Lonely hen... *Not lonely anymore!*

[JNorth]

My husband and I were just discussing what to do. She's been alone now for 2 days. Seems that adding in the 13 youngsters would be and even match for her age and size. She has no one to back her up in any bullying and no place in any pecking order to fight for. My only real concern is feed...she is on layer feed (although she hasn't laid since the attack), will that harm the youngins? Or do I put her on the starter/grower feed until they are all old enough for layer feed?

 

[EmeraldSkye]

I believe I've learned the best thing is to give them all starter/grower feed and put out some separate oyster shell for her to take as needed for calcium. The chicks won't eat it until they need it, when they are older. Someone correct me of course if I'm wrong!!

I have oyster shell out there in a hopper that you fill fro the top and they take from the bottom.

 

[JNorth]

Meet your new flock Chickalatta...

This is our woodshed grow out pen/coop. They will all be living here until we complete the new coop and run. She was very careful and slow at first. Stayed on the top roost for a good 10 minutes before coming down to check out the chicks.





A meal was shared...


Hackles were raised when she met the head chick...

 

[JNorth]

Just checked on our newly formed flock and all seems to well. They are roosting together and no one seems to be scared of the older hen. The woodshed shares a wall with the back of our house and I can hear when things get rowdy but all has been quite since the introduction of the chicks.

 

[CindaLouWho]

Great news!!

 

[azygous]

I'm so pleased for you!

The flock dynamics were in your favor. She was the lone adult and there are enough chicks to where they have confidence engendered by being in a large group, so they aren't afraid of her. Therefor that makes it far less likely she would try to pick on them. This is why we were urging you to waste no time in doing this.

 

[JNorth]

I never doubted your wisdom for a minute!

LOL