Expanding your flockcan be one of the most fun parts of spring and summer on the farm . That said , it ’s significant to do it safely , so that all your bird are as barren of stress as possible . wad of dame assert a strict and aptly list pecking order . When you introduce new bird , such asgeeseand ducks , you should disturb this social structure as little as potential .
With any type of bird , the first pattern is patience . If you ’re introduce young birds , make certain they are old enough to be integrated with your established flock . A good pattern of ovolo is 6 to 8 weeks of age . But expend your opinion in comparing the size of it of your existing boo to the new ones . If the new birds are a destiny small , they ’re more likely to be strong-arm . Also , if you introduce only two or three new birds they are more likely to be peck on than if you introduce a large group . Kirsten Lie - Nielsen
Ducks and zany , generally verbalise , are more curious and less violent than chickens . While there can still be tearing combat , introductions are often a little bit more “ catch to know you ” and less harsh than can be the case with crybaby . As long as the raw birds are old enough and large enough , water bird debut should involve a few nips and pecks , but nothing more aggressive .
First, Let the Birds See One Another
The first step to usher in new birds to an existing flock ? Limited introductions . utilise a cage within the hencoop , or fence off an area of your tally for the new birds . This style , the plant flock can see them but the two groups can not interact physically . you could also give the young skirt some supervised fourth dimension with the ease of the lot , maybe 10 or 15 bit a daylight , as long as you are close by to interpose if necessary . It is easiest to do these kinds of intromission sojourn when the chick are loose - rate or in a large run . This direction , there ’s outer space for the new hiss to betray away from the be flock .
Orchestrate the Full Introduction
After a calendar week or two of unforesightful sojourn and viewing each other , you’re able to fully introduce your unexampled waterbird . I often do this in the morn when I permit everyone out for the daytime . This way , their first full clock time together is in a gravid area . This allow the fresh birds to find their own space if they need it . Do this on a day that you’re able to be around to watch how they get along and then finally coop them up together in the evening .
There will needs be some fighting when you introduce new birds . You should intervene only if a bird is getting hurt , because it is important to allow them to demonstrate dominance and Holy Order within the flock . If a bird is getting smart , separate it and return it to the space where everyone can see but not bother each other for another hebdomad or two .
Be Cautious With Adult Geese
There is an exception for goof . Geese , as much large birds , can in theory be infix to a mass of duck or chickens fair easily . However , there is always a risk of infection of the twat becoming aggressive toward those smaller birds . I do not commend cooping grownup geese with ducks or chicken at nighttime . They can stamp out small razz during their mating time of year . Young geese might be introduced OK this way of life , but it ’s important to monitor their behavior .
If you are introducing grownup chick purchased from a neighboring farm , make certain to allow a quarantine catamenia for wellness reasons . The young birds should be kept in a space where they can not interact with the existing flock at all , and their behavior and health can be watch . You should do this for a minimum of two week before beginning the integration process .
With right time and care give to introducing unexampled Bronx cheer , you ’ll have a well-chosen , structured flock of waterfowl in no time .
Kirsten Lie-Nielsen
Kirsten Lie-Nielsen
