We started last spring with the 3 hens that our city ordinance allows. This spring we lost one in spite of our best efforts. We chose to get two new birds in an attempt to keep our flock from getting too small. I'm wondering if that was the best idea now!!
We couldn't get guaranteed pullets, and of course now one of our straight run has begun to crow. We have been slowly introducing the two pairs to each other in the yard. Our Australorp is head lady in the coop and she does not like these new faces. She charges them any chance she gets and will not stop.
Last night we started the full integration process with a baby monitor in the coop and all 4 birds on the roost after dark. I didn't sleep at all. We had torrential rain and I was worried about what might happen inside the coop, listening carefully for any noise that might indicate a fight was going to break out.
Nothing happened during the night, of course. This morning I woke up before the sun and came out to make sure they didn't get going without me being there to end it. Now I'm sitting inside the run with all 4 birds just playing rooster. The Australorp has made a couple of attempts, but is mostly minding her own business.
I know that they need to establish the pecking order, but these new birds are definitely not challenging anyone. Will this pass? Or do I need to make some arrangements to remove the Australorp for a few days so that she loses her place in the order? Thanks in advance for any advice!
We couldn't get guaranteed pullets, and of course now one of our straight run has begun to crow. We have been slowly introducing the two pairs to each other in the yard. Our Australorp is head lady in the coop and she does not like these new faces. She charges them any chance she gets and will not stop.
Last night we started the full integration process with a baby monitor in the coop and all 4 birds on the roost after dark. I didn't sleep at all. We had torrential rain and I was worried about what might happen inside the coop, listening carefully for any noise that might indicate a fight was going to break out.
Nothing happened during the night, of course. This morning I woke up before the sun and came out to make sure they didn't get going without me being there to end it. Now I'm sitting inside the run with all 4 birds just playing rooster. The Australorp has made a couple of attempts, but is mostly minding her own business.
I know that they need to establish the pecking order, but these new birds are definitely not challenging anyone. Will this pass? Or do I need to make some arrangements to remove the Australorp for a few days so that she loses her place in the order? Thanks in advance for any advice!