A friend of mine is giving me 8 small, young chickens that need homes. They are not pure anything, though they look to me like Modern Game. He says they're just "banties". They've been caged, and my thought is to keep them caged by themselves inside the coop with my other fullsized (mostly) chickens for 2 weeks before releasing them. It works with other fullsized chickens, but I've never tried introducing smaller ones.
Any thoughts?
Introducing "banties" to large size fowl
My first thought was quarantine for a while before plan B which would be to keep them inside with yours.. Just to make sure you are not introducing any cootiez to your home flock.. Even though they might look healthy and you trust the person, it's still better safe than sorry.
The only other thing I'd think of is the roosters would fight through the wire.. I'd keep them in sight, but not where they could fight through the wire and become enemies before they are released..
That may not be possible, but I hope it all works out for you.
There is always going to be some comotion in the establishing of the pecking order...I just turned three seramas loose with four game hens and their was a one hour stand off between the gamehen Roosters (2) and the serama roosters (2) with two hen's (hen's) and 1 serama hen. After a one hour stand off and chasing one another. I had to step in once, and now they are all running together and doing fine. I also have two serama who live with seven standards and they also get along very well. Not crowding them I believe is the most important ingredient. I agree with ZZs that an appropriate quarntine is a real security measure...Good luck...Hay
Im with Hay! Most of my Seramas are penned together but whenever they are around larger breeds they think they are just as big. My little Roos will stand to the end against a larger chicken! Now I wouldnt want to try setting "banty" Chicks loose with larger breeds... I doubt that they could hold their own!
( Uh.....whats with this new script, I dont think I like it!!!)
I like it,its easy for me to read.
What new script?
OMG Porkpal you have me rolling on the floor with laughter...Your are such a hoot...LOL
I should have been more specific *G*. These littlies have been at a neutral (chicken free) location for 3 weeks. I don't have quarantine space here right now, so that's how we worked it out.
Thanks, they won't be in a place where they can confront the big roos, the cage isn't accessible fron the floor or perches. I hope it will work out. The original plan wqas to build them their own facility, but it's too cold for me to do that, my hands just don't work :(
I've got a different script now....
Catmad: Your just having to much fun with all of this aren't you...LOL...Sorry the cold makes it hard for you hands to work cause your heart is surely working well...Hay
Of course I am:). Isn't that the point of these little buddies? Don'tI do feel rather wimpy, it's not really all that cold compared to some people, like you, maybe? I did try to put a few nails in yesterday, and found that my gloves (big and puffy) weren't conducive to hitting the nail...
Today should be better, and I'll be ready for the newbies, but Saturday will be the coldest yet.