Meyer Hatchery Chicken pics anyone??

[autumnhearth]

When I was placing my order for started pullets, I was concerned about how their beaks were trimmed. I was told by someone at Meyer that the started pullets were raised on nearby farms and Meyer did not do the trimming. All they could tell me was that the Flock Manager said they were trimmed 1/4". I, also, read in an article about Meyer that their started pullets were raised by "contract growers," which to me means they are outsourced. There is, also, someone in another forum that has gotten hundreds of started pullets from Meyer, mostly Golden Buffs and Easter Eggers and she said that they are outsourced, which explains why the Easter Eggers' beaks are trimmed better than the golden buffs' beaks are. She has been happy with all the started pullets that she has received, by the way. It was her endorsement that made me feel comfortable about ordering my EEs from Meyer and I am so glad that I did!

Thank you for clarifying, good to know! I'm not sure if I will be able to get my husband on board but I know he really wants to spend a good amount of time looking at the chickens at the county fair this year, ours is at the beginning of August, so if they had some nice breeds for sale... he might get excited to buy a couple. Anyone have any idea what pullets are sold for at the fair, I'm not looking for champions, do breeders even bring "lesser quality" chickens to sell?

 

[NanaLynn]

My Meyer chicks, delivered yesterday! 2 Buckeyes and 3 Easter Eggers. A very colorful batch of birds! Such a relief because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to tell one from the other.

So far all seems to be going well. I had planned to name them all after female 80's pop/rock singers. Then the kids got involved. So the Buckeyes are Pat Benetar and Joan Jett. The EE's are Debbie Harry (she's the Blondie) , Gerald - The Chicken Formerly Known as Cindy Lauper and Fernando - The Chicken Formerly Known as Ann&Nancy Wilson.

"Why is my family so weird?" DH was heard to quietly mutter under his breath.

They are ridiculously cute!

Congrats!! They are adorable!!

 

[NotableNancy]

Thank you for clarifying, good to know! I'm not sure if I will be able to get my husband on board but I know he really wants to spend a good amount of time looking at the chickens at the county fair this year, ours is at the beginning of August, so if they had some nice breeds for sale... he might get excited to buy a couple. Anyone have any idea what pullets are sold for at the fair, I'm not looking for champions, do breeders even bring "lesser quality" chickens to sell?

I've never been to a fair with animals but I would think so. Maybe that's a way to get rid of them that aren't up to their standards?

 

[autumnhearth]

Integration of my 2 groups isn't going that great. I was letting them mingle for 1/2 hr 2X a day and that was fine for 2 days but then my CW and Cochin (both toward the bottom of the pecking order) started going after the little ones and grabbing mouthful's of feathers for no reason. So today the little ones didn't even want to venture into the big run. They finally made a dash for it but stinkn' Pipsqueak (CW) chased one down and got her pretty good then I watched her actually stalk on of the little ones and ripped some feathers out. When they're scared they run back into their own run which is good but I have lots of places for them to hide in the big run.
Now what? Maybe don't put them together for a few days then try again? Take the 2 meanies out or cage them and see what happens?
Or just let it run it's course. I could def. see those 2 drawing blood. The others range from not caring at all to just pecking if they're in their way.

:/ Sorry to hear that, that's definitely something that worries me. I would be tempted to grab the two hens and put them in the coop as soon as they act up until mingling time is over, though I know little of chicken psychology and it could have no effect or make them resentful. Probably the safest thing would be to give them another week of looking but not touching. Hopefully someone with more experience has advice. Good luck!

 

[trsturself]

Thank you for clarifying, good to know! I'm not sure if I will be able to get my husband on board but I know he really wants to spend a good amount of time looking at the chickens at the county fair this year, ours is at the beginning of August, so if they had some nice breeds for sale... he might get excited to buy a couple. Anyone have any idea what pullets are sold for at the fair, I'm not looking for champions, do breeders even bring "lesser quality" chickens to sell?

There won't be the lesser quality chickens on display (or even at the fair) but if you find a bird you like, you can leave a note for the owner and tell them you'd be interested in some non-show quality birds. The county fair is usually all 4H kids so they aren't usually breeding for show quality as much as a regulated chicken show. Sometimes they aren't breeders at all, just kids with backyard chickens. A lot of times the chickens you see will be put up for sale after the judging. The higher they place, the higher the price, but often the lower placed ones will be put for sale for a reasonable price because they want to move on to something that shows better.

Nancy, I would make sure the older and younger girls can clearly see each other, but can't get to each other, for another week or two then try again. Feed everyone (with multiple eating spots) when you first let the young ones out. That way the big girls are distracted, but make sure they aren't all fighting over the same dish.

 

[christine9]

I don't know why this thing will not let me quote you....
Anyway, I think you should set yourself on integrating or not. I do not think it's a good idea to introduce, remove, and reintroduce. Ok, I do not have a lot of experience with this but I just think it disrupts any progress that is being made with establishing a new pecking order. Hiding places are your best option. I ended up accidentally finding a good solution. I folded up the wire dog crate I had the little ones in and leaned it against the inside of the coop. Out of laziness I left it there. It's been the perfect hiding spot. Everyone can see each other but only the little ones could fit. Now my little one roosts on too of it and the girls don't bother him. When I thought I would take it out, things became a disaster. Not having that spot, the girls cornered him in a small hiding spot and were really going at him. He was all tucked in with his tail up and head down. I thought for sure they would draw blood. I knew I had to give him his hiding spot again. I don't know if this helps, but hope my experience may be useful.

