We are working on integrating 3 Orps that are 12-14 weeks old into the big girl flock. Yesterday was the first full day and all three survived without any bloodshed. They spent a lot of time in the coop, but would occasionally go into the run when the coast was clear. The good thing with them in the coop by themselves, was they were able to eat and drink without being bothered. We did notice they could get to treats without them being taken away. I have a picture I will have to post later. At one point yesterday morning, we looked in and all three had crammed themselves into one nest box! Last night when the others were roosting, they had done the same thing, but this morning. Lou Ann said they were actually on the smaller roost. We have left their small run together for now in case we need it for chicken jail. We have a couple of hens, one being our Ameraucana, who have gotten a little mean. They might just get jailed for a day or two!
Mamma hen, Maranda, is still wanting to be with her babies, but will leave them free ranging and come into their separate run for a short while. We put her in with the hens again yesterday. She promptly went after two of them (as if to remind them she was always head hen!) and then back to the gate between the runs and paced quickly for me to let her back out with her babies. I hope by the end of this week to have her back with the adults.
This integration thing can keep you on edge, but is also really interesting to watch. Just do not try to explain it to non-chicken people-they will think you are crazy!!!
