Arizona Chickens

[AZKat]

What has worked for me pretty well when I've added chickens is to let them get to know each other in the general yard for a week or so, and then put them in together. That way, they can get used to each other, and the little ones can get away if theyr'e being bullied.

 

[Mahonri]

Usually by 20 weeks, the bullying will end after a week or so.

... but with chickens there is always one who is in top position and one who is always at the bottom.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

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I agree - don't put them in together just yet. Wait till they've had at least a week to either free-range together in the yard or be in a neighboring pen (where they can see each other) before putting them into the same pen. There's always going to be a little bullying at first, but it shouldn't be as bad if you give the older ones time to get used to the idea before asking them to accept the newbies.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Beckyhsinglsc, does your sister have a separate pen or tractor that she can keep the two new girls during the introduction?

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Thanks everybody

She doesn't have another pen or tractor, but she can keep the hens in the coop (open air about 4x6) and the pullets in the chicken yard while she isn't there. While she is there she can let the hens out into their back yard to give them lots of room and keep an eye on them. She has the chicken yard mostly covered in netting and a lab mix with a dog door that's a good protector, so it's pretty safe. I'll leave her my cage (med. size dog) to put them to bed in so they are protected from night animals. Maybe I can rig up a perch in the cage for them.
Sound good?
So you think she should do this for a few weeks first, then?

Chrystal: watering system sounds cool! I still have your bucket watering system in my larger coop and a hanging bucket with nipples in my pullet coop. Works great!

 

[5pinkarrows]

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Was it my husband? That is so cool that it played again. I missed it this time. He has been on the NGC show Border Wars, too.

 

[5pinkarrows]

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Did they arrest him?

He's the good guy! It was funny. I had just said to my son "My friends husband works for Boarder Patrol in that town" and 2 seconds later they said his name and showed him cuffing the bad guy.

He's actually US Customs. My friend said, "Jeff finally gets his few minutes of fame, and it's groping another guy."

 

[5pinkarrows]

Bob's Henhouse :

Pastrymama, yes, that's why I'm getting more egg layers. Some are for fun, but most are for production. I had one each of 3 different cochins ordered, but canceled them for now, they were $4.64 each I think. A little pricey for chicks just for fun. I'll get them later.

I want to thank you again for the referral! It is working out to be a great deal! I think I actually came out ahead this last week.

That's a first. I'm hoping once I can get grass or weeds to grow better that I have to buy even less feed. I'm going to set up the greenhouse tomorrow if it isn't too windy, (finally) and try and get birdseed planted. The chickens and ducks all like it, and it grows so well.

I think my chickens live almost completely on grasshoppers (or hopwossers as my 3yo calls them) in the fall. They all get a little chunkier with so much protein. And, I am so relieved to have less of them in my yard.​

 

[cluckin_crazy]

Thanks NoSkiveez for the quail eggs!! I will set them as soon as I'm home from my meeting. Hope your hubby's ankle gets better soon

 

[leslierf]

If someone from Tucson is going to Phoenix, or someone from Phoenix is going to Tuscon and is willing to be a "Chickie Taxi", Please PM me. I will help with gas money.

Thankyou