We had chickens many (many) years ago when I was a kid. Cool weather, no snow, hen house with a variety of free range hens. I did not notice much because we had other animals and the hens basically took care of themselves. Don't get me wrong, I was in charge of the food and water, cleaning and egg collection. And I did notice how fun and funny they all were, they had names and personalities, good layers and double yolkers. My mom and I talked about them and enjoyed them a lot, hence me starting a new small flock now of 3 Orp hens and 2 Brahms 1 roo 1 hen. I live in a warm, humid, tropical climate now. My yard space is not what it was when I was a kid either. I built their house 3.5x8 with lots of ventilation and then a 7x20 run. It has banana and papaya trees along with lemongrass and rosemary. I water it down for them every day. My garden, the area where this all resides is 30x30ish. They technically have adequate space right? But again, it can be hot and humid here so during the hottest parts of the day I let them enjoy the garden and our big grassy yard to find the coolest spots to rest and play. But now it is expected first thing and all day, they are also starting to find ways to hop the fence and just generally be bad if they don't get released from their run. I will mention that they are about 4.5 to 5 months old now, I've had them for 3+ months. I know they have hormones and figuring themselves out in general to do. My Brahm roo gave his first squeaky dog toy crow this morning and is picking on the Orps with awkward and painful advances. Another issue... Not to mention the wild chickens and roos we have on island.
My question/delima is will they settle or am I, have I, created little monsters? Not quite what I remember as a kid... lol.
My question/delima is will they settle or am I, have I, created little monsters? Not quite what I remember as a kid... lol.
