The Poultry Keeper

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Got two blackrocks yesterday (with 3 other hybrid chooks) - the one looks quite a bit younger as it doesn't have much of a crown showing yet. While the other birds - all 'older' are happy scratching around (and we've just bought in our first two eggs) - the younger black rock is just snoozing with her head tucked under her wing and standing on one leg - should I be concerned about her 'inactivity' or just let her get on with it? I don't want to fuss about them but equally I don't want to miss something which might indicate somethings wrong.....

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Well done those girls giving you your first eggs, excellent. Does the smaller one seem much younger than the others? Maybe worth a phone call to the breeder to find out what ages the girls were and tell them of your concerns for the younger girl
I would keep a close eye on the one on her own. It could just be that she's finding it more difficult to adjust than the others or it could be something more than that. Did you put acv in their water?

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

didn't put it in the water they had ready for when they arrived yesterday but when we put fresh newspaper in and clean them out later I'll put some in then - 1 week in a month isn't it - or shall I do a bit longer as they're new?

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

No just do it for a week and then 3 weeks off and then give it to them again. Once they're settled you could move the time you give it to a time to suit you. I used to give it the first week of the month ~ much easier to remember

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

yes the smaller one does look much younger - she's not really any different in size to the other br but her comb isn't really visible and the other ones is - that's what makes me think she's younger. I'll try the acv and just keep an eye on her - there's no sign she's being picked on - though the two brs are obviously at the bottom of the pecking order. Thanks for your help.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Keep us informed how she's doing, Helen

Nursie · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 162

She's probably just getting used to things. When we got the last batch of 5 Black Rocks they stayed very close to their house and were very quiet and inactive for a week or so, then soon got the hang of things and now firmly rule the roost!! (pardon the pun!)

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

My 2 new black rocks are still definitely at the bottom of the pecking order. They are spending most of the day in the house rather than coming out into the run. When they come out the others are quick to chase them off and pull a few feathers. I know they'll take time to settle but don't like to see only 3 out in the run when I know we have 5! The br's are friendly enough with me - they seem to like it when I'm out in the garden but I can't spend all day at home with them! I've actually phoned the place we got them from and asked if they'll take them back if they don't settle more - so I'll see how things are at the weekend. I suppose it's like with humans - you can tell a picked upon child to stand up for themselve but they often don't - same with the chickens!! There is no sign of more vicious attacks but I had expected them to all be out for most of the day - these 2 come out when they're sent out (when the others go into lay) and when they know I'm there.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

It's still early days Helen, at least wait until the weekend. Have you got 2 lots of food out and 2 lots of water, so that the black rocks can feed and drink without being pushed out of the way? Are they all kept in the run or do you let them out to free range?

HelenP · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144 Location: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

They are in a run (2.2m by 1.2) I don't let them free range because I back onto open fields and know there are foxes and badgers around (my next door neighbour feeds them) - we also have quite a high cat population (next door has 3) - I know cats shouldn't be a problem but don't want to come home to the scene of a massacre!! I did wonder if the run is to small to support the 5 of them - the blurb said it will house 6/7 med size chickens - actually as the br's are a bit smaller than the bluebelle and buttercup maybe the bigger girls aren't really medium sized. I don't want to have to take them back but equally don't want chicks who aren't happy/willing/able to come out and guddle about. I know there is a pecking order to be established and guess it has been but thought once that happened they would live in relative peace without squabbling every day - or maybe that's normal?