Arizona Chickens

[Happy Novogens]

Got our first egg from one of our new Bielefelders! Freydis laid a small egg.

 

[BlueBaby]

Got our first egg from one of our new Bielefelders! Freydis laid a small egg.

I told you that it shouldn't be long for that to happen. Congrats!

 

[Happy Novogens]

A question... should I move the new 3 from where they are trying to roost? (in photo on far right)

So it's been one week since the 3 new chickens (2 pullets, 1 rooster) have been out with my 4 pullets (about 4 months older). They are still sorting things out, chasing, stretching their necks up, but nothing violent. The older ones are being bossy/bully.

They have been mostly roosting altogether, with 2 of my original ones taking the "favored" spot. Twice now, I've seen the new 3 go to roost -- as in photo -- where they are not "snug." Hopefully the photo will show this better. The main roost is down behind that blue blanket on the left side (placed there for winter). The "favored" spot is slightly higher and marked in photo.

It's not terribly cold right now, but if it were, the spot the new ones are (far right side in the photo) does not offer any protection. Last time they did this, I shooed them down and they made their way up to the main roost (me having to place the last one). Is this the right thing to do? Or should I just leave them be and let them move when/if they feel like it in the nights to come?

 

[BlueBaby]

A question... should I move the new 3 from where they are trying to roost? (in photo on far right)

So it's been one week since the 3 new chickens (2 pullets, 1 rooster) have been out with my 4 pullets (about 4 months older). They are still sorting things out, chasing, stretching their necks up, but nothing violent. The older ones are being bossy/bully.

They have been mostly roosting altogether, with 2 of my original ones taking the "favored" spot. Twice now, I've seen the new 3 go to roost -- as in photo -- where they are not "snug." Hopefully the photo will show this better. The main roost is down behind that blue blanket on the left side (placed there for winter). The "favored" spot is slightly higher and marked in photo.View attachment 3410316

It's not terribly cold right now, but if it were, the spot the new ones are (far right side in the photo) does not offer any protection. Last time they did this, I shooed them down and they made their way up to the main roost (me having to place the last one). Is this the right thing to do? Or should I just leave them be and let them move when/if they feel like it in the nights to come?

If you don't want them to roost in that area then block it off so that they cant.

 

[springvalley123]

A question... should I move the new 3 from where they are trying to roost? (in photo on far right)

So it's been one week since the 3 new chickens (2 pullets, 1 rooster) have been out with my 4 pullets (about 4 months older). They are still sorting things out, chasing, stretching their necks up, but nothing violent. The older ones are being bossy/bully.

They have been mostly roosting altogether, with 2 of my original ones taking the "favored" spot. Twice now, I've seen the new 3 go to roost -- as in photo -- where they are not "snug." Hopefully the photo will show this better. The main roost is down behind that blue blanket on the left side (placed there for winter). The "favored" spot is slightly higher and marked in photo.View attachment 3410316

It's not terribly cold right now, but if it were, the spot the new ones are (far right side in the photo) does not offer any protection. Last time they did this, I shooed them down and they made their way up to the main roost (me having to place the last one). Is this the right thing to do? Or should I just leave them be and let them move when/if they feel like it in the nights to come?

I can't imagine the new pullets/cockerel prefer to roost where they are. They'll naturally try to roost in an enclosed "safe" spot. Are you sure they aren't being shoed away from the favored roost when they try to roost with the others?

 

[Happy Novogens]

If you don't want them to roost in that area then block it off so that they cant.

It doesn't bother me if they roost there-- unless it gets close to freezing again next week.

I don't know if they would be smart enough to figure out to roost elsewhere if it gets really cold. Or do they choose a location and then stick with it regardless of weather?

 

[KToddy]

I have had some issues with my flock, happened after I pulled a bunch of weeds and gave them to my flock- are their weeds that are bad for my chickens??

 

[cavemanrich]

All depends what the weeds are. Some are bad, and some are not. Usually chickens will avoid stuff that is bad by natural instinct.
I have things growing in my yard, that chickens do hide in, and scratch around in, but do not eat the bad greens. (Daylilies, Holly bushes, Juniper tree, with those red berries) and a few other plants. (all considered to be poisonous to chickens) In summer, I also container grow tomatoes, and chickens leave those green leaves alone.
What is happening to your chickens at this time?? It can be something just by coincidence happening now, with nothing to do with those weeds.

 

[BlueBaby]

I have had some issues with my flock, happened after I pulled a bunch of weeds and gave them to my flock- are their weeds that are bad for my chickens??

I agree with what @cavemanrich said, You said that your chicken's were having some issues. How are they acting that you think that there is a problem?

 

[BlueBaby]

It doesn't bother me if they roost there-- unless it gets close to freezing again next week.

I don't know if they would be smart enough to figure out to roost elsewhere if it gets really cold. Or do they choose a location and then stick with it regardless of weather?

These Bielefelder's do seem to be more adaptable then some of the other breed's that I have had. If it get's too bad for them to want to handle, I think that they would move to a better spot.