Sparrowsong98
Songster
I purchased 4 "Wyandottes" in early September. As the title suggests, the two surving chickens are NOT Wyandottes. I tried to introduce Lily and Hermione in october, but my flock, which was unfamiliar with afro chickens, did not like them (or perhaps liked their crests a little too well). After the sudden death of Hedwig, (possibly brought on by the beaks of my judgemental flock) all efforts were closed for the winter and the two girls are living in a large re-vamped brooder in my garage for the winter. But they are not staying in my house making dust and getting alarmed about the comings and goings of Libby Cat forever. When the weather thaws completely, they go out. But there are a few possible problems. One, they still do that peep-cluck sound that chickens do at around 10 weeks. I very vaguely remember reading an article on polish like 5 years back saying that they had a softer cluck, but then that could have been subconciously made up in my head to reassure myself. Also, I believe they are smaller that the "average Joe" chicken at 4 months old, but I have no other birds around to compare them to, so I am not positive about that. For housing for the springtime (and introduction time) I have 2 choices.
A spacious rabbit cage that, with cardboard laid over the floor, has held the past 4 chick broods for up to 1 week,
or a 5 x 5 foot pen off of the main run, in which a makeshift coop could be set up for a longer stay.
My strategy for introduction: wait until they are free ranging, so that the tension caused by being locked up is eased, and the chickens are happier and more at ease. Then, introduce the chicks along with Mr. Spanking stick (no, it does not hurt, just whistles through the air, before stopping and givng the bird a light, harmless tap on the backside) and my secret weapon: The Shower Poofs. My aim is to bore them or give the frightening effect that a lot of chicks, regardless of head poofs, give to a flock. You know, that sudden "Foreign invasion" feeling. Then, Mr. Spanking Stick and I will work things out if anything goes wrong. Please, tell me if this is a good plan.
A spacious rabbit cage that, with cardboard laid over the floor, has held the past 4 chick broods for up to 1 week,
or a 5 x 5 foot pen off of the main run, in which a makeshift coop could be set up for a longer stay.
My strategy for introduction: wait until they are free ranging, so that the tension caused by being locked up is eased, and the chickens are happier and more at ease. Then, introduce the chicks along with Mr. Spanking stick (no, it does not hurt, just whistles through the air, before stopping and givng the bird a light, harmless tap on the backside) and my secret weapon: The Shower Poofs. My aim is to bore them or give the frightening effect that a lot of chicks, regardless of head poofs, give to a flock. You know, that sudden "Foreign invasion" feeling. Then, Mr. Spanking Stick and I will work things out if anything goes wrong. Please, tell me if this is a good plan.
