BCMs are growing fast.

[tracecom]

I went against all advice, and put my three RIR chicks in with the 10 BCMs. I waited a couple of days to see if the RIR chicks showed any signs of illness, and they did not. So, I took the chance.

The BCMs are four weeks old and the RIRs are seven, so my fear was that the RIRs would pick on the BCMs. In fact, just the opposite is true. There are four BCMs that I am convinced are cockerels.

The biggest, James, is fine with the new coop companions, but roo #2 seems to want to prove himself by bullying the RIRs. He tries to keep them away from the feeder, and often makes a run at one and tries to peck its eye. He is this way with some of the BCM chicks, but less violently.

I have explained his bad behavior, and assessed some consequences, and he seems less aggressive, at least when I am around. I obviously don't need four roosters, and roo #2 may be the first eliminated from the contest

My question is, "How long would you wait, assuming #2's bad behavior continues?"

 

[Peeps61]

Hi Tracecom,

You have a couple of dynamics working: The difference in chick ages and the mixture of two flocks. It can take several weeks for two flocks to integrate, but it should slow down in about a week or so. If no blood is being drawn, let them settle the pecking order issues. If you know for sure which are roos and which aren't, go ahead and decide on who you are going to keep and then put the others in a bachelor pad. That way, you have ONE cockerel and several hens working out who is who in the overall scheme of things. It'll be much more peaceful and enjoyable that way.

Loved you comment about your wife. My husband will make a comment, and when I say, "What?" he'll reply "Nothing." That's when I know it was probably not complementary!

 

[tracecom]

Hi Tracecom,

You have a couple of dynamics working: The difference in chick ages and the mixture of two flocks. It can take several weeks for two flocks to integrate, but it should slow down in about a week or so. If no blood is being drawn, let them settle the pecking order issues. If you know for sure which are roos and which aren't, go ahead and decide on who you are going to keep and then put the others in a bachelor pad. That way, you have ONE cockerel and several hens working out who is who in the overall scheme of things. It'll be much more peaceful and enjoyable that way.

Loved you comment about your wife. My husband will make a comment, and when I say, "What?" he'll reply "Nothing." That's when I know it was probably not complementary!

Hello and thanks.

There's no blood, so the situation isn't too serious, I suppose. And separating out the surplus roos sounds like good advice, and is probably the way to go. Unfortunately, I don't have another place to put them, unless I cordon off a section of the coop, and that means adding another waterer and feeder. I won't be back with them until Tuesday, so I'll see how things go.

Maybe I should build a small stilted coop just for occasions like this.

I was just joking about the wife; she's pretty patient with my second childhood.

 

[Peeps61]

LOL! This is my, and my husband's second marriage, so we are very patient with each other. You learn not to take issue with everything when you get to be our age (50's).

Glad the chicks are doing better. I'll hopefully get mine out to the chicken tractor this weekend and the big girls into the new coop.

 

[tracecom]

The chicks are being let out for an hour or so each day when possible. I don't let them out of my sight...and they don't let me go far either.

 

[tracecom]

I took a few pix today of my little flock. As you can see, it now includes some RIRs, buff orps, one buff rock, as well as four BCMs. The BCMS are 21 weeks old, and I think the RIRs are a month older and the buffs are a month younger. Despite that, the largest pullet is a buff orpington, named "Princess."

It was 33 degrees this morning with a strong north wind, but the flock didn't seem to mind too much. They were hunting scratch when I made these pictures.

 

[Peeps61]

I got an egg from one of my seven pullets yesterday. I think it was a cochin egg because it was small, but perfect! So! Finally! The newbies are laying. I bought them in early June, so it's been a wait.

 

[tracecom]

I got an egg from one of my seven pullets yesterday. I think it was a cochin egg because it was small, but perfect! So! Finally! The newbies are laying. I bought them in early June, so it's been a wait.

With the cold snap here, I wonder if mine will lay at all before spring. They have eaten 300 pounds of feed and not a single egg, but 25 gallons of manure on the compost heap is worth something, I guess.

 

[Peeps61]

Ha ha! Yes, the manure would be great for fertilizing your garden - another spring chore! They might lay soon - I've been out of town for the past few days, so I don't know what they've done. My daughter says she's not seen any other eggs, but I bet I find some when I get home tomorrow!

 

[tracecom]

Finally! I got the first two eggs today, probably from the RIRs.

They are about seven months old, but since I didn't hatch them, I am not sure. If my BCM rooster is any judge, the three RIRs are sexually mature. The BCM pullets are just over six months old, and the buffs about a month younger. I wasn't there to gather the eggs, but my neighbor and his wife have promised to have them for breakfast tomorrow and report back.