The Tanners Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 - On Saturday night, the guy we bought them from said it was best to put them in the box with our already existing gingernut rangers: Amber and Cassie. This proved to be a sucess, or so it seemed. The next morning we opened the door and Amby and Cassie were the first out, pecking at the lawn as if they'd had a rough night. The two pekins, Chalky and Delilah, strut around in their feathered stockings like they're the mafia. It's comical to watch at first, regarding their height compared to the gingernuts, but they really are SUCH bullies! Sunday and today we let Amby and Cassie out for the first time around the garden, [we got them with the eglu on wednesday]. They're so content when out of the cage, but when it's time to get in the cage, the pekins just won't let them have a chance! They prefer it when I pick them up and put them through the eggbox door, but the pekins soon chase them out into the run. I'm really torn at what to do next... Can someone tell me how long this pecking order ritual will continue for? And what can I do in the meantime? It really is breaking my heart to see Cassie and Amber getting bullied so, as they both are so affectionate of each other and towards me. Ellie T =[ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 There is a 'sticky' which is useful to read - on how to introduce more chickens. The bantams sound as though they are older than gingernuts - hence them ganging up on the other two - otherwise it would be the other way around. As you only had your gingernuts a few days they probably didn't have time to establish the Eglu as theirs - so that could work in your favour. Rather than type a long post - it would be easier if you raad the 'introducing more chickens' Topic - it just about covers everthing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 Did you manage to read it Ellie? Was it any help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tanners Posted September 4, 2007 Author Share Posted September 4, 2007 yes, thanks for that. i knew that that was one method already, though... it's just so much effort to do it all. currently the gingernuts and one of the pekins are strolling around the garden, but the other one's in the cage, extremely timid of me. i'm not sure what to do or how to go about it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 That is totally normal - don't worry - it takes a while for them to get to know you. My young bantams still won't let me pick them up during the day time - and I can only pick them up at night when they are dozy. When yours get bigger and older, they will let you pick them up, and will very soon come running for their food to you. It all takes time for them to adjust. Please feel free to ask for help or advice at any time if you can't find what you are looking for in the 'stickies' . Everyone is so kind and helpful on here and will, I am sure, have gone through the same scenarios. I am so looking forward to seeing your photos of them as they grow. Once again - if you have any worries on any subject - just 'shout' and one of us will point you in the right direction. In a few weeks time, it will be you who is passing on tips to other new owners Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 It could be 3 weeks to sort out, although they'll be happier overall knowing who's in charge. I gave mine space to freerange. I'm quite amused by the pekins being in charge, I've heard they can be quite bossy but chickens vary a lot in character anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geb0205 Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I would shut up the new girls and leave the original ones roaming, so they can meet through the wire for a week or so, then introduce them for a few hours each day for a few days. Its really hard introducing them, and you feel very emotional. I did it with chooks of different ages (1 yr apart) a couple of months ago, and now they all roost together happily. It nearly tore me apart watching them all fighting with each other, but it DOES get better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tanners Posted September 4, 2007 Author Share Posted September 4, 2007 thankyou all so much! well today, they all free ranged all together around my garden and they seemed really content about it all. the timid one, chalky, is becoming a bit curious about why the gingernuts like to run up and say hello to me and let me stroke them when i'm in the garden and even the other pekin doesn't mind me stroking her when she allows it. they seem to be happier free ranging together, they prefer this method, i think. =] i just can't wait to watch them progress! i've got so many photos on my phone but the software's gone bust again to get them on the pc so i'll have to wait or just use the digital camera. -sigh- so much effort! Ellie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
