Getting our new cockerel and additional pullets

[ChickenChick46]

so what you're really saying is, I need more hens?

#chickenmath

This is always the answer!

 

[ChickenChick46]

All set up for our new additions.
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And mommy’s little helper had some bonding time with the chickens today.
Never in all these months have I seen mango sprint toward someone who didn’t lure her with food. And she promptly sat down in his lap even though he wasn’t very gentle with her (he’s only 10 months).
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This is adorable! I know there are plenty of cautions about children and chickens interacting (with good reason), but as a parent as well, I take the 'monitor it as it's happening' approach just like interactions with my other pets and kids. As Mama, we know when to intervene! Beautiful bird there, and love her name!

 

[niazai_thechickenlife]

This is adorable! I know there are plenty of cautions about children and chickens interacting (with good reason), but as a parent as well, I take the 'monitor it as it's happening' approach just like interactions with my other pets and kids. As Mama, we know when to intervene! Beautiful bird there, and love her name!

She was coming to him cackling and i was unsure if it was aggression or love, but it turns out it was love ! Even when he pulled her feathers a bit, she was being so sweet .

 

[ChickenChick46]

She was coming to him cackling and i was unsure if it was aggression or love, but it turns out it was love ! Even when he pulled her feathers a bit, she was being so sweet .

I have one silkie, and while it's a bit of a spaz, it's also quite sweet.

 

[niazai_thechickenlife]

They’re home !!

 

[ChickenChick46]

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They’re home !!

Gorgeous!! Congrats!

 

[niazai_thechickenlife]

So far, Pushpa has been a bit of an asshole.
But he sure if gorgeous.

It’s difficult for me to assess what is a normal way of establishing the pecking order and what is abuse.
The others grew up together when they were only a few days old, they never had fights or one who was hiding from the rest.

 

[ChickenChick46]

So far, Pushpa has been a bit of an asshole.
But he sure if gorgeous.
View attachment 4230642

It’s difficult for me to assess what is a normal way of establishing the pecking order and what is abuse.
The others grew up together when they were only a few days old, they never had fights or one who was hiding from the rest.

Mine took time to get used to each other when I started integrating. About 2 full weeks before the pecking seemed to be mostly done. I only separated them once though, because one cockerel drew blood on another's comb. He was fine, it just startled me. I made sure he wasn't going to keep bleeding, and I put him back. I put the offender back, and it never happened again. Now those 2 boys actually walk around together and look for snacks.

 

[niazai_thechickenlife]

Mine took time to get used to each other when I started integrating. About 2 full weeks before the pecking seemed to be mostly done. I only separated them once though, because one cockerel drew blood on another's comb. He was fine, it just startled me. I made sure he wasn't going to keep bleeding, and I put him back. I put the offender back, and it never happened again. Now those 2 boys actually walk around together and look for snacks.

It’s definitely not so bad!!!! Just that the pullets seem scared. I’m keeping an eye on them to see of they are allowed to eat.
Yesterday they were all terrified when i put my hand in. Today they ate snacks out of my hand (only the cockerels though). So progress!!!
I’m going to separate these for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to our current flock. The pecking order will have to be established again, but by then hopefully the 2 cockerels will love each other as much as all their women loll.

 

[ChickenChick46]

It’s definitely not so bad!!!! Just that the pullets seem scared. I’m keeping an eye on them to see of they are allowed to eat.
Yesterday they were all terrified when i put my hand in. Today they ate snacks out of my hand (only the cockerels though). So progress!!!
I’m going to separate these for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to our current flock. The pecking order will have to be established again, but by then hopefully the 2 cockerels will love each other as much as all their women loll.

That's how I did it. I integrated 2 younger groups from brooders, then that entire group to the big flock outside. It went well!