Rehoming...

[mossyoakpro]

I'm about to rehome a rooster and 3 pullets...I have more than I need and a friend needs a few because some of his have gotten old and only lay on occasion. He has 2 older hens and 4 pullets the same age as the ones he's getting from me.

Question: What happens to the birds when they wake up in their new home? And what happens to my remaining flock when those are not there anymore? Just curious is all....

Never thought I would get attached but it sure seems that way.....

 

[Tonyroo]

Your flock won't be affected at all. Your friend needs to do a proper integration to prevent his existing flock from killing your birds.

 

[Sussex19]

I recently took in two cockerels that their owner couldn't keep.
I put them in to their coop with food and water, and they seemed happy enough to relax and stretch their legs after a long car ride.
The next morning I let them out, and for the first hour or so they seemed a bit confused, and if they could have might have kind of wandering off and got lost.
After that though, they just started chilling, having a dust bath, crowing and scratching, and haven't looked back since.

Edit, they are kept in their own coop, not in with my other chickens.

 

[kmpcfp]

Your remaining flock may reset their pecking order a bit, but it shouldn't be very obvious. As for the ones you are rehoming, as long as he gives them a proper introduction, they will be fine. It will probably be quicker since a rooster is going with your 3 pullets to his 6 hens/pullets. As long as he has the space for them, they usually integrate pretty quickly.

 

[mossyoakpro]

Your flock won't be affected at all. Your friend needs to do a proper integration to prevent his existing flock from killing your birds.

I'm sure he will but I'll certainly ask him when he gets here....

 

[mossyoakpro]

Your remaining flock may reset their pecking order a bit, but it shouldn't be very obvious. As for the ones you are rehoming, as long as he gives them a proper introduction, they will be fine. It will probably be quicker since a rooster is going with your 3 pullets to his 6 hens/pullets. As long as he has the space for them, they usually integrate pretty quickly.

I think one of the ones I'm letting him take is the queen right now....she's the smallest but they all seem to follow her around the yard when they are out and about. I've also seen her give a sharp peck on occasion to some of the others. It will be interesting to see who takes the reins when she's gone.

 

[mossyoakpro]

Your flock won't be affected at all. Your friend needs to do a proper integration to prevent his existing flock from killing your birds.

He has a divider in his coop to see but don't touch...was glad to hear that. He told me to come by anytime and visit...I might just do that so I can make sure they are alright.

 

[mossyoakpro]

My remaining birds seem to be confused this morning...Guess it will take a couple of days to get back to their regular routine? I think one of the rehomed birds was at the top of the pecking order...I saw her dish out a few stern pecks on occasion so maybe they are trying to get organized?

 

[bobbi-j]

My remaining birds seem to be confused this morning...Guess it will take a couple of days to get back to their regular routine? I think one of the rehomed birds was at the top of the pecking order...I saw her dish out a few stern pecks on occasion so maybe they are trying to get organized?

Every time you add to or subtract from the flock, it rearranges the pecking order. They’ll get things sorted out in a few days or so.

 

[mossyoakpro]

Every time you add to or subtract from the flock, it rearranges the pecking order. They’ll get things sorted out in a few days or so.

On a positive note....my remaining rooster has crowed at least 500 times today! LOL I guess he is loving life without competition.