Down to Two Birds

[TopCharizard]

Last year on March 6th I picked up four Jersey Giants from Tractor Supply. I wanted more of course but it being my first "flock" I didn't want to go overboard and property restrictions hindered getting more anyway. Raising them until they were big enough to be on their own outside was tiresome, but fulfilling and well worth it, especially because I guess it went smooth. Unfortunately when they were only a couple months old they were attacked by a fox and I lost one, and one with severe but survivable injuries. From then they operated as the trio they were. The one who was injured manged to become flock leader and independent with her own quirks (along with going broody twice), where the other two tended to stick with one another. They were dubbed Sicky, Middle Child, and G.
Well almost a year later we were attacked by the fox again, this time one of the partners, G, being injured worse than her sister before her, so Middle Child was stuck with Sicky. They tolerated one another and things were fine until G returned to the flock and things went back to our "normal." That is until Middle Child passed away suddenly this past Sunday for no rhyme or reason. Without her buddy, G is stuck with Sicky who pesters her. They don't fight, but they remind me of siblings who don't get along well or at all. Even in the coop they sit on opposite sides when they used to sit next to one another. Sicky has even gone back to "growling" and being a bit ornery like she was when she was broody. Their combs have gone pale ever since but they still act like chickens, so even with a death that had no medical reason I'm still a little worried.

So after all my rambling, I would like to ask for advice on what to do next. I'm not even sure if I posted in the correct thread because of how many topics I covered all at once. Would more birds help them since chickens like being in flocks? It's kind of hard to find chicks or places that have pullets because of everything going on. I want to get four more but will it be difficult for either group, my birds now, or if I ever get chicks to bring in, to be incorporated?

I don't know what to do otherwise. If I need to elaborate or clarify I will try my best. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[CraftyHen]

Last year on March 6th I picked up four Jersey Giants from Tractor Supply. I wanted more of course but it being my first "flock" I didn't want to go overboard and property restrictions hindered getting more anyway. Raising them until they were big enough to be on their own outside was tiresome, but fulfilling and well worth it, especially because I guess it went smooth. Unfortunately when they were only a couple months old they were attacked by a fox and I lost one, and one with severe but survivable injuries. From then they operated as the trio they were. The one who was injured manged to become flock leader and independent with her own quirks (along with going broody twice), where the other two tended to stick with one another. They were dubbed Sicky, Middle Child, and G.
Well almost a year later we were attacked by the fox again, this time one of the partners, G, being injured worse than her sister before her, so Middle Child was stuck with Sicky. They tolerated one another and things were fine until G returned to the flock and things went back to our "normal." That is until Middle Child passed away suddenly this past Sunday for no rhyme or reason. Without her buddy, G is stuck with Sicky who pesters her. They don't fight, but they remind me of siblings who don't get along well or at all. Even in the coop they sit on opposite sides when they used to sit next to one another. Sicky has even gone back to "growling" and being a bit ornery like she was when she was broody. Their combs have gone pale ever since but they still act like chickens, so even with a death that had no medical reason I'm still a little worried.

So after all my rambling, I would like to ask for advice on what to do next. I'm not even sure if I posted in the correct thread because of how many topics I covered all at once. Would more birds help them since chickens like being in flocks? It's kind of hard to find chicks or places that have pullets because of everything going on. I want to get four more but will it be difficult for either group, my birds now, or if I ever get chicks to bring in, to be incorporated?

I don't know what to do otherwise. If I need to elaborate or clarify I will try my best. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Wow you and the gals have been thru it. I'm sorry for the chickens you lost. Its never easy but it's a part of the keeping of them, I'm afraid. I've also lost a chicken unexpectedly and with no obvious illness. I've learned since that sudden death can be a stroke or heart attack. Also, they are master's at hiding illness and by the time we notice it, it's often too late.

A death in flock CAN traumatize some hens. I have a now old hen who hasn't laid an egg since her best pal died two yrs ago. I can honestly say she went thru a depression. An Easter Egger came in and quite literally stayed by her side for months. She's fine now but she doesn't lay. I'd say it will probably take time for the 2 remaining girls to come together. As to adding more I say do it. Add a minimum of 2. There will be posturing and arguments while they sort out pecking order but within a week or so they will be a new cohesive flock. If you get baby chicks, once they can go off the heat lamp get them into the coop in their own little shelter, like a dog kennel. Give them an opening big enough for the chicks to go out and explore but too small for adult chickens to get in. That will give them a safe place to run to. In their own time they will integrate with the adults.

 

[Ribh]

I'm sorry you've had trouble with a fox.

I think the 1st thing I'd do would be reinforce the pen/run & make it fox proof.

Secondly chickens do better in a flock. Just remember the name *pecking order* is there for a reason. While everyone sorts out the new pecking order it will get ugly but chickens usually sort themselves out very quickly as it is better for all concerned. Also, chickens do grieve losses within the flock & show it in different ways, especially those that have lost a buddy.

My friend @BY Bob swears by keeping flock numbers even as everyone has a chance to buddy up with someone & no~one becomes the spare wheel. It is something to consider when deciding how many birds to add to your present flock. Keeping the same breed may also help ~ especially with such a big breed as your Jersey Giants. Just be prepared for some upset when you introduce new birds. It may go on for some time but there are plenty of threads on here on how to best integrate new birds into an established flock. Good luck with it all.

 

[TopCharizard]

I'm sorry you've had trouble with a fox.

I think the 1st thing I'd do would be reinforce the pen/run & make it fox proof.

Secondly chickens do better in a flock. Just remember the name *pecking order* is there for a reason. While everyone sorts out the new pecking order it will get ugly but chickens usually sort themselves out very quickly as it is better for all concerned. Also, chickens do grieve losses within the flock & show it in different ways, especially those that have lost a buddy.

