Colorado

[Denverchickee]

Week 22 and still no eggs (audible sigh). I guess I'm going to have to buy a dozen this week.
I went out of town for two days and anticipated that egg laying would commence while I was gone (just my luck), but I was wrong.

Me too Wendi.

Week 24 & 28 for me.

I am fortunate enough to not have to purchase eggs but THE WAIT is sooooo antagonizing...... (yes in my head im whining and stomping my foot)

 

[Denverchickee]

?????????

open topic for discussion please:

Do chickens "know or understand" correction or "NO" as other animals do??

Example: Hen picking on new member of flock and you in a gentle way attempt to protect new hen and redirect other hens attention or push outta the way with a NO, maybe a clap, and make them move on.

I understand that a pecking order needs to be established and I can live with that, but the first couple days I try not to let them just abuse & terrorize a newbie.

Chickens seem pretty smart to me so makes me think it might be possible. Ive only had chickens for a 1.5 years and a small backyard flock that is great so I havent had a lot of experience.
I don't expect to be able to correct them to not destroy our veggies but more about behavior and how to treat each other?

 

[Pozees]

?????????

open topic for discussion please:

Do chickens "know or understand" correction or "NO" as other animals do??

Example: Hen picking on new member of flock and you in a gentle way attempt to protect new hen and redirect other hens attention or push outta the way with a NO, maybe a clap, and make them move on.

I understand that a pecking order needs to be established and I can live with that, but the first couple days I try not to let them just abuse & terrorize a newbie.

Chickens seem pretty smart to me so makes me think it might be possible. Ive only had chickens for a 1.5 years and a small backyard flock that is great so I havent had a lot of experience.
I don't expect to be able to correct them to not destroy our veggies but more about behavior and how to treat each other?

They may understand, but elect not to heed. Instinct rules. Introduction through a fence works well, letting them eat near one another but separated by a fence/pen. Letting all out together to free range or partake of a treat eases space sharing. If all else fails, put the new additions into the coop after dark when they are night blind, and see how they interact when they awaken. Using all these methods is often how it goes, at least for me.

I have yet to meet the chicken who cared whether I was pleased or displeased with their methods of establishing/maintaining flock order

 

[Denverchickee]

They may understand, but elect not to heed. Instinct rules. Introduction through a fence works well, letting them eat near one another but separated by a fence/pen. Letting all out together to free range or partake of a treat eases space sharing. If all else fails, put the new additions into the coop after dark when they are night blind, and see how they interact when they awaken. Using all these methods is often how it goes, at least for me.

I have yet to meet the chicken who cared whether I was pleased or displeased with their methods of establishing/maintaining flock order

Yes I have been using the above tactics for introduction and believe in it. I guess I was just wondering more if its a waste of my time shooeing them away and trying. a majority of my flock respects me for most part I think. So I was wondering if they work as other animals do and I correct them if they see me "protecting" another, maybe it would help so we all are a flock. Or giving a correction if it would help? I fed treats and all was well but then a little gang up was happening so I it made me think, do I protect or let happen?

So is it fair to say instinct rules and only implies to certain animals? I think you can help mend instinct on some animals, def not all.
I agree I don't think they care how we feel, as apposed to a dog def cares how I feel.

So just makes me wonder if you continually correct behavior will it ever change? If you are dedicated enough and it happened enough on your property to change chickens if it would help? It does with other animals?

 

[P-Funk]

OMG! Is this a bad year for southern CO or what? I just saw a video of cars floating down the street.

 

[cosbackyard]

OMG! Is this a bad year for southern CO or what? I just saw a video of cars floating down the street.

That was probably just down the street from my house. Crazy summer, for sure. One of the driest years first half and one of the wettest so far second half.

 

[Wendi C]

Me too Wendi.

Week 24 & 28 for me.

I am fortunate enough to not have to purchase eggs but THE WAIT is sooooo antagonizing...... (yes in my head im whining and stomping my foot)

28 weeks? Yikes! If that's the case, my Black Stars will be laying before the older girls start

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Denverchickee (keep thinking eggs, eggs, eggs).

 

[samsr]

28 weeks? Yikes! If that's the case, my Black Stars will be laying before the older girls start

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Denverchickee (keep thinking eggs, eggs, eggs).

I have found that if you walk out to the coop with a piece of chicken and eat it in front of them that this will generally get them going in a week or two. LOL. Maybe stop by the store and get one of those cooked roaster chickens and show it to them. That and a stern talking to. 28 weeks is a long time.

 

[Denverchickee]

I have found that if you walk out to the coop with a piece of chicken and eat it in front of them that this will generally get them going in a week or two. LOL. Maybe stop by the store and get one of those cooked roaster chickens and show it to them. That and a stern talking to. 28 weeks is a long time.

Tell me about. She is a blue Andalusian. Her comb is red. I keep saying any day now. I got her as a 3 day old chick in feb.
she is kinda flighty, nervous little thing. So I have been attributing that to her not laying yet?

 

[Pozees]

Does correction work/stick? Sometimes - I had one very dominant hen I made squat for me using my hand on her back, and over time she did lighten up some. It helped that the pullets she was pushing around got bigger than her over that same course of time ...