Missbc
Songster
I have a divided covered run. The ten 5-week olds are in the smaller section but they can see my 5 hens.
My australorp hen is at the top of the pecking order. When I opened the door between this afternoon, the babies swarmed the door.
All of them ran for the older hens who seemed somewhat stunned. I expected my australorp to attack but she just stood there looking somewhat bemused. If a chick got to close, she pecked her.
I’m hopeful that perhaps next weekend I can integrate them a bit (supervised, of course.)
My australorp hen is at the top of the pecking order. When I opened the door between this afternoon, the babies swarmed the door.
All of them ran for the older hens who seemed somewhat stunned. I expected my australorp to attack but she just stood there looking somewhat bemused. If a chick got to close, she pecked her.
I’m hopeful that perhaps next weekend I can integrate them a bit (supervised, of course.)
I generally don't have problems integrating chicks either. Mine will be out running with the adults by 5-6 weeks.
