Chicken question

calismum · 10-11-2009, 10:14 PM

I have, as most of you know 5 chooks. I have been asked to 'rescue' a young silkie and a bantam.

Wondered what the pitfalls if any might be of having two smaller chooks in with the larger ones.

Anyone got experience of mixed sizes? Advice welcomed.

alexgirl73 · 10-11-2009, 10:28 PM

I have a cross silkie in with 6 'big' girls, and tbh, she holds her own lol. I would like at some point soon to get her a few smaller friends to keep her company though. So having 2 smaller in with your bigger girls shouldn't be a problem. good luck with the intros

calismum · 10-11-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexgirl73

I have a cross silkie in with 6 'big' girls, and tbh, she holds her own lol. I would like at some point soon to get her a few smaller friends to keep her company though. So having 2 smaller in with your bigger girls shouldn't be a problem. good luck with the intros

Thanks - that makes me feel a bit better about it.

dandysmom · 10-11-2009, 11:21 PM

My grandma had a Banty in with her White Leghorns ...as far as I remember all was well.

calismum · 10-11-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandysmom

My grandma had a Banty in with her White Leghorns ...as far as I remember all was well.

I think because I a newbie I just worry about the wee ones being bullied.

Just heard tonight that I am getting the Scots Grey and Australop mid December. The Maran and Whitestar in two weeks.

That's 5 - 11 in a month - must stop. Thank goodness the coop will hold a max of 15!

dandysmom · 10-11-2009, 11:44 PM

I do so envy you those lovely fresh eggs! How long does the moulting last until they start laying again?

smudgley · 11-11-2009, 12:01 AM

Size difference won't be a problem, it's just introducing them. Chickens can be really evil when a new one is introduced. good luck.

calismum · 11-11-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandysmom

I do so envy you those lovely fresh eggs! How long does the moulting last until they start laying again?

ABout 6 - 10 weeks. But I have 4 out of 5 in moult and it was suggested to me they won't start laying until February.

Only my wee battery hen is laying every day. I'll never touch anything other than proper free range eggs again if I cannot have my own.

calismum · 11-11-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smudgley

Size difference won't be a problem, it's just introducing them. Chickens can be really evil when a new one is introduced. good luck.

Yes, I was quite worried about the last one I introduced - couldn't believe how nasty they were to her.

I have seen them attack crows/magpies and even a poor pheasant who wandered too close.

I have to admit the intro's do worry me a bit - I can't bear to watch.

dandysmom · 11-11-2009, 03:01 AM

I believe that's where the expression "pecking order" originated .....

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