They can stay in their own coop if trained. Just keep them in the coop/run for a couple of weeks and they'll eventually associate it as their new home. I have a setup like yours and both flocks go to their own coop.
I would monitor the chicken. A dart is pretty big, then again I've seen chickens swallow mice whole. Hopefully, she'll be fine. Offer grit if she doesn't already have some.
I'm very sorry for your loss. It's possible the smoke got them or some other underlying issue. Provide lots of fresh water and keep an eye on their activity.
It could actually cause further delay in egg production if things don't go smoothly. How's your setup? Could they be hiding their eggs? What do you feed them?
Cockerels are usually overly aggressive to pullets during their hormonal teenage years. They are also sexually mature much faster than pullets. This is common but should not be tolerated. I would separate him during this time period if he acts this way until he matures a bit more and the pullets...
The number of hens a rooster needs varies mostly on breed and temperament. Look out for signs of over mating when they become sexually active.
Your cockerel will try to mate with every female, no matter the size. That being said, your cockerel could target his "favorite" girl. This can be the...
Completely harmless. I would worry if you or someone else was using some sort of rodenticide to take care of the mice.
Just make sure they have plenty of grit to break down the mouse.
Your hens are likely a little stressed being a new environment. Stress causes egg production to drop or stop completely. It could take a couple of weeks until they adjust. I don't think you got duped.
I've never heard of any method that accurately tells age. Only assumptions. If there is I'd...
I have an old hen who became blind on one eye due to an injury. She used to spend lots of her time in the coop. I felt very bad and didn't feel like I was giving her a quality life. I was going to cull her but decided to help her instead. She was too submissive, constantly squatting whenever a...
I'm assuming you have a large property so finding her would be very difficult. You could try, but they are very stealthy. You can't lure a devoted broody. My suggestion is to follow her to the nesting site or capture her next time you see her. When that will happen I'm not sure.
Interesting question. I've actually thought of this myself. I'll be mentioning chickens since I've had more experience with them.
What are you looking to accomplish? Eggs? Meat? Dual-Purpose? I'll assume eggs.
Game birds are naturally excellent foragers. However, they aren't really known for...
Seems like you're taking all the right precautions. Quarantine was an excellent move.
The best way to integrate new members is by using the 'see-no-touch' method. By keeping them separated from the flock, you'll avoid any physical confrontations but still have the ability to see each other...