Howdy all! New member from Texas

[kborio]

Howdy all chicken friends!!
I'm new to this chicken thing and glad to find a network of chicken people. We have never raised any kind of livestock before but have jumped in with both feet. I have a flock of 6 birds about 9 mo old (2 Rhode Island Reds, 2, Plymouth Bard Rocks, & 2 Olive Eggers) and just started 6 more birds about 5 weeks ago (2 Blue Ameraucanas, 2 Golden Layced Wyandottes, a Black Copper Maran, and a Bielefelder). We are learning a lot and loving our new chicks. It is definitely a new experience!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're so glad you decided to join us!

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

Howdy all chicken friends!!
I'm new to this chicken thing and glad to find a network of chicken people. We have never raised any kind of livestock before but have jumped in with both feet. I have a flock of 6 birds about 9 mo old (2 Rhode Island Reds, 2, Plymouth Bard Rocks, & 2 Olive Eggers) and just started 6 more birds about 5 weeks ago (2 Blue Ameraucanas, 2 Golden Layced Wyandottes, a Black Copper Maran, and a Bielefelder). We are learning a lot and loving our new chicks. It is definitely a new experience!

Hi, welcome to BYC! It's nice to meet you.
It sounds like you have a fun farm, I bet it's entertaining
Have fun!

 

[kborio]

Thank you for having me! Its been super fun so far.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Welcome to BYC @kborio

Congratulations on your new flock

 

[kborio]

Hi, welcome to BYC! It's nice to meet you.
It sounds like you have a fun farm, I bet it's entertaining
Have fun!

I has been very fun so far. I'm a few weeks away from introducing my new birds to the older girls, so I'm getting nervous about that, but it has been really neat learning their little personalities.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[TwoCrows]

I has been very fun so far. I'm a few weeks away from introducing my new birds to the older girls, so I'm getting nervous about that, but it has been really neat learning their little personalities.

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Make sure to introduce the new birds slowly to avoid too much aggression. Keep the new birds in an enclosure in the coop or run where everybody sees but can't touch each other. Keep them all separated for about 2 weeks. When mixing day comes, add extra food and water stations so the new birds can get sustenance. Add levels snd hidy places so the new birds can escape. There will be squabbles for a few months but they will mix eventually. If it turns bloody, always intervene and don't be afraid to cage a bully for a while.

Welcome to our community!

 

[GreenJay]

Howdy from south Texas!

 

[kborio]

Make sure to introduce the new birds slowly to avoid too much aggression. Keep the new birds in an enclosure in the coop or run where everybody sees but can't touch each other. Keep them all separated for about 2 weeks. When mixing day comes, add extra food and water stations so the new birds can get sustenance. Add levels snd hidy places so the new birds can escape. There will be squabbles for a few months but they will mix eventually. If it turns bloody, always intervene and don't be afraid to cage a bully for a while.

Thanks so much for the info! I spent all weekend building a separate structure and moved them into it this morning. Everyone has their own space right now, but can talk and see each other through the fence. I'm still trying to determine how I'm going to accommodate hiding spaces when I move them all into the existing run. Not sure if I can build something that only they can fit in, or what the best approach for that is. I'm also curious how night time will go. I built a coop originally that can certainly support the increaded number, but will I have to stand guard all night, or will they be good girls at bed time? Who'da thought chickens could spark this kind of anxiety!?!