Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[Debby27]

 

[Debby27]

 

[cheeka]

thanks Debby! granted, hatching that chick out myself was kooky... but it was alive! I had to try... and it's doing just fine this morning. snuggled right up to the other... I worry a little because I have a long day today and I'm dreading leaving.

I'm glad the book is done. I skipped steps like background color because nothing looked good. and I didn't put any text in. but I will on the next editions or newer books. definitely a chicken book coming!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

And THAT is why my hubs won't hire anyone to do work around here. Too bad the guys were jerks. We look at reviews on Yelp, or even better, get recommendations from neighbors or friends, to avoid the jerks. I find jerks are less jerky when another male is around. Overall bathrooom looks nice, though.



Cheeka, aren't those egg shells scratchy?

Hope the little ones do okay today.
Were the chicks Esther attack any particular color? I have heard of brooding hens reject/kill all light colored chicks, for example, and raise the dark ones with no problem. I had a Serama broody grab and kill a 2 day old chick (right in front of my #2son, poor guy). That chick was the only one that hatched under a Cochin, healthy but it was a little quiet and kind of slow, at least compared to others. I have wondered if it wasn't a mama hyper-instinct to weed out weak ones. The Cochin sure didn't have any such instinct, but she is kind of sweet and slow herself.

 

[BullChick]

I called the manager. He denied any problem existed (I also have proof of the scratching and gouging my tub) and said I must have been smearing the caulk myself. I am supposed to wait four weeks, then I "may" paint the window, but it must be the same color white. As steamed as that has me, here is another problem. Caulk is bulky. Paint isn't. You will see the uneven surface. I don't deserve problems where there were none before. They should have left my window alone.

 

[karl69]

Looking for suggestions, how long should I keep the hens locked up for? I was thinking about a week I have the trail cam and haven't seen anything on it since the attack.

 

[mommato5chicks]

Looking for suggestions, how long should I keep the hens locked up for? I was thinking about a week I have the trail cam and haven't seen anything on it since the attack.

I think they should be fine now since you haven't seen anything

 

[karl69]

I think they should be fine now since you haven't seen anything

Thanks I think I'll let them out on a limited basis for now.
OH good news, I just found 2 RIR roosters for free I'm picking them up on Friday.
Their about half as old as my hens, what's the best way to integrate them to the flock?

 

[XxMingirlxX]

Thanks I think I'll let them out on a limited basis for now.
OH good news, I just found 2 RIR roosters for free I'm picking them up on Friday.
Their about half as old as my hens, what's the best way to integrate them to the flock?

First get the new hens in a separate cage or run, right next to your existing birds run. That way they can get to know eachother and begin sorting out the pecking order without them being able to fight.

Do this for about a week or until the new birds don't seem to interest them. Then mix them together, have them free ranging when you intergrate them incase the new birds are picked on so they have plenty of space to evade them. It also means the existing flock will probably be more interested in the bugs than the new members.

Intergrate them in the evening so that they are only with each other for a short time on the first day and can all sleep together as I find it makes it easier as the new birds are less likely to be picked on.

This advice is directed at both hens and cockrels for intergration but you will probably have less of a problem with the new roosters being bullied because Roos usually go straight to the top of the pecking order.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Karl, you sure you want 2 roosters? Kind if a lot for 5 hens.

Good idea to quarantine new birds away from your flock for some time. Safest to wait 3 weeks. If I have seen where they came from and all looked well (and the seller is trustworthy) I think it can be less. Watch for any sneezing, listlessness, or bubbling eyes. I did put 2 pullets straight out in a cage in the chicken yard one time, but had 100% faith in the seller and we discussed illness issues (there were none!).

When you feel it's safe to integrate, best to pen the new birds where they can be seen but not attacked. Fence off part of the coop or set up a freestanding cage/pen. It can take a few days or a week or more depending on your flock. Males will integrate more easily in an all female flock. When it's time to set them free, a neutral area is best and lots of edible distractions. The new ones may not know to roost in the coop, so you will have to watch. Watch for extreme picking. Older hens will often beat up young cockerels. Expect squabbles, but remove new birds if blood is drawn (unlikely to happen). Roosting bar in the run will give the new birds a way to escape the meanies if needed. Also watch to see that new birds have access to food and water. Some birds guard the food. Extra feeders/waterers can help. They should have a full crop on the roost each night.

Use your judgement and copious amounts of treats. I know people who just throw them together and let them work it out, but only if they are a similarly sized.

2 new Ameraucana pullets, evenings spent in the garage.


Big girls were very curious.