Trying again.

[AtHomeDaddy]

The neighbor's son brought home a dog with a talent for CLIMBING over the 6 foot privacy fences. The dog got two of our three birds a couple of weeks ago, right before we left for a 10 day road trip.

A different neighbor watched our survivor, M&M while we were gone. Things have finally settled down and the fence climber has moved away. So we decided to start a couple of new chicks today.

Ameracuna

Buff Cochin

Hopefully by New Years, we will be getting some eggs out of these girls. M&M lays 5 or more eggs a week. When it is not too hot she lays 8-10 days in a row then rests for a day. She is keeping the family well stocked with eggs all by herself but I think she will be happier if we can get her a companion or two.

 

[gritsar]

Cute babies! I'm sure your hen will appreciate the company, after she's finished showing those young upstarts who's boss of the henhouse.
Good luck to you!

 

[g_a_brand]

awwww those are so cute

 

[cmom]

Congratulations... They look adorable.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Does she like the chicks now, or are they separated?

 

[raspeary]

So sorry for what happened with the dog. I'm glad you didn't give up on the chickens though. I know I can't wait till my 7 girls start laying.

 

[AtHomeDaddy]

I introduced them yesterday, for a few minutes out in the yard. Our big hen danced around and watched the chicks, but she never got too close to them and pretty quickly went about her normal routine.

I am going to get them together again this evening for a little while and each day until they are ready to go into the coop with her. It is warm here, so I will probably wait a month or so to get them outside.

 

[gritsar]

I intend to have new chicks by spring, one way or the other. Since my hens refuse to go broody I'll either hatch or buy from the hatchery.
My plan is to set them up a small fenced in area in the yard. This way my current flock can be exposed to them without any direct contact.

 

[snoblossom]

Sorry about the fence climbing dog, but I am glad you are not giving up. Very cute chicks

 

[AtHomeDaddy]

So far, so good. Our 9 month old hen was much more interested today. She stayed right the chicks for about 30 minutes this morning.

I am hoping that by introducing everyone slowly over the next month or so, it will make for a smoother integration in the early fall.