New chicks - Now What!???

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Hope this works.

If so, this is Henny Penny. She is sitting on her chicks after I moved her to the floor. One is walking around by her. They are so little! She is a bantam and very small herself. They make her look like Chickzilla!

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Okay, that pic was a bit large. I'll try resizing it for the next one.

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

This is her with the chicks underneath her. I will try to get some more of them today. I would like to get a pic of one of them sitting beside a quarter, I think they would be able to sit on one they are so tiny!

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Quote:
Honestly I do not have a connection with RIR. I had hoped that she would come around and be more friendly, but that has not happened. I took her because I felt sorry for her, seeing all of her flock-mates eaten by preditors and all. But apparently, she was the last one left because she is so mean herself. I'd probably be scared of her if I were a preditor too! But I hate giving up on an animal. But I care more about HP and her babies than I do about RIR. so.... I'll have to think more about it. Would HP and the babies be okay in the garage for another week? That would give me time to contemplate what to do.

 

[Judy]

I agree with the idea of putting the RIR in chicken jail for several days. It's a shame that the momma and silkie can't be together, and it is very possible the RIR will attack the silkie with the momma unavailable. Personally, I would rehome the RIR rather than trying to put her back with the flock, because I suspect she will continue to attack, and at that point might very well go after the chicks, but you could give it a try. Without the RIR to bother them, the rest will probably do just fine together.

But then, this is how I manage mine. Mean chickens don't get to stay here. I figure the nice ones deserve the peace.

 

[CHIC]

Your momma and babies will be fine for a week I think. I would observe the other two and make sure that the RIR doesn't bother the Silkie.

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Quote:
RIR has not, up until this point, been aggressive with the others. The Silky doesn't seem to be leary of her or anything. My husband doesn't want to get rid of her (RIR) because she is our egg producer. He doesn't think we should just up and get rid of an animal just because we are having issues with them. Honestly, I don't feel the same way. But, I would like for her to chill out. I need a chicken whisperer to find out what her problem is. Are RIR's known for their temperment or something. Am I not going to be able to mix standards with bantams? I wish this was not no flippin' stressful. I am the type that will loose sleep over whether I am doing the right thing by these chickens!

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Quote:
RIR has not, up until this point, been aggressive with the others. The Silky doesn't seem to be leary of her or anything. My husband doesn't want to get rid of her (RIR) because she is our egg producer. He doesn't think we should just up and get rid of an animal just because we are having issues with them. Honestly, I don't feel the same way. But, I would like for her to chill out. I need a chicken whisperer to find out what her problem is. Are RIR's known for their temperment or something. Am I not going to be able to mix standards with bantams? I wish this was not no flippin' stressful. I am the type that will loose sleep over whether I am doing the right thing by these chickens!

no = so I apparently can't type

 

[CHIC]

Someone told me to try giving my mean hen hemp seeds.- sounds a little funny but it might work. RIRs are known to be a little skittish and sometimes not too friendly- the roos are known to be aggressive. Not saying always the case, but definately seems to be in your case.

 

[Stephanie-n-Hayden]

Quote:
Where can I get hemp seeds? I'll try anything to get my home happy again.