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Post by bluetick on Jun 20, 2011 14:02:27 GMT -5
My flock consists of 5 one year olds (one rooster included), six pullets ranging from 3 to 5 months old, and 5 chicks hatched by the hens. My question is about the pullets.
I've had the older pullets for almost 2 months and have had them separated from the others until recently. Now, every other day the pullets are allowed to run with the hens while the rooster is separated. (Separated means they can still see each other through a wire fence.) I would like to merge the pullets completely into the flock, but am concerned about the rooster. He is a big guy, and although the pullets are good sized, they are still growing and I don't want them hurt. Is there a guideline for such a merger? Should the pullets be at the point of laying eggs? The original group grew up with each other and matured at the same time.
Thanks for any help on this!
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Post by d12chandler on Jun 21, 2011 7:57:57 GMT -5
I would watch the heat, if it's hot the male might get to hot. You could put them together and watch them. If the male is over active catch him and put him up. I have move problems with a over bossie hen.
Don
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Post by henthymes on Jun 21, 2011 8:27:27 GMT -5
I integrate my new pullets when they are still young. The roosters seem to know that they are not ready to breed and leave them alone. The hens put them in their own pecking order and after a week or so all seems to be in line with everyone. Right now all of my juvi's cockerels and pullets (3-5 mo.) are running with the parent stock and all is well.  |
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Post by bluetick on Jun 21, 2011 13:36:10 GMT -5
Don, we went from spring to summer with a sharp temperature increase to the upper 90's! It appears you are concerned for the health of the rooster over the pullets - not the issue I would have expected.
henthymes, this is the first time I have introduced new birds into the flock, meaning birds not hatched by my hens. With a mother hen looking out for her chicks, merging is a lot easier.
It is supposed to cool down a little in a few days, so I will turn everyone loose together then and be ready to do some herding! Thank you both!
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Post by henthymes on Jun 21, 2011 14:57:36 GMT -5
My chicks are not hatched by the mothers either, they are all hatched by me. I introduce them to the flock once they are fully feathered and have just enough size on them to stay out of the way, usually around 2-1/2 to 3 months old or when I feel they are big enough.  |
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Post by bluetick on Jun 21, 2011 16:02:28 GMT -5
I understand now, HT. I may have waited too long for an easier integration. The rooster has run along the fence separating him from the pullets and has done a bit of a "dance" on occasion.
It is interesting to watch chicken dynamics. When the pullets are alone in their enclosure, they are full of bravado. When sharing the yard with the hens they become little girls and often hide from the queens of the yard!
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Post by d12chandler on Jun 21, 2011 18:01:40 GMT -5
I lost my good male the other day, it was 108. I just got him this spring, he was a Cannon bird and losing him wasn't good. I do have several sons. Young pullets will take care of themselves.
Don
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Post by bluetick on Jun 21, 2011 22:53:56 GMT -5
I am sorry for your loss, Don! It will be over 100 here too before long and I am not looking forward to it. One of my hens didn't look good this evening. She was very sluggish. All the birds looked pretty miserable, as did I.
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Post by d12chandler on Jun 22, 2011 12:40:19 GMT -5
I think the biggest problem with orps is, we get them to fat. Fat and heat don't go together very good. With people also. I'm a little over weight and the heats gets to me pretty fast. Get it done early and stay inside in the afternoon and run the air system.
Don
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