jjiande Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 I think I'm going to need to post updates on how the introductions between my new and old chickens go in order to keep my sanity... Lottie and Feathers (the old girls) realised that something was up this morning even though Gracie and Cecily were still in their coop. They did a lot of standing around nearby looking very tall, and then Lottie kicked off with a series of alarm calls (she doesn't normally do this at all - she's normally very chilled). L and F were then free-ranging before I went to work so weren't that bothered, but when I left for work, I put L and F back into their WIR, and at this point, G and C decided to venture out into their run, which is next to the WIR. They were very happy munching on some grass and enjoying the sun, and entirely unfazed, but Lottie was not happy. She spent a lot of time in the WIR stalking up and down and making loud protests. She is top hen, even though she hasn't been well recently and has an implant to stop her laying now, but she clearly didn't want anyone thinking that she wasn't still the boss. We will keep them separate for a while before we try some communal free-ranging, but I'd like to have them integrated into the one run and coop by July as it will be easier when we are on holiday. I will now be at work until 5pmish, so I only hope my poor neighbours don't have to put up with angry squawking all day... at least I'll be able to promise them eggs again once the two newbies start to lay... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Mine are always really noisy when there's new girls in town. I try to keep newbies a secret from hubby, but it's very hard with all that squawking. I've promised him that 20 is enough now though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjiande Posted April 27, 2015 Author Share Posted April 27, 2015 My OH feels similarly and we only have 4... Gave them some corn together this evening (oldies free-ranging and newbies in their run). Looked lovely with the four of them scratching around fairly close, but Lottie then seemed to remember she was being indignant and stropped off clucking. She was definitely saying, 'as if I am going to have tea with these two...' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 My OH feels similarly and we only have 4... And mine Thing is though, when we move, if we still only have 4 someone will have to use a lawnmower! But I'm thinking 6 or 8 chooks might be able to stay on top of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjiande Posted April 28, 2015 Author Share Posted April 28, 2015 Well, lots more grumbling this morning from Lottie but my MIL says they were quiet when she let the old girls out when she got here this afternoon. couldn't even get the old girls to eat corn near the new girls' run at all this evening. I think this may take time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjiande Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share Posted May 1, 2015 Well, after five days oldies and newbies showing gentle interest in each other through the bars so I let newbies out to try free-ranging together (broom and tin of corn in hand). Just did 45 mins supervised and went pretty well. The four hung out together for a bit with only the merest peck. Then the oldies headed over to the other side of the garden which was obviously a bit far from home for newbies. They enjoyed pecking about (although they clearly dislike blackbirds) and then a trail of corn got them safely back into their run. Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
