Dangerously stupid?

[bhaugh]

There can’t be dumber chickens than Polish. Sometimes going back doesn’t necessarily mean stupid as she may not be as far down in the pecking order as “You” think. If we had all aggressive birds there too are problems and constant squabbling as everyone wants to be top bird. I say let her set and raise chicks. She might surprise you. A hen who is a good mom and can grow chicks out is sometimes more valuable in the long run than lays eggs and kills her babies or leaves them to die off.

 

[50-45-1]

"Toxic, Dummy, with annoying habits" What?
I've read the thing 3 times and cant find the problem.
Chickens are chickens, they usually work flock dynamics out by themselves with no interference from me.
Lack of adequate space and cooping chickens to tightly can cause many problems tho. More squabbles over nest boxes, food and favorite dust spot.
I've had a few more vocal girls and I find them delightful.
And it had no adverse effects whatsoever on the rest of the flock.
Also you can have a flock of all the same breed and you will have different personality traits contained in it.
However it is best to not mix some breeds. I find Rhode Island Reds way to aggressive. Favorales and Dorkings are ultra laid back and just do better with their own kind. Bantams and polish sometimes are picked by other breeds.
I'd take your "talker" off your hands in a hot second.
If you dont like her, by all means, get rid of her.

 

[BirdYard]

Your broody need "broody jail" = wire dog crate, remove the tray, put 1x2 welded wire at the bottom, food/water and suspend (air circulation completely around) for 3 days ... If she's still broody, stick her back inside, put the wire cage in the coop so she remains part of the flock.

SF are a docile breed as well as go broody. I research breeds before I get any, not mixing docile with the more "aggressive" ones. When you introduce a new set to the flock, introduction is important = See but no touch. Section off part of the coop so the younger ones are seen but the original ones can't get to them. Or a wire cage works too, similar to broody jail. There will be bickering as the pecking order will need to be established; pecking & chasing. Make sure you have several feeders/waters so everyone can get to eat. IF there is a bully in the flock, separate for a few days then put with the rest, pecking order gets re-established.

Oh no, give the broody hen the day old chicks. Let her raise them up and get some real flock dynamics build.

Never keep a bird you don't like. If she is laying, sell her. The flock should be for your enjoyment. But I don't she will influence the chicks behavior - more chicks is apt to influence her. But no need to think like chickens, they really don't have that much capacity.

Mrs K

I considered giving the smallest chick to the broody hen, she wasn't growing like the five others. Unfortunately she expired yesterday and I won't have the chance. Thank you though.
My broody is looking a little more herself this morning, I uncovered the nest and I'll see if she gravitates back. If so I'm going to set up the jail. I had similar arrangements when separating the bullies.

 

[BirdYard]

There can’t be dumber chickens than Polish. Sometimes going back doesn’t necessarily mean stupid as she may not be as far down in the pecking order as “You” think. If we had all aggressive birds there too are problems and constant squabbling as everyone wants to be top bird. I say let her set and raise chicks. She might surprise you. A hen who is a good mom and can grow chicks out is sometimes more valuable in the long run than lays eggs and kills her babies or leaves them to die off.

This SF has positively never raised a beak to peck another bird once. After a few repeat pecks, a Black Sex Link tore off a bit of comb. SF screamed, ran off spraying blood all over the coop, and went back to get some more. I'm glad I saw it and separated them. That situation repeated even after a week of bully jail, and again after putting peepers on the BSL. I had to sell the Links to keep peace... Such great eggers though.

 

[janiedoe]

I don't personally care for production breeds. They are great layers for a couple of years, but then many have health issues. But my birds are mostly pets. ( I'm sure I'd love your favorelles, & find them charming)
Pet birds aren't for everyone. Perhaps you should rehome both the favorelles and just keep the production birds.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Well first off don’t project your feelings onto chickens. They are animals and will act as such. Many things we as humans would deem as “toxic” can be normal animal behavior. As far as Faverolles go I think it’s just like any other breed where it really boils down to the individual. My Salmon Faverolles rooster was the spawn of satan attacking everything and everyone. My hen has always just minded her business. While she is docile so are all of my other hens of varying breeds. I have enough space that the only fighting I have seen a hen do is the head hen will occasionally give a quick peck at another hen when I toss a piece of salmon out. All of the others don’t peck back. Some will walk away and stay away while some will wonder on back. It’s simply chickens being chickens.

