Here is the setup. We have a run that has a fence with a gate dividing it into two sections. In the smaller side, but still probably 7x8 we have our mamma hen with the six chicks she raised. They are almost six weeks old and she is starting to get tired of them. Today, I tossed out some oatmeal, which she called them to, but then she also ate out of my hand without clucking for them. That was a first since they hatched. She also walked into the other side of the run last week for a few minutes when she slipped by me, but then quickly started pacing to get back with her babies.
We also have a small area we set up when we got three Orps that are probably between 10 and 12 weeks old now, maybe just a little younger. My question is who do we put together first? The teenage Orps with the adults? The Orps with the babies? Or, do we open the gate only a small amount, so only the babies can fit through it and see if Maranda, the mamma will help integrate them into the flock? The big girls have seen them and watched them for the last three weeks. It is time to do something. I just need some direction.
We also have a small area we set up when we got three Orps that are probably between 10 and 12 weeks old now, maybe just a little younger. My question is who do we put together first? The teenage Orps with the adults? The Orps with the babies? Or, do we open the gate only a small amount, so only the babies can fit through it and see if Maranda, the mamma will help integrate them into the flock? The big girls have seen them and watched them for the last three weeks. It is time to do something. I just need some direction.
