I have 3 hens that were given to me last year. The biggest one "Big Mama"is mean and I have figured out in the last week or so she doesn't lay. I have been getting a dozen eggs a week. We never saw her sit in a nest box so I locked the other 2 out of the coop for the day. Both of them layed next to a little bush just outside the coop. She didn't lay. I have done this now 3 times with the same result. So I'm gonna get rid of her.
I just bought 6 pullets and they are between 12-14 weeks old. I am ready to turn them loose. They have been in a separate coop for 2 weeks now but where the older hens can see them they are just separated by chicken wire.
So I'm thinking I butcher "Big Mama" and turn the pullets loose at the same time. She is definitely not liking the idea of the new ones and really the only one I am worried about hurting them. By removing her the remaining two will have to distinguish a new pecking order. Right? So is this a good time to put the pullets in with them?
I just bought 6 pullets and they are between 12-14 weeks old. I am ready to turn them loose. They have been in a separate coop for 2 weeks now but where the older hens can see them they are just separated by chicken wire.
So I'm thinking I butcher "Big Mama" and turn the pullets loose at the same time. She is definitely not liking the idea of the new ones and really the only one I am worried about hurting them. By removing her the remaining two will have to distinguish a new pecking order. Right? So is this a good time to put the pullets in with them?
