ISA-Brown page. :)))))))

[Minariiiii]

Personally, I'd say that temper and nature is all about the genetics. Some found their ISA's aggressive, others generally friendly. In my case, as an owner of a one year old ISA Brown, I see no signs of bullying by her at all. Missy is all about eat, lay, play and sleep. If a chicken pecks her she just ducks away and find another way to eat. She's not overly caring for them either, she would clean their beaks but that is about all. Her favorite thing to do is find a sunny spot to nap, and trying to eat what ever I have in my hand.

Lets go back to basic, nature vs nurture.

 

[2karen22]

I read some where (maybe here) about a "bully" chicken. The person isolated the chicken for a period of time (don't remember) and re-introduced it to the flock. The pecking order had changed and the the "bully" chicken's behavior change consequently.

 

[cmom]

I read some where (maybe here) about a "bully" chicken. The person isolated the chicken for a period of time (don't remember) and re-introduced it to the flock. The pecking order had changed and the the "bully" chicken's behavior change consequently.

I have had a couple of bullies over the years. I did put them in cages for a few days. One was ok but the other still wanted to be a bully. I did eventually get her to be somewhat better but she was always somewhat of a bully. I eventually took her to a livestock auction.

 

[cmom]

I wanted to add that you can have a bully chicken in about any breed. I had a Sex-Link male that would flog me if my back was turned from him. Eventually my bullies went to the auction. I didn't care if whoever bought them wanted to eat them or not.

 

[sophiesflock]

Hi! I am getting my first chicks in September and they are most likely going to be isa Browns. I originally wanted to get 2EE, 2 buff orpingtons and 2 welsummer but I can't find a hatchery that I can get those chicks at in September. Instead I am getting 3 isa Browns from my local feed store and I'll add on to the flock in spring. Because in doing that I am wondering how readily isa Browns will accept newcomers. Does anybody have experience with adding new birds into their existing flock of isa Browns? Thanks!

 

[cmom]

Hi! I am getting my first chicks in September and they are most likely going to be isa Browns. I originally wanted to get 2EE, 2 buff orpingtons and 2 welsummer but I can't find a hatchery that I can get those chicks at in September. Instead I am getting 3 isa Browns from my local feed store and I'll add on to the flock in spring. Because in doing that I am wondering how readily isa Browns will accept newcomers. Does anybody have experience with adding new birds into their existing flock of isa Browns? Thanks!

I haven't had ISA Browns in quite a few years but when I did, I waited until the younger birds were about the same size as the adult birds then I introduced the younger ones. If you have a second pen where you can move everyone or at least the older birds then introduce the younger birds then the new territory will be new to everyone. They will still squabble until they settle on their pecking order. I have several coops and pens and that has worked for me by moving the birds around. If the older birds are in a coop and pen then you put in the younger birds there will be more squabbling as the older ones think the younger ones are invading their territory. This is just from my experiences. If you free range that is another good time to introduce them as they have room to run from the older birds. Another thing some people do, is to slip the younger ones into the coop at night but they will still have to reestablish their new pecking order. Good luck and have fun...

 

[diana507]

Here's 2 of my 12 girls. They are getting so big. I can't wait for them to start laying me some eggs!!!

 

[cmom]

Here's 2 of my 12 girls. They are getting so big. I can't wait for them to start laying me some eggs!!!

They look like they should be starting to lay pretty soon.

 

[diana507]

I hope so! I am going to be so happy when I find their first egg! Opened their nesting boxes today.

 

[Bobandlorrie]

When should ISA Browns start laying and when should I change their food, they are 11 weeks now, thanks