New Additions and How They Grow

[Bruce]

It is nice that you have an Ameraucana breeder nearby.

 

[ldawntaylor]

My chicks are still in the integration pen most of the time. One of my Wyandotte hens has taken a real dislike. She doesn't just peck when they get too close like the others. She actively chases any of the six she can see.

I think she is the lowest in the pecking order. There is only one thing on the bantam rooster's mind. So he chases them too....

What I started doing is letting the chicks out for awhile each morning. I have made sure they have places only they can get into.

So far the pecking is less, even from her. So, I think I will just keep increasing the interaction time.

The chicks are turning into pretty birds.

 

[ldawntaylor]

Well, everything is going well. Everyone is out and about. I think I will go do a little more weeding. I can get back quickly if something goes wrong. Also, I will be within sight and hearing.

 

[Bruce]

One of my Wyandotte hens has taken a real dislike. She doesn't just peck when they get too close like the others. She actively chases any of the six she can see.

That is exactly what happened last year. Penelope (2015 EE) was lowest in the order. She chased the 2017 chicks right off the roost nightly. I would go out to close things up and have to move 2-3 from places in the barn alley into the coop. Any time there were "snacks" she would chase after any of those youngin's that were trying to eat any even though they weren't near her.

So far she hasn't bothered the 6 week old chicks but then they've just discovered that there are morning snacks and tend to be a flock of their own away from the hens.

 

[ldawntaylor]

I can report some progress today. I just hope it lasts.

That Wyandotte only went after the little ones once today. She won't let them come close, which is fine.