New chicken keeper needs help

[Anonymous]

Hi, New to chicken keeping, new to the forum, Hi everybody
A bout 4 weeks ago I bought 2 chickens (a Kraienkoppe and a Brahma now about 15 weeks old), both free range. Long story short the Brahma was killed by a neighbor’s dog last Thursday. My Kraienkoppe was lost and seemed lonely and kept wanting to come in the house (tapping on the window and back door) So on Friday I got 4 more chucks, 1Brahma, 1 Cochin, 1 Buff Orpington and a Pekin. All are about 10 weeks or so old.
The Kraienkoppe is not happy with the new arrivals and despite following the advice given she still pecks them fiercely two of which now have bald bums. I am keeping them separate at the moment new chucks inside a small wire run and the Kraienkoppe free in the garden (where she is used to being) the Kraienkoppe keeps pacing up and down sits down by the side of the run and jumps on top as if to try and get in, as soon as she is inside its bedlam. I know its still early days but what shall I do keep them apart, let them all free in the garden or let the Kraienkoppe into the house and run with the new girls? Has any one got any ideas?

 

[Davidd]

Hello and welcome to the forum
I would try and keeep themseparate until they are a little older- the younger ones will get bullied and can even be killed. Let them see each other but keep them separate for at least another month- then you can let them all out under supervision and slowly introduce them free ranging there will be some bullying but they should be big enough to look after themselves by then- good luck.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this - much appreciated
I visited my local Scats store and they sold a spray which is used on the chickens which are being pecked, has anyone tried this - does it work? It costs about a tenner so would like to know its success rate first

 

[snifter]

Good advice given already.

Just one thing, you've got a Pekin in amongst all those (soon to be) very large breeds. I'd be wary of keeping only one bantam breed with large breeds as they do like something their own size to cuddle up with and to pal round with. Also the sheer difference in size can make for a lonely life if any of them pick on her (and if she decides to fight her corner she could get badly injured).

Although saying that I recall having only one large Marran and a pekin hen left after a fox attack and they became friends. But being only 2 it was never an issue. You've got all very large breeds and one small one.

Perhaps consider a bantam friend for her?

 

[ncotb]

Follow advice already given, get a little pekin friend for your pekin. i would imagine that you brahma will pal up with the more docile ones as brahmas are usually sooo soft ( have 2 ). The pekins could well eventually rule the roost as even though they are generally very sweet, they can be quite feisty with other birds & can hold their own once they are mature saying that currently have trio of pekin growers (8 weeks) trying to beat up 2 LF silkies, a marans & welsummer LOL!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice - I don't need too much encouragement at all to invest in another chuck, would another Pekin be the best bet or can I go for a different breed of bantam?

 

[ncotb]

Pekins are really cute, so would be nice to get another as a friend, but have a look around at peoples pictures, put chicken breeds in the search facility. Everyone has different birds that are their favourites & there are always more on the wishlist!! :lol: