sussing each other out

[janeyo]

OK so I picked up the new birds. They are currently in a crate eating corn and looking at the old girls.
The old girls are also eating corn and looking at the new girls.
Need a pic but can't see in the crate!

Looks like I have got a BEAUTIFUL rhode island hen - was VERY sorry to have to leave her mate behind- he was a smasher, 2 small brown hens, a black one and a small white one.

Bit worried about the white one as the chap who picked them up from their old home for me this morning (who has THOUSANDS of chickens) is convinced she's a bantam cockeral.

EEK Don't tell OH for gawd's sake! The chicken man did kindly tell me if she starts crowing I can take him back and he will keep him.

Think will leave them like this til dusk then put them all in together

[Nicos]

How exciting!!!

[janeyo]

fisticuffs!

OK so muchus funus was had by me all on my tod trying to put them all together.
Lots of corn and grapes helped!
The 2 brown ones are really friendly and are already named Ethel and Edna.
The white one is a bit cocky and has started making crowing type noises (NOOOOOOOOOOOO lol), but my white one does the same and she is defo a girl!
The Rhode Island is a bit shy, hanging back under the conifers at the mo, but has already had fisticuffs with Doris my black rock. They are similar in height and build.
Am hopng all will be well with them tomorrow and they find their order.

Off to make sure they have all found the coop!

Phew - need a glass of something strong now!

[HayleyB]

Ha ha, sounds like fun, you lucky person you, just need to find those tickets now

[janeyo]

AARRGH I can't catch them.
All 4 new ones had obviously not enocuntered an automatic pophole opener before and got shut out.
I have managed to catch the 2 brown ones, but the others are way too fast for me. Hiding under the conifers now.
It's forecast for 2degrees here but I want to get them inside - HELP!!!

[Nicos]

..Ok...so you need to slow down a lot- walk away and leave them for a short time- it's getting dark and they'll choose somewhere themselves to shelter. Then when it's dark they'll sit still ( in theory)
Just keep an eye pen for foxes if you're worried.

I always eventually get mine in- it's only a problem if I want them in a bit earlier than they want- yours probably just need to know where to go. I wonder if you left the door open if the others would stay put- and the outdoor ones would go in for the safety in numbers thingy???

Good luck!!!

[janeyo]

I can't get the door to open - it shuts on its own. Shone the torch on it but it must not be the right kind of light! It needs day light. I will get OH to adjust it so that it shuts later to give them more of a chance to go to bed tomorrow.

Stress, I so don't need to chase chickens today.

Not seen any foxes around yet (in 2 years) but really don't want to take the risk. Plus it's good for them to know where they are meant to sleep!

I also have toddlie here and can't leave him in the house on his own and too dark now for him to come out and fall over things.

Fire brigade might help?!

[RichmondHens]

You really needed to shut them all in together for a day INSIDE. It wont hurt the others. That way they will settle together and when you do let them out they will come out of the house knowing that's where they sleep. If you can't disconnect the opener black it out so it won't open in the morning. Go and catch the new chickens later tonight when they are asleep and post them in via the roof or nestbox ( you must have another way into the hen house other than the pop). They will be fine. Don't fret.

[janeyo]

I have posted 2 of them in through the nestbox. Got 2 left! I will get OH to tape the light sensor up when he gets home, and put some food and water in too.

Thanks

Will they fight if cooped up together?

[Flummery]

You can just lift the pop-hole. Then let it down when they are in. It doesn't affect the mechanism (I was convinced it would - but it doesn't). Can you tell I've done this before - but not since we adjusted it!

[RichmondHens]

There may be some minor bickering but they won't see very well in the dim light so it shouldn't be too bad. Resist the urge to keep going and looking in at them as this will let in light and stimulate them. You can then let them out on Saturday morning into their run. Don't let them free range for at least a week though. Good luck!

[janeyo]

Hoorah!

OH and me and managed to get the other 2 in safe and sound.

The white one was actually on top of the coop so she clearly knows that is where she is meant to be.
The Rhode Island was under the conifers but v dopey and easy to catch.

We obviously had help from a 2 yr old strapped firmly in the buggy and a 5 yr old holding the torch though - team effort!

Thanks guys X

[Eco-Chic]

Lol, sounds like Chookawlty Towers

[HayleyB]

Found the tickets??????????

[janeyo]

Not found tickets, but have managed to get the reissued - she remembered the screaming toddler and has taken pity on me!