@21hens-incharge & @COChix - thank you for the advise. I definitely have 2 flocks trying to be one: the younger and the old, with the Sumatra and the peas off on their own. Memnoch has calmed down with the hens, but he still can't be confined in the coop for the night with Odysseus. He just has to chase and harass his old man every so often. I'm just worried I won't be able to expand their pen before winter. I definitely can't expand the coop, or build another one. I'll have to figure something out because he does a great job as a rooster and he was my first hatched chick.
I did find out who was laying the tiniest egg I've see outside of a robin's nest:
My little butterball Barbu d'Anvers started laying eggs before the Phoenix Bantam and the Porcelain d'Uccle! I can't believe she started laying eggs already - she's still so tiny! I thought Odysseus was little, she still fits in my palm and has tiny sparrow feet. It was a lot of work for her to get it out, though; she had to stand up and then lost her footing from pushing so hard right at the end. I'm so excited she started laying eggs. I have to admit that she is my favourite of the flock, even though she's a little Houdini and thinks she belongs wherever I am instead of with her flock. She's like to hitch a ride around on my shoulder or cleavage, but I did almost buy her a harness and leash before my brain injury and face trauma became an issue again. I wonder if her eggs will ever get bigger? She's pretty much stalled out on growing.
Anyhow, I just wanted to thank everyone on this thread for all their advise and help this past year. It's been a crazy experience, tending/hatching/raising chickens. I appreciate all your kindness.
I did find out who was laying the tiniest egg I've see outside of a robin's nest:
My little butterball Barbu d'Anvers started laying eggs before the Phoenix Bantam and the Porcelain d'Uccle! I can't believe she started laying eggs already - she's still so tiny! I thought Odysseus was little, she still fits in my palm and has tiny sparrow feet. It was a lot of work for her to get it out, though; she had to stand up and then lost her footing from pushing so hard right at the end. I'm so excited she started laying eggs. I have to admit that she is my favourite of the flock, even though she's a little Houdini and thinks she belongs wherever I am instead of with her flock. She's like to hitch a ride around on my shoulder or cleavage, but I did almost buy her a harness and leash before my brain injury and face trauma became an issue again. I wonder if her eggs will ever get bigger? She's pretty much stalled out on growing.
Anyhow, I just wanted to thank everyone on this thread for all their advise and help this past year. It's been a crazy experience, tending/hatching/raising chickens. I appreciate all your kindness.
newbies, don't be afraid to ask questions and share stories and pics! Of course.