My friend @BY Bob swears by keeping flock numbers even as everyone has a chance to buddy up with someone & no~one becomes the spare wheel. It is something to consider when deciding how many birds to add to your present flock. Keeping the same breed may also help ~ especially with such a big breed as your Jersey Giants. Just be prepared for some upset when you introduce new birds. It may go on for some time but there are plenty of threads on here on how to best integrate new birds into an established flock. Good luck with it all.

With fox proofing, that's what we're trying to figure out. We have netting to go over the run but my worry is when they're out in the yard. The second attack happened midday and hopped right over the fence, which is about 6 ft., into the yard, and there isn't much we can do to modify the fence because of the neighbors, or we save for something taller.
With additions, I would like to add four at most, but it's hard to find anything around where I live suitable to pair with my girls, one, because no one has been able to keep chicks or pullets in stock, or a breed that is a decent layer, quiet, and can match them. If I am able to find somewhere, do you have any breeds that would be suitable if I can't find more Giants?

 

[TopCharizard]

Wow you and the gals have been thru it. I'm sorry for the chickens you lost. Its never easy but it's a part of the keeping of them, I'm afraid. I've also lost a chicken unexpectedly and with no obvious illness. I've learned since that sudden death can be a stroke or heart attack. Also, they are master's at hiding illness and by the time we notice it, it's often too late.

A death in flock CAN traumatize some hens. I have a now old hen who hasn't laid an egg since her best pal died two yrs ago. I can honestly say she went thru a depression. An Easter Egger came in and quite literally stayed by her side for months. She's fine now but she doesn't lay. I'd say it will probably take time for the 2 remaining girls to come together. As to adding more I say do it. Add a minimum of 2. There will be posturing and arguments while they sort out pecking order but within a week or so they will be a new cohesive flock. If you get baby chicks, once they can go off the heat lamp get them into the coop in their own little shelter, like a dog kennel. Give them an opening big enough for the chicks to go out and explore but too small for adult chickens to get in. That will give them a safe place to run to. In their own time they will integrate with the adults.

I've considered the weather may have had a hand in it considering how up and down it's been in my area. They have plenty of water and shade out and about, but you're right, sometimes it just happens.
Thank you. I'll keep these things in mind if I can add more one day, hopefully soon.

 

[TopCharizard]

To add on, with Sicky's grumpy attitude, I don't know if it has been everything going on or she's going broody again, but I found her in the nesting box tonight instead of on the roost.

 

[Mrs. K]

Oh, pray that she is broody! She might very well be. If so, wait at least two weeks, no more that 4, and in the dark, slip a couple of day old chicks under her. So much fun.

As for your question, what should you do? I will quote my granddaughter, "Well that sucks, ...but now we can get chicks!"

Mrs K

 

[TopCharizard]

Oh, pray that she is broody! She might very well be. If so, wait at least two weeks, no more that 4, and in the dark, slip a couple of day old chicks under her. So much fun.

As for your question, what should you do? I will quote my granddaughter, "Well that sucks, ...but now we can get chicks!"

Mrs K

If I can get chicks, should there be eggs, or something along the line of an egg, underneath her first? It would be awesome if she was able to raise chicks on her own. Then again if I go that route I'd have some questions about that, and if I don't break her of it if she is broody before I'm actually able to acquire chicks from somewhere.

 

[LaFleche]

Their combs have gone pale ever since

Sorry for your loss.

One question that comes to mind: Did you look for mites, the blood-sucking kind?

Usually you do not see them on the chickens but you can find them in the coop at night, as they hide in the cracks and only come out sucking blood while the chickens are sleeping.

Instead of chicks you could find Jersey Giant fertile eggs for your broody, this might be the better option as they can be shipped more easily.

 

[Mrs. K]

Just go to your local store and get some chicks, or have them ordered in. Now it is relatively easy to get chicks, and you can order them so they come in when you want them. And you can get pullets. If you hatch eggs, nearly 50% will be roosters.

If you want, slip a couple of golf balls under her. Won't hurt, and might help. Leave her where she is, and let her be.

Then when you get the chicks, bring them home, make sure they all have a drink of water! Then put them outside in the coop, and let them get a little cold for 30-45 minutes. Sounds heartless, but do it. To make the bond between chicks and hens, it has to go both ways. The hen needs to want the chicks (their motion underneath her, triggers that hormone.) and the chicks need to associate warmth and a saftey with the mother hen.

I take the chicks down in the near dark, with the smallest of lights, and I am wearing a thick sweatshirt. Then I cover the hens head with a towel, and start shoving chicks under her. There is a lot of empty space under a hen. She may peck at them, if they crawl out, that is ok. But if they are chilled enough, they are going to burrow in tighter than a tick to that warm spot. That is what you want.

Then you have to do the hard part. Shut the coop and leave. Do not watch, do not interfere, do not try and protect the chicks. Her voice should change, and she will nearly constantly cluck to the chicks.

Do not worry if your nest is off the ground, she will manage it. The day before chicks, I do a sweep out, and put fresh bedding on the bottom of the coop. I no longer make a nest for her, none of them have ever liked my efforts. She will get the chicks down, and make a new nest on the floor.

I do put feed and water in the coop at this time. But do not put it by the nest. Leave it there only until she takes the chicks out to run. Which is usually in 1-3 days. And then just watch and enjoy, while she does the work.

so, is she still on the nest? Is she as flat as a pancake? Does she seem like she is in a trance? Does she puff up like a beach ball if you get too close? If so you have been blessed with a broody hen!