i will draw your birds if you want me to

oh no you poor thing im sorry
Lol it's okay. The peace and quiet out here in the country is a totally worth it tradeoff for some conveniences. Though, I will say, we moved here just over 3 years ag, and we had always had a grocery store about 3 minutes up the road. It took me a good several months to get into a better grocery buying habit. The closest place now is more than 20 minutes, and even it isn't great. We prefer to shop at Sam's now because we can buy in bulk and not have to worry about it as often.

But when I walk out to let the dogs out at night into the pitch black and I can see a million stars and hear great horned owls, I remember exactly why we're here.
 
Lol it's okay. The peace and quiet out here in the country is a totally worth it tradeoff for some conveniences. Though, I will say, we moved here just over 3 years ag, and we had always had a grocery store about 3 minutes up the road. It took me a good several months to get into a better grocery buying habit. The closest place now is more than 20 minutes, and even it isn't great. We prefer to shop at Sam's now because we can buy in bulk and not have to worry about it as often.

But when I walk out to let the dogs out at night into the pitch black and I can see a million stars and hear great horned owls, I remember exactly why we're here.
i live in the country too but we live about 10 minutes from a small town. its like everybody here in town knows everybody.
 
so this is my pitch for getting some splash cochins and silkies




Why I Want Bantam Cochins and Silkies in the Flock


I’d love to add bantam Cochins and Silkies because they’re gentle, friendly birds that get along well with our current chickens. They’re calm, non-aggressive, and bring a lot of personality to the flock. Plus, they’re beautiful—Cochins with their fluffy feathers and Silkies with their soft, “fur-like” plumage. They’ll add a little extra diversity and charm, and they’ll give us a few more eggs too.


Best Age to Bring Them In


  • 12–16 week-old pullets: Perfect age to join the flock. They’re strong enough to handle a little pecking, can regulate their temperature, and are almost ready to lay.
  • Under 8 weeks: Too fragile.
  • Adults over 20 weeks: Can join, but it will take longer to fit into the flock’s pecking order.

How I’ll Introduce Them (Using a Dog Kennel Inside the Coop)


  1. Safe Starter Home (Days 0–7)
    • Keep the new birds in the dog kennel inside the coop so they can see and hear the flock but aren’t in direct contact yet.
    • Provide bedding, perches, and a little hiding spots
    • Watch for any health issues.
  2. Neutral Space Introduction (Days 8–14)
    • Let them out into a section of the coop or run that the flock can also see.
    • Space food and water so no one feels crowded.
    • Observe how the birds interact—some pecking is normal, but stress should stay low.
  3. Gradual Mixing (Days 15–21)
    • Slowly increase the time they spend with the flock each day.
    • Keep dust baths, perches, and foraging spots available to keep everyone busy and calm.
  4. Full Flock Access (After Day 21)
    • Once the birds are calm, sharing perches, and preening each other, they can join the coop and run fully.

How I’ll Care for Them


  • Food: They’ll eat the same feed we already give our current chickens—nothing fancy is needed.
  • Handling: Daily gentle interaction to keep them calm and friendly.
  • Health: Quick daily checks of eyes, nostrils, vent, and legs. Keep Cochins’ feathers fluffy and Silkies clean and dry.
  • Environment: Dry bedding, dust-bathing areas, and enough space for everyone to move around comfortably.

Why This Works


Using the dog kennel as a starter home and feeding them the same food as the flock makes this simple and stress-free. The new birds will:


  • Adjust smoothly to the flock.
  • Stay healthy and happy.
  • Bring charm, personality, and a few extra eggs.
 
Some photos of my birds! If it helps you may pick and choose, or if not that’s fine too 😊

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