Well, our BCM babies (5 wks old) are now in with the EE's (8-9 wks old) and the integration is going ok so far.
Most of the girls seem to ignore the newcomers, though that's probably mainly due to the younger ones keeping close to the corners right now and away from the larger birds.
Of the two EE roos one (Luke) generally limits his "harrasment" to merely walking over to inspect them, with a peck thrown in once in awhile just to remind them where they stand. The other one (Vader), makes a point of charging them and giving a peck to any not quick enough to get out of the way. They'll then scatter, which temps others to throw in a peck or two, but quickly settles down once the roo stops pursuing them.
No bloodshed or loss of feathers so far. They are not being forced away from food and water, though they are so skittish right now they bolt from the feeder/waterer when a bigger bird comes near them. They have started to learn it's best to go grab food and water while the others are on the other side of the coop.
Of the two BCM boys, one (now named Zulu) was pretty defiant right from the start. It was something to see the first time Vader ran over at him, head down, hackles raised, probably a terrifying sight to the little guy, but he stood his ground. Lowered his own little head and stared right back....for a couple of seconds anyway.
For that bit of insubordination Vader is harder on him than the others but still, like I said, no bloodshed. Little Zulu doesn't take much guff from the pullets though....gives em a peck to back off.
Anyway, it's going better than I expected.
Most of the girls seem to ignore the newcomers, though that's probably mainly due to the younger ones keeping close to the corners right now and away from the larger birds.
Of the two EE roos one (Luke) generally limits his "harrasment" to merely walking over to inspect them, with a peck thrown in once in awhile just to remind them where they stand. The other one (Vader), makes a point of charging them and giving a peck to any not quick enough to get out of the way. They'll then scatter, which temps others to throw in a peck or two, but quickly settles down once the roo stops pursuing them.
No bloodshed or loss of feathers so far. They are not being forced away from food and water, though they are so skittish right now they bolt from the feeder/waterer when a bigger bird comes near them. They have started to learn it's best to go grab food and water while the others are on the other side of the coop.
Of the two BCM boys, one (now named Zulu) was pretty defiant right from the start. It was something to see the first time Vader ran over at him, head down, hackles raised, probably a terrifying sight to the little guy, but he stood his ground. Lowered his own little head and stared right back....for a couple of seconds anyway.
Anyway, it's going better than I expected.
