One June 10th, two new chicks joined our flock! Currently eight weeks old, the chicks are currently in transitional quarantine. The new chicks are significantly smaller than the adult hens, so they're being kept separately until they get bigger. This also allows for a slow introduction into the existing chicken pecking order.
The chicken pecking order is the social structure that exists within a group of chickens. It determines the social rank and dominance relationships among the individuals in the flock. The pecking order is established through pecking and aggressive behavior, with higher-ranking chickens having priority access to food, water, and preferred nesting spots. In our flock, Spicy Mildred is at the top of the pecking order.
When a new chicken is introduced to an existing flock, there is a period of aggression to establish their place within the pecking order. Chickens higher in the hierarchy will peck, chase, or intimidate lower-ranking ones, establishing their dominance. With the tremendous size difference, this poses a safety risk for the new chicks.
For a few more weeks, the dietary needs of the chicks and the laying hens will be different, and so its important to feed them separately and monitor the food intake. The adult hens and the chicks have their own separate water and food sources in addition to separate sleeping and hanging out areas.
So far, the hens have been mildly curious about the new additions.
The chicken pecking order is the social structure that exists within a group of chickens. It determines the social rank and dominance relationships among the individuals in the flock. The pecking order is established through pecking and aggressive behavior, with higher-ranking chickens having priority access to food, water, and preferred nesting spots. In our flock, Spicy Mildred is at the top of the pecking order.
When a new chicken is introduced to an existing flock, there is a period of aggression to establish their place within the pecking order. Chickens higher in the hierarchy will peck, chase, or intimidate lower-ranking ones, establishing their dominance. With the tremendous size difference, this poses a safety risk for the new chicks.
For a few more weeks, the dietary needs of the chicks and the laying hens will be different, and so its important to feed them separately and monitor the food intake. The adult hens and the chicks have their own separate water and food sources in addition to separate sleeping and hanging out areas.
So far, the hens have been mildly curious about the new additions.
Our newest additions are different types than what we already have in our flock. New to the mix is a Buff Orpington and a Black Sex Link.
Buff Orpingtons are a breed of chicken known for their beautiful golden buff-colored feathers. They are bigger sized birds, known for their friendliness and fluffiness. They lay large brown eggs and are an excellent breed for northeastern winters.
Black Sex Link chickens are a crossbreed between a barred or black rooster and a red hen. They are often known as Black Stars, Black Rocks, or Black Reds. The gender of Black Sex Link chicks can be determined by their feather color at hatch. Female chicks hatch with black feathers, whereas male chicks hatch with all red feathers.
Buff Orpingtons are a breed of chicken known for their beautiful golden buff-colored feathers. They are bigger sized birds, known for their friendliness and fluffiness. They lay large brown eggs and are an excellent breed for northeastern winters.
Black Sex Link chickens are a crossbreed between a barred or black rooster and a red hen. They are often known as Black Stars, Black Rocks, or Black Reds. The gender of Black Sex Link chicks can be determined by their feather color at hatch. Female chicks hatch with black feathers, whereas male chicks hatch with all red feathers.
Soon we'll need names for our new chicks!
