Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Upsetting the Apple Coop

We upset the apple cart coop this past weekend.  The teenagers now at the 18 week mark were transferred over to the adult area.  Needless to say, we have around 40 chickens trying to either keep their current standing in the flock or finding where they might fit in.  Add in an overall level of fear by the teenagers and the stress level in the coop was palpable.

It will take them a couple of weeks to sort everything out, and then all will be right with the world yet again, until the final group of young'uns is moved over in about another month!  I'm equally stressed during these times.  What Mom is OK watching her little one's get bullied!

In the meantime, the youngest batch had their area expanded and will allow them some extra freedom to stretch their wings, and mock fight on occasion.  It sure is fun watching them grow up.



4 comments:

  1. Glad things are moving along. I too would be a nervous wreck.

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    1. After checking on them this week, all is well. Just the normal hen pecking on occasion.

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  2. It is very stressful but a lot easier if you can arrange to place the youngsters next to the oldsters but in separate cages so they can look and talk to each other. I use a chicken tractor for that during the day and at night the coop is divided in half with a wire wall. Doesn't cure the whole sorting out bit but makes it much easier. I currently have 5 young Lavender Orpingtons that I am doing that with. The three morons (red sex links) that I got this spring have just graduated to the grown up side.

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    1. Sista,

      We again think alike! I have a separate area for the youngsters, where they can watch and learn whose in charge on the adult side. It really does help.

      When are you going to post next? I want to see photos of the Lavender Orpingtons.

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