Hello folks,
Where to start.
I have been wanting chicken for a long time for their eggs. I finally built a coop and we purchased two 8 week old Barred Rocks pullets. A week later one of the Rocks eyes started to bubble; so after hours of reseach and asking the fine folks on this site; we determined the bird has a respiritory infection. We isolated her and began treating her and the other with antibiotics.
The next day we purchased two 6 week old Wyandotte pullets and immediately noticed the one Rock left in the coop began pecking the other two. From what I have read this is natural and it is the way chickens establish their place in the flock. Within a day the pecking practically stopped; perhaps an occasional peck to reenforce the Rocks place of dominance.
Last night, we got two Australorp chicks which we are housing in our garage under a heat lamp. We also got a 6 week old Turken (what a cool/ugly bird), we snuck her into the coop late last night but almost immediately she was noticed and pecked on by the Rock. This morning I moved everyone down to the run and now the Rock AND the two Wyandottes are pecking at the Turken. How long does the behavior last and when do I need to intervene. I know to some extent nature needs to take its course. I am currently watching everyone and hoping nobody draws blood.
An other issue, yesterday afternoon the two Wyandottes appeared to be "sparring" with each other. Is this type of behavior witnessed in pullets or is this the behavior of Roos to be...?
I am beginning to wonder if I have gotten myself in too deep too quick????
ISSUES:
1. Sick chicken - I think we are on the right track with her.
2. Bullying of my Turken - Will they start to get along? When should I intervene?
3. The Turken keeps her distance from the others; if this goes long term will there be negative results from the isolation?
4. Sparring Wyandotte - I this normal for pullets or did they slip in a couple of Roos on me?
I'll take any and all advice. Thank you.
Where to start.
I have been wanting chicken for a long time for their eggs. I finally built a coop and we purchased two 8 week old Barred Rocks pullets. A week later one of the Rocks eyes started to bubble; so after hours of reseach and asking the fine folks on this site; we determined the bird has a respiritory infection. We isolated her and began treating her and the other with antibiotics.
The next day we purchased two 6 week old Wyandotte pullets and immediately noticed the one Rock left in the coop began pecking the other two. From what I have read this is natural and it is the way chickens establish their place in the flock. Within a day the pecking practically stopped; perhaps an occasional peck to reenforce the Rocks place of dominance.
Last night, we got two Australorp chicks which we are housing in our garage under a heat lamp. We also got a 6 week old Turken (what a cool/ugly bird), we snuck her into the coop late last night but almost immediately she was noticed and pecked on by the Rock. This morning I moved everyone down to the run and now the Rock AND the two Wyandottes are pecking at the Turken. How long does the behavior last and when do I need to intervene. I know to some extent nature needs to take its course. I am currently watching everyone and hoping nobody draws blood.
An other issue, yesterday afternoon the two Wyandottes appeared to be "sparring" with each other. Is this type of behavior witnessed in pullets or is this the behavior of Roos to be...?
I am beginning to wonder if I have gotten myself in too deep too quick????
ISSUES:
1. Sick chicken - I think we are on the right track with her.
2. Bullying of my Turken - Will they start to get along? When should I intervene?
3. The Turken keeps her distance from the others; if this goes long term will there be negative results from the isolation?
4. Sparring Wyandotte - I this normal for pullets or did they slip in a couple of Roos on me?
I'll take any and all advice. Thank you.
Last edited: