Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[magsrags]

Got a turken now too!

 

[magsrags]

Ha Ha!!!
I'd love some ducks but wont dare even bring it up this year.
tom seems indifferent.LOL Keeping my fingers crossed.
The guys are outside finishing up painting the back pof the house today and the news of the chicks surprised Chris and Mike. So far no complainiong thankfully.



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[lichick28]

Like I said Dont do it Maggie!!! You will have to find a new place to live & I dont have room for you.

 

[magsrags]

I could be your housekeeper out in PA.

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[stoopid]

I could use a housekeeper. Stay in NY, hatch out all the chickies you need, HMMM....

 

[magsrags]

God only knows I need a housekeeper too!

I wish one of the silkie eggs I'd given the broody hatched.
both broke early on.:<(
One a showgirl which are so funny.

 

[smkchick]

Bad news: Gladys spent the day free-ranging then headed for the tree again around 4pm. I tried to lure her into the coop with treats, but no go. I had to pick her up and carry her to the coop. Back to square one, I guess.

Another round of solitary confinement?

 

[magsrags]

Stick with it. Once she has friends it will change as they WANT to be together at night. Safety in numbers...........

It will be hard integrating your 3 little ones with Gladys so make some plans to take it slowly. Hens are jealous like dogs are, make no mistake and she will knock the snot outta them at first cause she is "queen bee" and has known no other life.

Make sure they see each other between fences long before you actually put them together in a pen or coop. Especially important is to make sure the peeps have hiding places once they are introduced so they can get away from bodily harm that Queen Gladys will likely impart to them.

I know I sound negative.... but we have all been there at one time or another.....and truth be known....some birds NEVER get along and it isn't your fault at all. I have re-homed hens because they are bullies. In a new setting they usually take a second seat and have no problems.
Just a friendly heads up.

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[smkchick]

Thanks, mags. Been thinking about it already. Bobby worries about the babies - he keeps bringing it up.

Right now the chicks are in a plastic bin in a small room that opens out to the patio. A couple of times we've brought Gladys into the room so she can see the chicks. She shows no interest in them, although they're fascinated with her. I realize it will be a whole different story when they're in HER house. I plan to take it real slow.

I read somewhere that if we put all 3 of them into the coop and there's only one of her, it will be easier. Also, does it help that she's so much older that there won't be a question about who's in charge?

So many questions...

 

[newchick13]

smkchick,
did you lock her down in the run or the coop? I think the way to get her to return to the coop at night is to keep her locked in the coop for a few days, then after that let her out in the run.