California - Northern

[WasabiChicki]

Woot! The City of Yreka (Northern-Northern California) passed Measure M, which allows up to six backyard hens! I just looked back at the thread I started when this all began, and it has been 15 months we have been working towards this. Finally! I feel like quoting Dr. MLK Jr. "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free [to have hens] at last!"

Rachel

CONGRATS!!!

 

[WasabiChicki]

I'm currently raising 31 baby chicks (2 weeks old now)- EE, BO, RIR, BR, leghorn, LB, Arcona, Columbian Wyandotte
"Retiring" my four oldest layers sometime soon- RIR, BR, Sexlinks
& picking up 7 pullets (RIR & BR) tomorrow in Willits... wish me luck:
I've never picked up pullets before... only hand raised... I'm worried they wont be friendly w/ us.
What is a good way to introduce them to the older girls?
Can I just put them together right away since I can sacrifice (in case of disease) all 4 of those older layers?

 

[Wishing4Wings]

A lot of people advise putting them were they can see each other, but separated until they get used to each other. Then, after a week maybe? put them together in a neutral territory and see how it goes. I haven't tried this myself, but anticipate doing it next year.

Congrats on the new girls and your little chickies. Do you have a favorite breed?
Best wishes!

 

[Disco Hen]

Anyone in here have a duckling or very newborn chick near Redding? Ideally a duckling- breed not really important but a bantam would be nice. I'll pay for the duckling of course. This little wood duck needs a buddy. The Refuge center doesn't actually ducks since they have no duck person. So I was sent to the local shelter. I did get her to eat something that's huge, but I know she is lonely and the chicks already outweigh and outsize her big time. They keep pecking at her. I tried 2 times letting them be together but I think that at 2 weeks old- they are just too darn old and big for this tiny little duckling.

ETA: I'm just going to wait for my geese next week.

Well I have 6 bantam chicks I am trying to find homes for, although they are not pure bred, they are sizzles (Some are missing the dark feet trait, and have a smallish poof on their head

so far so good....

Cute!

 

[Disco Hen]

But I do live about 3 hours away... I can post pictures if you would like

 

[debs_flock]

What is a good way to introduce them to the older girls?
Can I just put them together right away since I can sacrifice (in case of disease) all 4 of those older layers?

If you only have four older birds, I would take them out and put in the new pullets. Leave them this way for about a week then introduce the older girls back. Thay way you've distrupted their territory.

Good luck, it can be stressful.

Deb

 

[Disco Hen]

Here are pictures of the chicks, I will have more later if you want more, I also have picture of the parents if you would like

 

[ronott1]

I'm currently raising 31 baby chicks (2 weeks old now)- EE, BO, RIR, BR, leghorn, LB, Arcona, Columbian Wyandotte
"Retiring" my four oldest layers sometime soon- RIR, BR, Sexlinks
& picking up 7 pullets (RIR & BR) tomorrow in Willits... wish me luck:
I've never picked up pullets before... only hand raised... I'm worried they wont be friendly w/ us.
What is a good way to introduce them to the older girls?
Can I just put them together right away since I can sacrifice (in case of disease) all 4 of those older layers?

A lot of people advise putting them were they can see each other, but separated until they get used to each other. Then, after a week maybe? put them together in a neutral territory and see how it goes. I haven't tried this myself, but anticipate doing it next year.

Congrats on the new girls and your little chickies. Do you have a favorite breed?
Best wishes!

The best way, even if you don't quarantine them, is to make a temporary pen for the new ones, even for a couple of days. You can get fence posts and the plastic fencing that is used in construction(green or orange) from Home Depot or etc. Make sure it is in the shade. After a couple of days(two weeks if quarantining), You:

Wait until dark when the chickens go to sleep. Move the new pullets into the coop and set them onto the roost with the older one. You may want to treat them with poultry dust before you move them in.

You are not supposed to combine them until they are close to the same size, usually 16 to 20 weeks old.

Do the same thing when the baby chicks are ready to move in with the Pullets.

The friendliness depends on how they were raised. They will be wild if raised by a Broody away from people. You can tame them by giving them treats. Start with bringing them a bowl and work up to hand feeding them. While they are eating the treats (wait until you can hand feed them), pick them up and hold them. Some of them will take to you quickly. Others will always be a bit standoffish.

How exciting for you to get so many chicks!

Ron

 

[ronott1]

Here are pictures of the chicks, I will have more later if you want more, I also have picture of the parents if you would like

Congratulations!

Ron

 

[Disco Hen]

Congratulations!

Ron

Thanks, i'm trying to find them homes