ones are about half the size of Eglantyne and I was worried in a confined space what damage she could do. Today seems to be going quite well. Eglantyne has well and truly established herself as top hen and the little ones are keeping out of her way. When I gave them some corn earlier they all happily pecked around and Eglantyne planted a couple of well placed pecks on their heads and they got out her way but nothing more than that really. I wouldn't say peace has entirely broken out and Eglantyne is certainly not happy but I think we are on the way towards peace I think I will see if we can get them all in the Eglu at bedtime but leave the pop hole open until late and they are all settled then be up extra early to let them out before any trouble occurs. Remind me why we all do this!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Well I say that all sounds like excellent progress We do it because they make us happy Oh and the eggs are yummy So........when can we have some more cute pics???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
