Day two hasn't started off any better for Delilah unfortunately. I have never introduced a new hen to my small flock without a rooster before, and the difference is startling.
When Aslan was in charge of the girls he would always make sure the new arrival was treated nicely.
Now though, Brulee is head chicken, and she is not taking Delilahs arrival at all well.
Delilah is going to be sleeping separately for a while yet.
This morning when I let all of them out Brulee and Delilah had a go at each other through the cat mesh, so no injuries.
It's to be expected I have read.
Brulee is the dominant hen, so she needs to make sure that Delilah knows this.
I've never seen hens fight, as Aslan wouldn't allow it. And it's not a pretty sight. So it looks like I am going to keep Delilah separate for the following week. Perhaps by the weekend they may begin to warm to each other?
I don't think that I am really going to be able to avoid the whole pecking order routine.
And may simply need to allow them to sort things out hen style...
2 comments:
I don't know much about chickens, but I have had cats most of my life and when you bring in a new cat it is usually best to let them see and smell one another at a distance. This is usually done with the new cat in a crate or having a baby gate between them to watch how they react to each other and keeping them safe. Perhaps in a couple of days your chickens will get used to each other but allowing them to see and smell each other and making sure they don't get hurt should work...I wish you all the best.
Thank you, I do need a bit of luck with this situation 😕
Post a Comment