Over one week into integration..

[llombardo]

They don't know already?
Mary

I'm pretty sure it became pretty evident as I was chasing a stray rooster around the neighborhood in the rain...I'm sure that was quite the sight and I never caught the little booger.

 

[Mrs. K]

We understand, other crazy chicken ladies, you are not alone.

 

[llombardo]

Update:

Very little chasing now. Still letting the smaller ones have the run first and letting bigger ones out later. Every now and then you will see them within feet of each other without issue. For the most part the smaller ones get out of the way and go high.

I have noticed the four are figuring out their pecking order, so they have the space and time to do so.


I also notice that the head girl(barred rock) will go where the smaller ones are and get within inches and do nothing. She almost looks at them like they are crazy as they scoot into a corner. After a minute she walks away.

Is this acceptance or just keeping them in check and on their toes?

 

[Mrs. K]

Real really think you could just let them be at this point. They have solved the issue of what to do when the littles drive the older ones nut, they scuttle out of the way, giving everyone space and peace. To me that is best, when I don’t control it, they do.

They will not be one flock until the young ones begin to lay. I’ve had three in my flock since March. Always a bit off to the side, just lately I noticed them a little closer at night on the roost, and the last three days, I don’t see two groups in the day time. So much that for a moment I thought I had lost them. They were ther, just in amongst the big girls, a single group part of the time. I expect them to begin laying within a month.

 

[llombardo]

Just to make myself feel better I will do this for the week while I am at work and next weekend I will just let them out all together. Rain would be an issue. We are suppose to get some all week and I want to make sure they all have a dry area to go.

3 out of the 4 small ones now go in the coop to roost at night all by themselves. The faverolle shows no interest and I have to grab her, otherwise she would stay by herself all night. That little one has stole my heart, she is so very sweet.