I have four two month olds and four 2 week olds,all pullits.When do they start to lay and how many a week can I expect?I have read they are very meek and docile,I`m wondering will the other pick on them when they get in with the big girls(I know they will at first because they are new) will it be an ongoing thing?I have golden comets.EE`S,blacksexlinks.Do they eat more than the hens I have now because they are a bigger bird?
Tell me about your orpingtons
My Buff Orpingtons have not been particularly meek. One was always second in command after a very domineering Dominique; the others would follow me around and pull on my pant legs. It seemed to be a very Orpington trait because they were the only ones who did it and they were not related to each other.
My Faverolles and Dorkings were much milder and more timid. But they do say Orpingtons can be bullied, so I would just watch and see.
They do eat more than layers, since they are dual purpose and have bigger bodies, but I don't know that they would eat more than an EE.
Thanks I allso have two faverolles they are the same age as the 2 months old and are all in togather,they are the cutest things so soft,I love those feathery feet,I hope they both are girls.
I introduced 8 buff orpingtons to my flock about a month ago. They were about 1 1/2 months younger than the rest, but the rest weren't full-grown either. They DEFINITELY got picked on for about a week. We lost two, though there was no obvious reason why (no physical evidence of foul play by my other girls) and now I've got 5 boys and 1 girl (blech). When I saw they were getting chased and pecked, I put them in a wire dog kennel inside the coop for about a week. They did NOT want to be in there, and tried to run out every time I fed/watered them. Now, they still hang out together (the boys are sparring a bit) and they still get chased a bit, but it's much less now.
My BO rooster is the king. He is the ultimate handsome guy and keeps others in line.
My BO hen (I only have one) is fairly timid with me, but is assertive with the other hens and doesn't get picked on. She was not a new introduction though - she grew up as a chick with some of the others and they all just matured together. She is a consistent layer and a beautiful bird, if I can get close enough to have a good look at her!
My Buff Orpingtons are friendly with people but easily bullied by other hens - worst bullies are the Barred Rocks. I have had only one Orpington pecked bloody, however, and she was okay after I treated her with an Aluminum wound spray. (It made it look like she was wearing an armored helmet!) They start laying at 5 1/2 or 6 months and mine average 5 eggs a week the first summer, somewhat fewer thereafter, but the eggs are huge. They are probably my favorites over all.
What is Aluminum wound spray? Where do you get it?
I believe the one I used is called "Alu-Spray" and I got it at the feed store. I've also seen it at TSC.