Blending new flock members

[TheStooges]

We have three 7 week old pekins that share a large run with chickens of the same age, they seem to have an understanding and get along just fine. We also have 4 week old muscovys (2) and pilgrim geese (2) who were raised together. For the last week and a half we have been bringing the babies out to the run to spend some time with the slightly older babies.... the pekins are not getting anymore tolerant. They guard every water source and constantly go after the babies. Nothing major has happened but I am wondering if they will ever warm up. Any advice or expertise on this?! Thanks guys!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

It takes time to integrate just keep trying. Make sure water stations are far enough apart and feed also so all can eat without being bullied. If you have a way to separate them but they can still be together that is a good way of letting them get to know each other better. Fencing works good for this.
Once the Muscovy and geese get around the same size they will be able to defend them selves from the bully Pekins. LOL
Very pretty flock.

 

[TheStooges]

It takes time to integrate just keep trying. Make sure water stations are far enough apart and feed also so all can eat without being bullied. If you have a way to separate them but they can still be together that is a good way of letting them get to know each other better. Fencing works good for this.
Once the Muscovy and geese get around the same size they will be able to defend them selves from the bully Pekins. LOL
Very pretty flock.

Haha that is my hope! The goslings are almost as big as the pekins now, soon they will be able to stand up to the bullys! And thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sometimes age helps too. Goslings can be big and still be babies but size hopefully will make a difference. My Muscovy drake knows my gander is a wimp after breeding season is over, so he takes full advantage of it and keeps those geese on their toes.

 

[TheStooges]

I had hoped that the pekins being fairly young themselves would make it easier but they are definitely overly confident and bossy! I have a feeling they’re always going to be a bit like that. We were not sold On Muscovy ducks to begin with, I guess lack of knowledge/exposure. But boy are they sweet babies! They follow the goslings everywhere, which is also adorable.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Muscovy are awesome ducks. Just having too much testosterone can sometimes muck up a relationship. lol
Love to see more pics of your ducks and geese.

 

[TheStooges]

Muscovy are awesome ducks. Just having too much testosterone can sometimes muck up a relationship. lol
Love to see more pics of your ducks and geese.

We got two female Muscovy to try to balance. Our pekins were straight run and I am pretty sure we only ended up with one drake. Yay! He’s very raspy while the other two and honking and quacking.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are all beautiful. Congrats on getting 1 drake. That's a miracle.

What breed are your chicks?

 

[TheStooges]

It is a miracle! I was convinced I’d get at least two, if not all three!
The chicks, we have: 2 Easter eggers, 2 cubalaya, 2 production reds and 2 Orpingtons. Sad that both Cubas are roos because they’re my favorite! Maybe they’ll be okay?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have 2 roosters 11 yrs and game/game bantam, so mid size and a tiny OEGB roo who is 4 yrs old. They manage to live okay with each other, my old roo still is healthy and ruler of the flock except for the geese he respects them. So hopefully your 2 roos will do fine together. Making sure they have enough females is important. Might want to add some extra hens. And enough room I am not sure my roos would be okay penned with each other. But they do sleep in the same coop together.