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

[bucklamp]

Hmm, another case of morehens here.

 

We had been planning the addition of a couple of Buff Orpingtons to our flock for a while, so when our local supplier, Newland Poultry in Malvern, had some - of course we had to go along. That was last Saturday. When we got there, there were a number of Buffs, so we chose a couple and were about to call it a day.

Then we noticed that there were a few silkies in the run with the Orps. They had been raised together so adding a couple would not be a problem. How could we not...

 

Introductions are going slowly, with the old four having their nose (or should that be beaks) put out of place. The run is separated into two, the oldies in the cube , the new ones in a Go

 

We haven't named them yet.

 

Here is one of the new silkies (about 14 weeks old)

 

 

And here are the other three new ones ( about the same age)

 

 

We plan to keep the oldies apart from the new ones for at least another month or so to let the new ones put on a bit of weight.

[Chickabee]

Gorgeous. Are the orpies bantams, or just young?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Fluffy gorgeousness .

[Luvachicken]

Lovely

[bucklamp]

Hi,

 

the Orps are just very young - around 12 to 14 weeks. We took them that young since Newland do tend to sell out fast of the pure breeds.

[Chickabee]

Good job you got in quick then

[Daphne]

Lovely pairing

 

Yes, do keep the youngsters apart, I'd actually keep them separate for about 2 months. A 16 week old bird won't be able to hold its own very well if the oldsters are aggressive, even if it is an orp, as they are so docile. Added to which, and not wishing to alarm you, growers are vulnerable to diseases which older birds can shrug off. Given your youngsters are new to your property, I would be extra cautious.

[PixieDust]

Gorgeous

[Purplemaniacs]

Lovely. I do like silkies.

 

Chrissie