Compatibility issues.

[ving]

Gday folks!
Last weekend I found myself in possession of a very friendly Cochin bantam that according to my neighbor had been wondering the streets for a few day. No one has claimed her so we decided to keep her as we had been talking about getting a couple of chooks for a while.
Today we got her a playmate. She is a non-bantam Cochin cross. Within a few minutes of introduction they started pecking each other. I think the bantam came out on top but she has a few smal scratches on top of her head but it doesn't look too bad. All is quiet now tho.

Do you think they will continue to squabble, I worry about the little one getting hurt! I am brand new to chook owning but have done research. Any help is appreciated.

David.

 

[chickenzoo]

Just keep an eye on them....often when the are first introduced they squabble to work out who is top dog. Once that is worked out normally all goes well. Just watch to make sure neither is a bully.

 

[ving]

Thanks. From everything I have read I didn't thi.k cochins could be bullies. If one turns out to be a bit of s bully is there anything I can do to stop it? I only have one place to put them. No room to separate

 

[chickenzoo]

Sometimes adding a.few more stops it....
Sometimes two chickens just don't like each other....
But most times it starts as just seeing who will be first..who will be second....once that is agreed upon then normally the bickering goes away.
Think of it like this.... You have been on your own and making your own decisions.....some one comes along and puts you with someone else....and that person is trying to tell you what to do and where to sleep etc... Some people would be like...ok ill do what you say, others would be like heck no I'm not letting you tell me what to do......chickens are the.same way.

 

[ving]

Thanks. U think they have worked that out all is quiet this morning. Tho I just put some food out and the new one is staying up the top and not coming down for food. First day jitters....