grannys gone and done it

[campingshaws]

My new chicks are just at 3 mos old. I'm curious to see if my broody tried to adopt them? That's not much older than the SS chicks I think. I can't remember his old they are. 5-6 weeks by the feathers maybe?

How do you arrange all the new birds to integrate them?

WELL... I'm stacked pretty high right now. No room for a proper quarantine. My coop is just for sleeping, run is just for eating, and the rest of the yard for free ranging. Right beside the coop is the ugly tractor, which is where I put the new babies. Near the back is the cute tractor, which is where I put the big girls. So basically playpen method, but large scale.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hope you feel better mutt. I forgot that quick that granny had gone to sleep.

I'm hoping it's just allergies. I get all clogged up and run down. Our weather has been crazy. 90 then 65 then sunny then blustery then below 40 at night then wind blowing. I was so wound up last night I couldn't fall asleep. I have 3 CRAZY barking whining dogs here. NO peace. Whining all night, barking just no peace. No way to get away from it.

 

[rIrs roost]

It's more of a size thing, I think, and it really depends on individual temperament.  The chicks should be pretty well feathered out and fleet of foot, so they can escape in case your sweet Brahma turns into Attila the Hen.  You can try it, but watch carefully to see how things go.  Expect some po po po po po poking, but it shouldn't be too aggressive-  no feather pulling and no blood drawn.  Moving the Brahma into chick territory will work better than putting chicks into an older bird's territory.

Thanks wishing. I'm going to give it a few more weeks. I've already seen how a sweet hen can turn quick. My sweetest Henrietta turn on the little Brahma. I didn't think she'd bully anyone after being bullied by my other two hens. Boy was I wrong. The Brahma I feel like needs company. She's the smallest hen that I have and just stays to herself dodging the others. I'm hoping moving her in with the others go well but I'll just have to see. That will free up one of my small coops that I can put a few of the ones my broody is sitting on now. Sure hope it goes well. I know it's just the way things is supposed to go but I hate to see them pick on one another.

 

[rIrs roost]

How old are your babies? Is that the hen that has been by herself? 

That's the one by herself. She's a year and a half and the are may three weeks old.

 

[rIrs roost]

I'm hoping it's just allergies. I get all clogged up and run down. Our weather has been crazy. 90 then 65 then sunny then blustery then below 40 at night then wind blowing.  I was so wound up last night I couldn't fall asleep. I have 3 CRAZY barking whining dogs here. NO peace. Whining all night, barking just no peace. No way to get away from it. 

That sounds frustrating. About the allergies and winning dogs. Hope everything gets better soon for you.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Quote:
The new babies are bantams, right? If they are going to be bigger than the Brahma, I would try to put them together before the young ones out grow her. I have read that Silkies have weak skulls, and a hard peck can really cause damage.

Also, forgot to say, it's a very good strategy, when introducing birds, to have them next to each other with fencing in between. Look but not touch (peck) for a week or two to give them a chance to become accustomed to one another. When the actual introduction happens, give plenty of treats so they are distracted.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Mutt, I was in Target this afternoon, and a young woman was walking her Ridgeback through the store, so of course I had to go pet her. (the dog, not the girl) What a sweet calm dog

, from a breeder in this county too. My mind was flooded with memories of our wonderful dogs. So, guess what's just been added to my bucket list!


Your opinion please, on male versus female dogs, general temperament wise, that would go better for a mature woman who is NOT type A personality. Is one sex a bit more relaxed than another? I asked this question way back on this thread, but want to hear about your experiences.

I LOVE Ridgebacks! Strong breed though. M/F to me is more of a personal preference as is to spay/neuter or not. IMO and IME, an un-neurered male can be quite aloof and distracted. I'm rambling with thoughts here. A male is more apt to roam and protect your entire property whereas a female draws her boundaries closer.You, the house, your car, etc. Breed is important too. M or F golden retriever or Lab, still, I find the F's more caregiving but hardly noticeable. M or F rottie or RR or shepherd, etc, the difference IMO is much more pronounced. I lean both ways, but for a RR and you and not type A I'd go F or neutered M.
All that said, temperament testing a litter is the best indicator of future temperament. Google Volhard puppy temperament testing. That's what I use to eval litters. It's amazingly accurate.

 

[Mutt Farm]

That's the one by herself. She's a year and a half and the are may three weeks old.

I'd go for it with monitoring. How many littles? 4? She may be a great little mentor and love the company.

 

[rIrs roost]

The new babies are bantams, right?  If they are going to be bigger than the Brahma, I would try to put them together before the young ones out grow her.  I have read that Silkies have weak skulls, and a hard peck can really cause damage.

Also, forgot to say, it's a very good strategy, when introducing birds, to have them next to each other with fencing in between.  Look but not touch (peck) for a week or two to give them a chance to become accustomed to one another.  When the actual introduction happens, give plenty of treats so they are distracted.

Yes I think bantams. I do plan on keeping her in a cage inside the coop for a couple of weeks. You think the silkie will be ok with the two ee and keet and the hen I'm putting with them?

 

[Mutt Farm]

WELL... I'm stacked pretty high right now.

No room for a proper quarantine. My coop is just for sleeping, run is just for eating, and the rest of the yard for free ranging. Right beside the coop is the ugly tractor, which is where I put the new babies. Near the back is the cute tractor, which is where I put the big girls. So basically playpen method, but large scale.

I want a chair between them all to sit and watch. The RR's looked really nice! The littles are pure RIR too?