 

[MamaShell]

 
Thank you for clarifying, good to know!  I'm not sure if I will be able to get my husband on board but I know he really wants to spend a good amount of time looking at the chickens at the county fair this year, ours is at the beginning of August, so if they had some nice breeds for sale... he might get excited to buy a couple.  Anyone have any idea what pullets are sold for at the fair, I'm not looking for champions, do breeders even bring "lesser quality" chickens to sell?

I've never been to a fair with animals but I would think so. Maybe that's a way to get rid of them that aren't up to their standards?

Have you read this article?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-integrate-your-chicken-flock-the-easy-way
It seems that you might want to combine #1 and #3. The bullies might have to be separated while still in the run for them to get used to the little ones being in "their" run.

I am planning on putting my 2 EEs in the coop at night tomorrow night so that I can keep an eye, or at least an ear, on them while working in the yard on Sunday. Originally, i was planning to quarantine the EEs longer, but, I am hoping that, since they are all around the same size and the younger ones have not established their pecking order, yet, the integration will go more smoothly if I don't wait. The EEs appear to be healthy and I hope will not give anything to the others. It is very nerve wracking because, at this point, we are so invested in these creature financially and emotionally! I wish us all luck!

 

[christine9]

Oh, I have to share. I was at my grocery store last Friday night. The produce guy was removing the outer layer on all the lettuce. I had to ask him if I could have some. He gave me a trash bag full and said I could come get some whenever he's cleaning them up. Said he does it same time every week! My new best friend!

 

[rnchick74]

Hi all - been super busy at work but wanted to say hello to all my friends.

Brownie & Coco the buff silkies are growing like WEEDS!!! Brownie acts more and more like a dominant male, while brownie is just a submissive little female. Fingers crossed that at least one of them ends up being female!!!

Down to the home stretch on my long wait for my chicks!!! 24 days! They will be setting my eggs on MONDAY!!! Fingers crossed that they post a female BLRW for my hatch date!

I'm starting to get back in touch with my Cream Legbar breeder - any hatch in the new few weeks, I'm going to grab 2 females!

I just ordered my chicken fountain for my coop! Saving my pennies for the actual coop - going to order it in Aug. So glad I'm waiting until now to get my chicks - they will miss all the hot weather outside this year!

 

[NotableNancy]

Nancy, I would make sure the older and younger girls can clearly see each other, but can't get to each other, for another week or two then try again. Feed everyone (with multiple eating spots) when you first let the young ones out. That way the big girls are distracted, but make sure they aren't all fighting over the same dish.

I don't know why this thing will not let me quote you....
Anyway, I think you should set yourself on integrating or not. I do not think it's a good idea to introduce, remove, and reintroduce. Ok, I do not have a lot of experience with this but I just think it disrupts any progress that is being made with establishing a new pecking order. Hiding places are your best option. I ended up accidentally finding a good solution. I folded up the wire dog crate I had the little ones in and leaned it against the inside of the coop. Out of laziness I left it there. It's been the perfect hiding spot. Everyone can see each other but only the little ones could fit. Now my little one roosts on too of it and the girls don't bother him. When I thought I would take it out, things became a disaster. Not having that spot, the girls cornered him in a small hiding spot and were really going at him. He was all tucked in with his tail up and head down. I thought for sure they would draw blood. I knew I had to give him his hiding spot again. I don't know if this helps, but hope my experience may be useful.

Have you read this article?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-integrate-your-chicken-flock-the-easy-way
It seems that you might want to combine #1 and #3. The bullies might have to be separated while still in the run for them to get used to the little ones being in "their" run.

Thank you all for your input!! Much appreciated.
I put them together again for about an hour and it was much better... I put a big flock block in there so the big girls were distracted. Food always helps right??
I also blocked a larger corner off for the little ones with a feeder and waterer in there for them and the big girls wouldn't be able to fit through the entrance. They pretty much know to go right to that corner now. Unfortunately I'm to busy tomorrow and Sun a.m to do it again but I think Monday I'll open it up permanently and see how it goes. I'll also add a few more hiding spots for them. I'll also put the evil hens in a cage if it gets out of control as it states in the article.
Thanks again everyone.

I am planning on putting my 2 EEs in the coop at night tomorrow night so that I can keep an eye, or at least an ear, on them while working in the yard on Sunday. Originally, i was planning to quarantine the EEs longer, but, I am hoping that, since they are all around the same size and the younger ones have not established their pecking order, yet, the integration will go more smoothly if I don't wait. The EEs appear to be healthy and I hope will not give anything to the others. It is very nerve wracking because, at this point, we are so invested in these creature financially and emotionally! I wish us all luck!

Good luck with your moving the 2 groups together. Maybe yours will go well since the 2 older ones are older and they're outnumbered by younger so they won't pick on each other?