Violet's only companion died today - and it's freezing

[KayTee]

I'm glad that you got the feed and the new bedding - better for everyone all round!

If you are Violet's (possibly) third family then she may well be on the downward slope as far as laying goes. But you never know - she may still lay from time to time once she gets back into her usual surroundings again.

The fact that she didn't eat Tilly's egg is a good sign - she isn't eating them out of habit, just because she needed the nutrition. Now that you have the layer feed things should settle down (especially with the lovely new feed bowls!)

All the best for you and your girls.

 

[yogamebird]

Thank you KayTee - and we had another egg this morning. It was still warm when I dropped it into the frying pan! That advice about oyster shells, layer feed, and new dishes really made all the difference.

Yes...we think Violet is winding down. But we'll take care of her until her time comes. She seems to be mellowing about Tilly...the two girls pecked away together at one of the dishes until Violet's thought balloon said "wait a minute! I'm not supposed to let her do this! " and gave Tilly a little peck. Tilly knew where to go for her own dish...all is good.

 

[Acornewell]

YAY! So good to hear! I just hatched some new babes. Thought I would share the chick fever!

 

[yogamebird]

Oh they are precious!

 

[yogamebird]

How do I give an ovation?

 

[deacons]

Just click on the green "thumbs up" on the bottom of the post.

 

[KayTee]

Thank you KayTee - and we had another egg this morning. It was still warm when I dropped it into the frying pan! That advice about oyster shells, layer feed, and new dishes really made all the difference.

Yes...we think Violet is winding down. But we'll take care of her until her time comes. She seems to be mellowing about Tilly...the two girls pecked away together at one of the dishes until Violet's thought balloon said "wait a minute! I'm not supposed to let her do this! " and gave Tilly a little peck. Tilly knew where to go for her own dish...all is good.

I'm so glad for you that things are working out. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time - measured more in months than days or weeks! It can be hard to see a flock (or even a pair) establishing a new pecking order, but as long as things don't get too violent, it usually all works itself out in the end

 

[yogamebird]

Just a couple more weeks in the garage! Now that it's fairly clean and nice and they are being well fed, we're leaving them there while our chicken/dog sitter is here. Much easier for her than dealing with the coop which is still buried in snow. We return from vacation March 21, and our first order of business will be to get them back to the coop. BOY are they going to be happy!! I think with more room, Violet may back off even more. (I'm making this up.)

 

[KayTee]

Just a couple more weeks in the garage! Now that it's fairly clean and nice and they are being well fed, we're leaving them there while our chicken/dog sitter is here. Much easier for her than dealing with the coop which is still buried in snow. We return from vacation March 21, and our first order of business will be to get them back to the coop. BOY are they going to be happy!! I think with more room, Violet may back off even more. (I'm making this up.)

No, you're not making it up - you're understanding your girls! They will be ecstatic to get back to their coop, and the more space they have, the less they will hassle each other.

I think you're right to leave them where you are whilst you are not there. They have become used to the garage, and it would be better to wait until you are back and can keep a good eye on them when they change accommodation. Don't forget that when they get back into the coop they will each have to establish their own space, perch area etc, so although there will be less confrontation in the long run, you may have a day or two of competition between them!

Enjoy your holiday (hope it's somewhere warm!)

 

[LipsChicks]

Yes, it's a big feeder but there is absolutely no waste! It's a 30 gallon food grade container so it's probably bigger than your whole chicken house. If you grow in size and ever want to know how to make it, I'll send the plans to you.