Expanding the flock

BBQJOE

Songster
Sep 25, 2015
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Void where prohibited.
It's been awhile kids, but there isn't a whole lot to talk about with only 7 flappers.
The ladies took a few weeks off this winter, and have just snapped back into production.
They are well over a year old, and none of these RIR's have gone to setting, so my hopes for a self sustaining chicken flock are pretty much squelched.
A little research told me that Buff Orpingtons are good for my area, and are to supposed to be good setters.
I have just ordered 25 from chicky in the box. (Mcmurry)

They will be raised indoors, and this is also going to be a good opportunity/challenge to teach my dogs about chickens. Up until now, they only see them through the fence.
As far as they know, chickens are only good for poop snacks. Once in awhile they get by me on my way into the chicken recreation yard. They don't seem to care as much about the birds as they do the snacks.

I'm going to have to add onto, or build a separate coop for these new flappers to move into. My hope is that I can integrate them into the current setting without too much conflict.
Anybody who doesn't follow the program will be dealt with accordingly.
I'm hoping I don't have to beat the dogs and eat the chickens.
The very worst case scenario will be beating the chickens, and eating the dogs. :D
 
If existing coop is big enough, section off part to brood the chicks....easier to integrate them young IMO.
Side by side for a couple weeks, then tiny doors for chicks to mingle into big bird space.
Best of cLuck.
 
the tiny doors that Aart mentioned are very good to use. Then if the biggies chase the chicks, they can safely run back thru the tiny door but the big birds cannot (ha ha!) I am small so I love that idea.
 
the tiny doors that Aart mentioned are very good to use. Then if the biggies chase the chicks, they can safely run back thru the tiny door but the big birds cannot (ha ha!) I am small so I love that idea.
It is fun to watch that, and to see a bigger bird trying to fit thru the door just it's head can get thru....hahaha!
Plus I've found the chicks seem to be of little threat to most the big birds.....and the chicks are fast, a small 'target' and can get away.
But you've got to make those tiny doors adjustable.....I made one of mine too big and my skinnier hens could get thru until I adjusted it.
 
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Hi Joe! Glad to see you're back!

I think you will enjoy your BO's, they are sweet, docile birds. I hope all goes well for you - post some photos when they arrive and join us on the Buff Orpington thread if you like
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https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/495402/buff-orpington-thread/6810#post_18084140
 
When it comes to breeds I'm fascist. Can't see Americans raising English birds that were made to compete with Plymouth Rocks in the first place. Try to enjoy the Orpintons anyway. It will be like rooting for the underdog and that can be fun;)
 

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