 

[BirdYard]

I don't personally care for production breeds. They are great layers for a couple of years, but then many have health issues. But my birds are mostly pets. ( I'm sure I'd love your favorelles, & find them charming)
Pet birds aren't for everyone. Perhaps you should rehome both the favorelles and just keep the production birds.

I really like the 'non-annoying' Faverolles, she's broody now but before then I would walk around the yard with her on my shoulder for five minutes at a time before she hopped down to exercise. Also she's soft and gorgeous, I frankly wanted more just like her. I find Faverolles are hard to source, even now I would have to wait until June or later to get any this year. I read up and decided Golden Comet was the most agreeable breed that was attainable. I see they have a short lifespan, but hope they turn out to be as gentle and friendly as they are billed.

 

[BirdYard]

I don't personally care for production breeds. They are great layers for a couple of years, but then many have health issues. But my birds are mostly pets. ( I'm sure I'd love your favorelles, & find them charming)
Pet birds aren't for everyone. Perhaps you should rehome both the favorelles and just keep the production birds.

I love birds! I grew up with the most annoying Sulfur Crested Cockatoo ever. My dad saw her living with crows at the cemetery where he worked. He recognized that she was a tropical bird and wouldn't survive the winter so caught her and brought her home. She had developed a very crow-like squawk that tested even the most steady patience. Still, I loved working with her on vocabulary and tricks. I don't, however, anticipate a similar engagement with hens. I'm shocked how pet-like our (one) Faverolles is, and maybe it's wishful thinking that I'll have more like her. Maybe also unfair that her disposition has become my goal.

 

[BirdYard]

"Toxic, Dummy, with annoying habits" What?
I've read the thing 3 times and cant find the problem.
Chickens are chickens, they usually work flock dynamics out by themselves with no interference from me.
Lack of adequate space and cooping chickens to tightly can cause many problems tho. More squabbles over nest boxes, food and favorite dust spot.
I've had a few more vocal girls and I find them delightful.
And it had no adverse effects whatsoever on the rest of the flock.
Also you can have a flock of all the same breed and you will have different personality traits contained in it.
However it is best to not mix some breeds. I find Rhode Island Reds way to aggressive. Favorales and Dorkings are ultra laid back and just to better with their own kind. Bantams and polish sometimes are picked by other breeds.
I'd take your "talker" off your hands in a hot second.
If you dont like her, by all means, get rid of her.

I hope my run space is as generous as I think, I set up 70± sq.ft. and only had 4 birds. Coop is about 18 sq.ft. in footprint, with landing, ramp, perch, roost, spread out in layers over six feet tall. I understand that tight spaces can lead to squabbles, but I don't think I'm pushing it. My goal is to leave no suggestion dangling, so I'm going to add an annex to the coop when the new chicks join. Also since there were only 4 birds, I had one nest. There was never a cue then but I've already decided to add another when I integrate. If all goes well I'll have a flock of seven.

 

[BirdYard]

Flock of seven it is. Just an update since I received such considerate responses to my concern. The two Faverolles have remained on top of the pecking order, and the five comets are friendly and agreeable to each other and us. Thankfully, the hen I was concerned with (I've dropped the language and mindset of "annoying") has not spread any negative manners to the rest. Faverolles spend hours most days free ranging, but share the run politely with the others when not. I like laying in the hammock at sunset while all seven free range. The comets frequently browse underneath me or nearby, but will wander into the neighbors if allowed out too long, hence the limited, evening freedom.
A new concern that I've never had is them being under-foot. They tend to be near us and we have to watch carefully not to step on one.
Thank you again to all BYC members who have generously offered their comments and support. Our birds have provided countless opportunities for my children and I to share time together, develop responsibility, enjoy their nature and behavior, - oh, and bountiful delicious fresh eggs!