XanderWiFi
Songster
We couldn't resist and picked up 2 buff orpingtons, 2 calico princesses and 2 sapphire gems to add to our flock. It is one big melting pot with there already being the 4 leghorns, 2 brabanters, 1 RIR, 1 EE and 1 Andalusian. We have the little gals in a tote brooder with their electrolyte/probiotic water, heat lamp and chick crumble.
My plan is to build an outdoor brooder with small attached run for when their feathers start to come in. This way they can interact through a barrier with the girls and familiarize themselves. Then I will move to sectioning off part of the big run/free range so there is either a barrier or plenty of running space. The current flock is really quite mellow having a nice large run, plenty of scraps, the composting and multiple water stations. I intend to add a second food station just in case there are dust ups at that time.
Does anyone have personal experience with the breeds they could share? Any flaws in the tentative plan I am proposing? My current flock is just now crossing the line from pullet to full chicken. I remember how wild they were when they were young pullets-jousting and running around crazy.
My coop is designated for 15-20 chickens but I will have to redesign their roosting bar to be one long straight across. Right now it is a two tier ladder design. This will hopefully keep them from pooping on one another and allow them to stretch out. My current girls have no distinguishable rhyme or reason to their roost pattern-everyone just squeezes in wherever they can.
My plan is to build an outdoor brooder with small attached run for when their feathers start to come in. This way they can interact through a barrier with the girls and familiarize themselves. Then I will move to sectioning off part of the big run/free range so there is either a barrier or plenty of running space. The current flock is really quite mellow having a nice large run, plenty of scraps, the composting and multiple water stations. I intend to add a second food station just in case there are dust ups at that time.
Does anyone have personal experience with the breeds they could share? Any flaws in the tentative plan I am proposing? My current flock is just now crossing the line from pullet to full chicken. I remember how wild they were when they were young pullets-jousting and running around crazy.
My coop is designated for 15-20 chickens but I will have to redesign their roosting bar to be one long straight across. Right now it is a two tier ladder design. This will hopefully keep them from pooping on one another and allow them to stretch out. My current girls have no distinguishable rhyme or reason to their roost pattern-everyone just squeezes in wherever they can.