Hi from NJ

[redlinda1]

Hi everyone,
Newly registered to BYC. Starting my second flock of chickens. The first lasted me about 3 years. I have 7 older new ones that are 6 weeks old ( 1 Australorp, 2 buff orphs, 2 turkens, 2 barred rock) and 7 new ones that are just a few days old (2 Cochin, 1 buff orph, 1 jersey giant, 1 Dominique, 2 Delaware) Anyone have any good tips on integrating the 2 sets when the time comes? I just put the older set outside in the pen last night... They love it, althought I had to force them into the coop and lock them in. I guess they will get the idea sooner or later.

 

[sumi]

As soon as they are fully feathered (sooner, if it's warm enough) put the youngest ones outside, right next to the older chicks, with a mesh or some sort of barrier between them. This way they can get to know each other and the little ones won't get hurt if the older ones get too interested. Leave them like that for a week or 2 and then let them free range together a bit and see how they do. They should be o.k. though. Young chickens are nowhere near as aggressive as mature ones.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, redlinda1, and

! Happy you joined us! Good luck to you and you new flock!

 

[redlinda1]

Help!!! I just saw a chicken hawk in my yard. My husband said he saw it holding one of the chickens agains the fence. When I went out one of the chickens is badly hurt and bleeding but its still alive. WHAT DO I DO? CAN I SAVE HIM?

 

[sumi]

Oh no! Have you got any antibiotic cream/ointment without painkiller? Clean the wounds and put some of that on to stop it getting infected and keep the chicken in a warm, dark space, so it can calm down. You can also post in the Emergencies section. Here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Good luck

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck with the injured bird. I can assure you that here in NJ hawks are a constant problem.

 

[redlinda1]

Thank you, but Unfortunately she died.

 

[sourland]

Be on guard! Sadly enough that hawk will return. I speak from much experience with their ways.

 

[drumstick diva]

Oh so sorry. The hawk will definitely be back for an easy lunch.

 

[sumi]

I'm so sorry. Sourland's right, that hawk will be back, sooner or later. The best way to deter them is by covering your run with some sort of netting. Good luck, hey.