Integrating a cockerel into a flock of mature hens

[Leahs Mom]

And don't forget the bird bangers

 

[Sylvester017]

I have set up a small run for the lone call duck inside the big run with the chickens (moving her back to her own house at night). The flock doesn't seem bothered by her, more interested in her food (which is the same fermented feed they get) and Ichabod has perched himself many times on the top of her pen, knowing full well he has access to her but doesn't go in. My daughter also brought a large nest in a tree top right above the coop to my attention yesterday afternoon. I suspect it may belong to the hawk. I don't recall it being there before and I'm not sure what I can do about it. Hawks will rebuild old nests and I fear I'll be dealing with a very hungry clutch next spring which means zero free-ranging.

Keep breaking up the nest before any eggs get layed and break the bough she uses and she'll move on somewhere else to build. You don't want her that close to your flock.

 

[speckledhen]

Just caught up with your thread. I love your new pup. She's beautiful! I'm so glad she's working out-those Husky genes would have given me pause, too!

 

[aart]

Quote: That's a better idea than mine of harassment, excellent in fact....if they can reach the nest.

 

[Sylvester017]

That's a better idea than mine of harassment, excellent in fact....if they can reach the nest.

We invested in a good ladder after 31 years of wearing out the old wooden one! Ladders these days are so much more sturdy and versatile and good for hard-to-reach areas -- more than ladders in my old era!

 

[lazy gardener]

Did you say your dtr took the nest down? Or did she just point it out to you? If it's still there, you might take it down now, instead of waiting for spring.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Did you say your dtr took the nest down? Or did she just point it out to you? If it's still there, you might take it down now, instead of waiting for spring.

I vote for that too.

 

[islandgirl82]

My daughter pointed the nest out to me, it's much too high to reach or it would be down already. I'd love to be able to get it down in one piece so I'll have to check around for an extending ladder.

@speckledhen I'm seeing more of those Husky traits coming out as the pup's personality develops but not any of the stubborn, defiant or prey-driven traits. She's very eager to learn and even when she's playing with other dogs and I give her a command, she tries her best (despite other dogs being distractions) to follow commands. Though she's energetic, she's still very calm and gentle when she plays. She loves people and is extremely submissive to ALL other animals. She does mimic me whenever I pet the cat or Willie and when I brush Willie. They're both very tolerant of it and the cat seems to enjoy it. They play their own games of tag and when the pup gets to be too much for the cat, she'll give her one good swat and it's over. Then they'll groom each other. She also tends to lean into people when she plays and hugs with force. If I can train her to stop with those behaviors, I think she'd make a wonderful therapy dog when she's older.

 

[speckledhen]

My daughter pointed the nest out to me, it's much too high to reach or it would be down already. I'd love to be able to get it down in one piece so I'll have to check around for an extending ladder.

@speckledhen I'm seeing more of those Husky traits coming out as the pup's personality develops but not any of the stubborn, defiant or prey-driven traits. She's very eager to learn and even when she's playing with other dogs and I give her a command, she tries her best (despite other dogs being distractions) to follow commands. Though she's energetic, she's still very calm and gentle when she plays. She loves people and is extremely submissive to ALL other animals. She does mimic me whenever I pet the cat or Willie and when I brush Willie. They're both very tolerant of it and the cat seems to enjoy it. They play their own games of tag and when the pup gets to be too much for the cat, she'll give her one good swat and it's over. Then they'll groom each other. She also tends to lean into people when she plays and hugs with force. If I can train her to stop with those behaviors, I think she'd make a wonderful therapy dog when she's older.

She sounds like an awesome dog. Happy you have her!

 

[islandgirl82]

Quote:
I don't know as she'll be much of a flock protector but I couldn't ask for a better fit for us.