A couple of weeks ago I spent some time with Jackie while integrating her new girls in their walk in run for the first time. It went really well and Jackie has continued to mix the flock in the run but hadn’t yet let the new girls free range in the garden with the other girls. We had arranged that I would spend some time with Jackie this afternoon to give her some moral support while the flock free ranged together for the first time.
The old girls were in the garden and the new girls in the run when Jackie opened the gates. The new girls were reluctant to leave the safety of their run and had to be enticed out with some corn and the gates shut so that they didn’t immediately go back in.
Soon all the girls were pecking at the corn together.
Corn on the patio
The girls mingle with the help of some corn
We felt it was going really well. The one who took most notice of the new girls, was as we had suspected it would be, Blossom (formerly my Bluebell). Blossom as bottom girl, was determined to show them that they were going to stay below her in the pecking order. It wasn’t anything too bad though, mostly just running at them and just an odd peck to the back of the neck.
Jackie decided to open up the gates again so that the new girls could return to the run if they wanted to and they immediately went back into the run. While we chatted and kept an eye on them the new girls became a bit more brave and came out of the run again on their own.
They started to explore a bit and Ruby came over to the patio door.
Ruby seemed intrigued by her reflection in the patio door
A close up of Ruby
Ruby and Chelsea stick together
It was a bit like two gangs, as Jackie put it, with the old girls in one gang and the new girls sticking together.
The patio furniture seemed to make them feel safe
A close up of Chelsea
Chelsea seemed to like the safety of the patio table.
We agreed that it had gone really well and I think they will all be fine together. We are sure that the new girls will soon grow in confidence and soon the flock will be used to free ranging together. A job well done I think and I will be checking in on their progress as usual.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Oh it was an interesting hour or so.
I am sure they got more confident today and I’m glad you were there .
I know I had done it all before but felt a bit of moral support never hurt any one.
They are lovely girls and I was really pleased with the way it went .
When I first got them I thought Ruby was going to be top of the two but I think Chelsea is the most confident .
Your help nwas so appreciated x
I am always glad to give some moral support. I thought it went really well and they are lovely girls.
I thought Peaches was top out of Peaches and Barley but lately I think Barley is more confident. Barley jumps on my back the most and when Topaz pecks her away from the treats she just bounces right back.
Like Ruby and Chelsea, Peaches and Barley stick together and it is heart warming to see their little friendships and how they are a united front together.
I didn’t do much more than be there today but sometimes that is enough. I value our friendship too along with our little girls friendships, if that’s not too soppy.
Many congratulations on a very smooth integration; whole flock looking lovely and the youngsters developing really well – so they must feel truly settled.
Jackie says they have been out together today with no problems and they like the patio furniture, it must feel like a safe place. Their combs have grown each time I see them. I think they have settled in really well and are looking lovely.