Elder Meets Youngin

[LilRedmamma]

Yesterday I let my oldest hen meet the 4 newbies. I removed the little makeshift door you see the young IB darting in and out of.
MsBoss accepted them easily enough, a bit bitchy but soon they all explored the other’s run and food and water they’d been eyeing. Grass is always greener… Lol.
Interestingly, Blackie, the alpha immediately got trounced by MsBoss (white hen here) not to relinquish her once top spot, and proceeded to get them all lined up under the larger coop, then claimed the food. I watched as she let them come out and eat with her, clucking to them. She still chases B but doesn’t peck so stern. Blackie HAD been VERY rough with the 2nd BlackStar. Now she’s more docile. Weird.
The biggest thing is this seemed to interfere laying for the 2nd IB and BSs were just starting to lay in the new box, their own coop. The IB in pic has been laying for a month; she and MsBoss laid after the introduction was calm, in their usual box.
So last night, my husband and I were curious … they all roosted in their original respective ‘homes’. And this morning there were no scuffles.
All my worries for naught. Rocky is making sure they’re safe and sound.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Isn't it wonderful when integration goes so smoothly? I too have noticed a brief drop in egg production while the integration is happening, but it resumes as soon as they all find their places and things calm down.

I love your little marigolds! I have them planted all over the vegetable garden - or let them come up at will from last year's seeds. Have to teach the grandkids (who help me tend the garden) that those are NOT weeds to be pulled!

 

[LilRedmamma]

Isn't it wonderful when integration goes so smoothly? I too have noticed a brief drop in egg production while the integration is happening, but it resumes as soon as they all find their places and things calm down.

I love your little marigolds! I have them planted all over the vegetable garden - or let them come up at will from last year's seeds. Have to teach the grandkids (who help me tend the garden) that those are NOT weeds to be pulled!

Marigolds repel mosquitoes, and they survive getting pecked! Yes, a relief because my first attempt was NOT so good!
Btw, the video isn’t working yet.