Moving 7 week olds

[azygous]

Polish typically have a bit of a problem being the focus of attention in a flock where they are being introduced. How many of these Polish are there? They do much better when there are several.

I recommend you use some creative "devices" to desensitize your flock to the Polish poofs, for that's what is so attractive to chickens. They zero in on those fancy head "doos". I suggest tossing some of those little nylon shower puffs around the run as you bring in the Polish for the first time to mingle. This little trick draws the attention away from the Polish and distracts the rest of the flock so the Polish head gear isn't so much of the novelty it would be otherwise.

But first, if you haven't, you need to let the flock meet the new chicks through a barrier. This serves to allow the chicks to learn the temperaments of the flock and after a few days of this exposure, they will be better able to protect themselves from the more aggressive ones.

I also recommend using the "panic room" system where you have chick size openings into a safe pen so the chicks have a refuge. Food and water are inside this special retreat, and it helps make sure the chicks are getting plenty to eat and drink as well as growing their self confidence.

 

[Sparrowsong98]

Polish typically have a bit of a problem being the focus of attention in a flock where they are being introduced. How many of these Polish are there? They do much better when there are several.

I recommend you use some creative "devices" to desensitize your flock to the Polish poofs, for that's what is so attractive to chickens. They zero in on those fancy head "doos". I suggest tossing some of those little nylon shower puffs around the run as you bring in the Polish for the first time to mingle. This little trick draws the attention away from the Polish and distracts the rest of the flock so the Polish head gear isn't so much of the novelty it would be otherwise.

But first, if you haven't, you need to let the flock meet the new chicks through a barrier. This serves to allow the chicks to learn the temperaments of the flock and after a few days of this exposure, they will be better able to protect themselves from the more aggressive ones.

I also recommend using the "panic room" system where you have chick size openings into a safe pen so the chicks have a refuge. Food and water are inside this special retreat, and it helps make sure the chicks are getting plenty to eat and drink as well as growing their self confidence.

I have three. Right now they are in a rabbit cage (I put down cardbcardboard in case wife was bad for their feet). They will remain there for two days. My Marans pellets have met them before, and they all seem to still get along. The other birds seemed to ignore them while they were in the cage.
I deep bed, so the coop is a bit messy (it has been a bit since spring cleaning) and even with the fresh pine shaving layer, I have no proofs that I will want to give to the cause, and will not but them. I might try something else though.

 

[azygous]

Well, you've got the idea now. You'll find something creative that resembles Polish-poofs. Keep your thread updated! You have us all engrossed in the project now!

I don't see it discussed often, if at all, about using diversion tactics to desensitize chickens from obsessing over features on their flock mates. I've successfully used it myself when I've needed to install pinless peepers on a single individual.

Typically, anything on a chicken that all the others do not also possess, is cause for attack. When I brought the hen back to the flock with her new peepers, the flock descended on her with vicious wrath. I quickly yanked her out of the pile, and put my brain to work.

I went back to the box of pinless peepers, and I grabbed a fist-full of the blue plastic devices. I returned to the run and scattered them all over the ground. The chickens chased after them and in just a few minutes, everyone was ignoring them. I re-introduced the peepers wearer and she was ignored, also.

Each time I need to put peepers on a chicken after none of them have seen them for a while, I repeat this little exercise. It always works.

 

[Sparrowsong98]

My Marans, well they are two 10 week olds, but I never have seen smarter birds. They use the buddy system (if one is alone it is chased all around) and defend each other. While one is corned, the other runs up behind, pulls the tail feathers of the attacker, and pecks while the other scoots away to safety. They then make themselves scarce until hot tempers cool down. Now if Satin and Velvet (the marans) would help Lily, Ivy and Hedwig, the problem might be solved. And those Marans don't even peck at the crests, since they were always going on playdates daily and were with the polish frequently while growing up.

 

[azygous]

One could only hope!

 

[Sparrowsong98]

One could only hope!

Oh I hope they help them, along with Mamma Speedy. She has maternal instinct like no ones business. And she can fight. So those are three potential allies.

 

[azygous]

If that is how it eventually unfolds, you will have to tell us all about it!

 

[Sparrowsong98]

If that is how it eventually unfolds, you will have to tell us all about it!

First playdate was today. No distractions, just me and a little spanking stuck (the kind that does the job without much pain). I let them out with my Marans pullets. Then, I brought in two of my red stars and two Brown leghorns and locked them in to prevent unexpected visitors. The hens were in shock. Olive the Red star and Princess the leghorn refused to approach the strange animals. Milly the leghorn followed them around and the other red star hid in a corner, where she was soon joined by Olive and Princess. Lily, Ivy and Hedwig were glad to see Satin and Velvet, the Marans, and the five birds had a good day scratching around and exploring inside the coop. Milly clucked curiously, and never did stop until she was released from the coop. The Marans watched the older hens curiously. Why were the dignified elders acting so strangely? Was it some kind of game? The Marans exchanged worried glances. Whatever could be wrong? Eventually they continued playing with their friends. I never even had to use the spanking stick, as stares and clucks were all the babies got. I consider this a successful day. It has to end though because the remaining 21 birds were locked outside and a drizzle had started.

 

[azygous]

I've found older hens are mostly indifferent to new youngsters. The most conflict seems to arise from those who are older than the chicks, but youngest of the adults. I attribute it to experience or lack thereof.

You're right - the real "fun" starts when the chicks meet the entire flock. That's where the panic room saves the day.

 

[Sparrowsong98]

I've found older hens are mostly indifferent to new youngsters. The most conflict seems to arise from those who are older than the chicks, but youngest of the adults. I attribute it to experience or lack thereof.

You're right - the real "fun" starts when the chicks meet the entire flock. That's where the panic room saves the day.

Well, the red stars are the youngest, but I selected my nicest two.