MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

The problem in my eyes is they are inside the house. At their age and compared to a broody hatched hen that ranges, they have a lot of learning to catch up on. While in the house they are not learning much that is of much use to them when they go outside. Like many creatures I think, the first few (whatever period of time is relevant to the lifespan of that species) are critical to proper development.

They came from a breeder who uses incubators and a mix of large pens and free-ranging, so I believe the rooster and hen care to be very good but not excellent.

Not so much for chicks. Up to 12 weeks, they would've been in a big pen with many other little ones. Then taken to the fodder store, then here, all on the same day.

Between the pullets needing more space and friends to the refugees needing more space to me needing a laundry. You can see why I'm keen to move the pullets out of the sleepout.

 

[MaryJanet]

I might put a bale of lucerne hay in the pullets room to keep them a little more occupied.

 

[MaryJanet]

I’m down to eight birds now.

How long do you wait before expanding the flock? I was thinking of waiting until there are only 6, then adding 3 pullets + a hatch. What's your plan?

Something’s scaring them, too.

That seems to happen a lot where you live. Eagles, hawks, mountain lion, other people's dogs.

but that little road is covered with California live oak trees, and they seem to feel safe with the dog sitting right there.

Perfect! And your dog is so good at keeping the flock safe.

I hope they don’t allow dogs or else we’ll have to put up a fence right away.

Is that something the owner of the other property will share the cost of?

 

[MaryJanet]

The refugees names are Mrs and Brown. I don't know which name belongs to which hen.

I feel like that won't do, but I'm sleeping on it.

 

[micstrachan]

How long do you wait before expanding the flock? I was thinking of waiting until there are only 6, then adding 3 pullets + a hatch. What's your plan?

I am thinking something along the same lines. I’m just not sure about how to acquire chickens. I could start rescuing. I’m just not sure what to do. I don’t want to contribute to the hatchery industry , but I’m not sure how else to add to the **** eventually. This is California and I don’t think we have lots of reputable breeders.

That seems to happen a lot where you live. Eagles, hawks, mountain lion, other people's dogs.

Indeed!

Perfect! And your dog is so good at keeping the flock safe.

She really is. Thanks.

Is that something the owner of the other property will share the cost of?

No, because it would go up on our side. There is an easement between the properties.

 

[MaryJanet]

I am thinking something along the same lines. I’m just not sure about how to acquire chickens. I could start rescuing. I’m just not sure what to do. I don’t want to contribute to the hatchery industry , but I’m not sure how else to add to the **** eventually. This is California and I don’t think we have lots of reputable breeders

What about hatching eggs under a hen?

 

[MaryJanet]

I'm very pleased to see a properly shelled egg from one of the river chickens.

 

[MaryJanet]

I was extremely tired and headachey last night. Clearly I did not check the nest properly.

Which gives me an accidental 5 egg day.

The River Chicken's egg is darker than either of Janet's. That's good to know.

 

[MaryJanet]

And here are the little ones, being all nonchalant about perching up high.

 

[MaryJanet]