Integrating bantams into a flock of sussex & orps

[thecatumbrella]

I'm not sure... we have them in a dirt run (which we may or may not choose to add material too later). It flood's where we are sometimes but i'm not sure how bad it got at the chicken area since we didny have chickens last yr so I didnt pay much attention to any water over that corner of the yard.

Im kind of assuming they'll be fine with feathery feet anyway since the breeder I got them from has dirt practically everywhere and her chickens are always healthy. Note: she's a friend, so i guess I have more insight into their care from our convos?

I don't believe they're THAT feathery, especially compared to Pekins. My Pekins look like they're wearing mops on their feet. It's cute, but it adds a lot of maintenance.

Dirt can get pretty gross on its own, and if it floods, you start running the risk of coccidiosis and other problems if the run can't dry out quickly. Are you able to get some wood chips from a local landscaping company? Chickens love kicking around in them, and the poop drops below the large pieces. It does need to be refreshed or topped off here and there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Most Marans aren't that heavily feathered in the feet unless I suppose someone is breeding specifically for that trait.

As far as the original question, here's a couple things to consider:

- How much space are you working with? If you're close to minimum recommendations, it may be more difficult to integrate new birds, especially ones that are different than what you currently have. On the flip side if you have ample space in coop and run, plenty of clutter, and multiple feeders, you may have an easier time with a mixed size group.

- If the bantams can't get along safely with the standard birds, are you able to build them a separate enclosure, or do you have a plan to rehome them if the need arises?

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

In the UK, the SOP is bare legs (no feathers) while in the US and France, they're feathered. Australia recognizes both.

I love the look of BCMs, and especially their eggs, but I have to admit that I prefer clean-legged birds.

Interesting. Is that because of the upkeep or the look?

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

I don't believe they're THAT feathery, especially compared to Pekins. My Pekins look like they're wearing mops on their feet. It's cute, but it adds a lot of maintenance.

Dirt can get pretty gross on its own, and if it floods, you start running the risk of coccidiosis and other problems if the run can't dry out quickly. Are you able to get some wood chips from a local landscaping company? Chickens love kicking around in them, and the poop drops below the large pieces. It does need to be refreshed or topped off here and there.

Good idea!

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

- How much space are you working with? If you're close to minimum recommendations, it may be more difficult to integrate new birds, especially ones that are different than what you currently have. On the flip side if you have ample space in coop and run, plenty of clutter, and multiple feeders, you may have an easier time with a mixed size group.

The run is 6.5 x 7.5 metres
The coop is 2 x 2.5 metres, with two Roosts

I will be adding an additional waterer and feeder when the new ones are ready to join them.

- If the bantams can't get along safely with the standard birds, are you able to build them a separate enclosure, or do you have a plan to rehome them if the need arises?

The aim is to have minimal additional work. If they don't blend in with the flock then I would have to remove them. I live in the country so I don't think it would be too difficult thankfully.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The run is 6.5 x 7.5 metres
The coop is 2 x 2.5 metres, with two Roosts

I will be adding an additional waterer and feeder when the new ones are ready to join them.

The aim is to have minimal additional work. If they don't blend in with the flock then I would have to remove them. I live in the country so I don't think it would be too difficult thankfully.

Good amount of space so I think it'd be worth trying if you really want them. While I don't have bantams I have a very random assortment of breeds with different traits (feathered feet, muffs, head poofs, varied colors and patterns), and I find as long as they have ample space and stuff to keep them busy it hasn't been a big issue.

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

Good amount of space so I think it'd be worth trying if you really want them. While I don't have bantams I have a very random assortment of breeds with different traits (feathered feet, muffs, head poofs, varied colors and patterns), and I find as long as they have ample space and stuff to keep them busy it hasn't been a big issue.

Wonderful! Thanks for your input. Much appreciated

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Interesting. Is that because of the upkeep or the look?

From what I’ve read, the Brits wanted clean legs b/c of upkeep. Maybe all that rain?