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Newbie help needed

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by mscoloradochick, Oct 10, 2013.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Oct 10, 2013 #1
    mscoloradochick

    mscoloradochick In the Brooder

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    Oct 7, 2013
    Arvada, CO
    Howdy from Colorado! I suppose I'm an 'urban homesteader' but I have a decent sized fenced in run and large doghouse turned coop. a week ago we purchased 7 month old Sussex and an australorps hen (not yet laying). Yesterday we added 6 month old laying australorp and RIR. The newest two haven't laid yet (it's only been a day an I chalk it up to the new move) and are sticking by themselves in the corner of the run. I hope this behavior changes as I want them happy and roaming around!

    The 'older' and much larger black australorp - and the Sussex, really - have been picking on them and running them into the corner from time to time. I guess my question is a two parter. 1. Do I need to do anything to stop them from getting picked on and into the corner or will the pecking order run its route in a week or so. And 2. Is my big lady a lady?!? I'm beginning to think she's acting like a male, but she hasn't crowed yet.

    Sorry for rambling, I'm SO new at this and want to do everything possible to have happy healthy LAYING hens :)[​IMG]

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  2. Oct 10, 2013 #2
    Bear Foot Farm

    Bear Foot Farm Crowing

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    Mar 31, 2008
    Grifton NC
    They will require some time to work out the "pecking orders" themselves
    Just be patiernt while they do it

    Your Australorp DOES look a little like a rooster from those pictures.
    It won't take too long to figure it out for sure
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2013

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