should I break up the flock

[chicken50]

I recently purchased chicks that are now about 12-14 weeks old. I split them with a friend to fill the minimum of 25 order. My friend has not yet picked them up and the chickens are very attached to us. They follow my family around the yard and not to metion play with my German Shepard," Thats right Play with him", He chases them and then he turns around and they chase him. I once caught them taking a nap together.

My question is should I remove 12 of the birds at this point or should I tell my friend sorry but he waited to long. ( I expected him to pick them up in 6 weeks.) I not asking becuase of a moral issue Im more concerned to cause stress or damage the flock.

Thanks for your input.

 

[mdbucks]

I would ask him if he intends to get them if he says no then you have a bonus dozen.

If he does tell him to come get them, you also are providing them with feed and care for a whole lot longer than originally planned, If that doesnt bother you I would go in on the next group with you and I will pick mne up when they are OH about 18 weeks old

 

[bayouchica]

I say keep 'em.

especially if yall are already attached to them & your dog & chickens have bonded.
We'd love to see some pics of your dog & chickens.
Good luck

 

[WindyOaksYokes]

If that doesnt bother you I would go in on the next group with you and I will pick mne up when they are OH about 18 weeks old

Me too LOL

I have a dog "trixie" full blooded boxer that plays with my chickens too! Isn't wonderful when they all get along.

Personally I would have to agree with mdbucks and call them to see if they still want them. I would also request to be reimbursefor the dollars spent on the feed for their half if they do come and pick them up.​

 

[seminolewind]

The least he could have done was tell you he changed his mind. I would call him and tell him that he has a week to pick them up or mail you a check . If you need to find someone to take them, I would not split them now, I would wait till they leave. I think splitting them up now and waiting for a buyer is just prolonging the stress. It's better to make a clean break when the time comes. Karen

 

[mdbucks]

I will split them with you you keep all the crowers and I will take the quiet ones. If not crowing I will take the ones with the smallest combs.

 

[BeckyLa]

I agree that you need to get the issue settled with your friend. If he wants them then he should take them. If not, then tell you. It's only right.

I not asking becuase of a moral issue Im more concerned to cause stress or damage the flock.

However, if he wants/takes them, then rest assured they will be fine. They will be distracted by their new surroundings enough, and have each other as company, so they should not miss where they are now. And your birds will be fine, too. Even the dog (GSD's are my favorite) will be fine since he will still have birds to play with.​

 

[lurky]

If you want them, you should keep them. I think you will be a better home. If he was interested in them, he would already have them. They are settled in with you and your family and i think they should stay.....you got my VOTE!!!!

 

[Standard Hen]

Why has your friend not picked them up? Is it because he does not have their home finished or something like that? If there is no excuse I would tell him that you are all attatched to them now and would like to keep them. Not to mention that you have bween feeding them all this time!

 

[Davaroo]

I vote keep them and let him cough up $20 for your trouble. It doesnt cover costs but, hey, its something. Oh, and dont let him borrow your lawnmower in the future.