Looking for advice

[JMotuzick]

Art thanks for adding the link.

Spent most of the day working with the girls...

I discovered that our 2 1/2 year old Australop was the one picking on our Cochin and two EE.

Against what was said here the easiest thing to do is to put her in the grow out pen. So around 2 this after I did just that. She took command instantly, but the 10 week olds held there own. They are separate in that they all run away from her!

With only one hen the youngsters Seam ok. There is space for her, although the grow out is kinda maxed out, hopefully I can get them moved as a group in a few weeks.

Hoping for the best!

 

[aart]

Art thanks for adding the link.

Spent most of the day working with the girls...

I discovered that our 2 1/2 year old Australop was the one picking on our Cochin and two EE.

Against what was said here the easiest thing to do is to put her in the grow out pen. So around 2 this after I did just that. She took command instantly, but the 10 week olds held there own. They are separate in that they all run away from her!

With only one hen the youngsters Seam ok. There is space for her, although the grow out is kinda maxed out, hopefully I can get them moved as a group in a few weeks.

Hoping for the best!

YVW.

Chicken Juggling! You'll figure out what works.
Sounds like you have several options and the mindset to employ flexibility.

 

[JMotuzick]

Seams the pulletts and the hen are getting along well enough to roost together. Fingers crossed that they get along!

 

[JMotuzick]

I just wanted to update. After 10 days there was not a single egg in the nesting box that I left for our hen. The rule here is that everyone pulls there weight one way or another. A friend said he was going make soup from a pair of roosters that he had. Another friend had left his plucker at my place, long story short we are having soup for lunch tomorrow.

All the issues with our Cochin being picked on went away when the black hen left. It worked out that at the same time we pulled a broody out and added a new covered run to the other side of our coop. The Cochin is still low hen but seams to have made friends with one of the EE she has been with from hatch day.

The Cochin and 2 EE are still Bare backed. Wondering if putting the 3 hens that are bare into a separate pen will help? Once the 12 week olds go in we will have a free coop/run....

 

[Mrs. K]

Just wait for the molt. They won't really grow feathers until then. If no one is still pecking, they will be fine,

 

[JMotuzick]

I think someone still is. Our Roo doesn’t seam to be that aggressive with these 3 and I see red spots on all 3 wing tops.... just thinking we have 2 months till it’s going to turn colder....

 

[aart]

I see red spots on all 3 wing tops

Could be 'rooster wear' rather than pecking.

 

[JMotuzick]

I’m sure that’s what started it... also why I want to take them out for a month... yes or no?

 

[Mrs. K]

Separating birds often causes more problems than it fixes. As birds go into molting period their feathers get weaker and worn out. It is not uncommon for birds to look very rough this time of year. It is better to have bigger spaces where they can all be together than separated.

As for worrying about the cold weather coming, it seems so crazy for birds to loose their feathers as the weather gets cold, but that is how it works. Again, do not worry about keeping chickens warm, worry about keeping chickens dry. Good ventilation is very important.

I have had birds molt hard, be practically naked, and temperatures in the 30's at night, do just fine. It looks more appalling than it apparently is.

Do what you are most comfortable, but when you separate birds, you have integration issues that are often quite brutal, especially in the long nights of winter. If your birds are active and eating well, then they are fine.

Mrs K

 

[JMotuzick]

Ok, all one happy flock as of today! I opened up my new very green large unsecured outer run. The roo and 5 of his hens all ran out to check it out. I dumped 10 12 week olds right into the covered run on the other side of the coop. I even let the broody out for a stretch. No issues! Off to family dinner... I bet there will be problems now!