New roost roommates for the girls

[Chuky cupcake]

HI y'all, Just thought I'd let you know we have 3 new girls. Another blackrock called Dolly, a white sussex called Florence and a sister white sussex called Darcy, because she looks like a ballerina.
We were sad to loose our speckeldy so can anyone give advise on introduction to new house mates on big chukky set? We don't have room for a second run so it's go very gingerly, all good and hunky dory so far. Hope everyone is well. X chuky cupcake.

[CoraxAurata]

Hi. the usual recomendation is to put them into the house after dark and shut them in so everyone is accustomed to each others smells before they get freedom and daylight to scrag each other.

Tips I've heard of but not necessarily tried include covering any house windows so it stays dark until they get out into the run, When they get out give interesting food well spread out, and spraying everyone with perfume of some sort so everyone smells the same... not entirely sure about the last - I'd be concerned they'd all decide they don't know each other ....

[Hilary B]

If you have at least as many newcomers as 'old hands' the 'wake up to find them there' approach (as above) will usually be OK. If newcomers are outnumbered, you may need something a bit more elaborate, or it may work just the same.

[Chuky cupcake]

Thanks all for the advise, Ruby the naughty chuk made so much noise tonight she is in a cat carrier in our tumble dryer shed. Tomorrow night we will try the advise given and if no joy, the ring leader goes. We have an even number now but this is turning into a nightmare, not the idyl I hoped it would be. They never tell you about the noise, do they?

[Chuky cupcake]

Noise!

Do any other back garden chicken keepers have a noise problem. We have a big one with one chuk called Ruby. I'm reluctant to get rid of her, but my neighbours will only stand so much.

[MaureenHall]

I used to have 1 ex-batt, Hazel, who complained very loudly whenever anything different happened (like introducing new chooks). She'd march up and down the fence of the run grumbling for hours on end. She'd keep it up for a couple of days then eased off. Hope yours settles down soon xxx

[Chuky cupcake]

Thanks Maureen, I feel like a real wimp worrying over everything, but if my neighbours complain then my little dream is smashed. We will persevere and if it gets too bad we will have a Big Chuk House vote off to keep the peace. Have to do something!
You're all so kind and knowledgable, Thanks so much for your time, will keep all posted. x

[MaureenHall]

Bribe the neighbours with a few eggs If they say anything about the noise just say that your girls are telling you they've laid an egg for you

[HayleyB]

It's funny how some girls are so gobby, I hope you can pacify next door

[Chuky cupcake]

Hi all, Really bad karma today. Neighbour has approached and complained of noise when I got in off my night shift this morning. Much beloved is stressed(Hubby) and one of the new girls has a nasty wound. They're going back as I don't think it's fair to them and we will keep 3 until we move house. Much talk of a detached with a little land, hope we can do it. Feel uneasy about going to work tonight
Have a nice glass of something for me my compadres, thanks again lovelies. x

[MaureenHall]

I'm sorry that you're having to give up some of your chooks, but I suppose really it's the best thing to keep your neighbours "sweet" and to give you peace of mind. I hope you do get your place with space for lots and lots of lovely chookies

[CoraxAurata]

Oh No! So sorry, its not working, it really makes me appreciate having no neighbours! If my lot moved in the other side your chooks would have escaped notice -(I have several cockerals at various stages of growth......)

I share in wishing you well on the mission for a place with land.