Little Orphan Houdan

[2DogsFarm]

I now have my very first "flock" of 5 - all 9wk old pullets, 2 Delawares, 2 Black Star and 1 Houdan.

The Delawares & Black Stars seem to chum around together, eating & roosting.
But the little Houdan seems to keep to herself - even roosting apart from the others. She puts herself in a corner all tucked up on the roost.

She'll eat from the feeder & drink with the rest but they all roost right next to each other and she goes to a separate part of the roost.

She is the smallest and I worry she's missing out on the shared bodyheat. Nights have been cool here - tonight may get down to 40!

I do a final bedcheck on them around 9P, should I move the Houdan to a nextbox with shavings for warmth or just leave her on the roost?

signed: Worrying Newbie Chickmom

 

[Southernbelle]

I have some that are like that, but I just let them be, even through the winter. They know what they want.

 

[RHewitt]

I agree with Southernbelle. I have Partridge Rock that is a loner. Same thing she tolerates the others but I think if she was all alone she would be just fine. I am sure if the nights are two cold mother nature will send your Houdan over to share some body heat if needed.

 

[2DogsFarm]

Thanks guys, I guess I'm just being an overprotective ChickenMom

I picked Ms Houdan this morning off the roost and she settled right down in my lap for a while then hopped down to eat with the gang.

I guess I'll just let them work it out themselves as long as everyone looks healthy and is eating , drinking, pooping, etc