Where did everyone else go? Mama and her keets checking out the door- won't be long before they head outside to explore!
This is the hectic time of year as we integrate the flock. A few weeks ago, when we were moving the original flock into the new coop, the guineas moved in with Mama (their chicken mother). Now, we have a group of younger chickens ready to move in. They have been living in a portable pasture pen in the same yard as the main flock. This way everyone can get to know each other, work out pecking order, but still have their own space as the process takes place. Well, time has come and they need to move... I have turkeys which need that pen since the other pen is already occupied by a different group of turkeys and the two new pens aren't finished yet. Besides, a few of those new chickens are now reaching 18 weeks old and may start laying any time (one is a leghorn pullet- known for maturing early). These new pullets need access to nesting boxes which the portable pens do not have. Plus, they will have many other hens modeling how to properly use these nesting boxes for the young ones. Just as I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it seems that things may be settled for a while, I went and ordered more broilers (due to arrive August 23-25th)! Here we go again!
A Buff Orpington hen ready to model good egg laying tips for the newbies!
Young Narragansett turkeys enjoying the sunshine!
