halfdozenchooks: A few pictures of the new girls

A week has passed since we introduced the new girls to our flock. The first evening I had to place them into the coop and for the next 3 to 4 days they rarely came out. I think the bigger chucks were patrolling the outside run and scaring them in. Saying this, we haven't had any bad pecking or fighting so this is good.

By Thursday the new girls were alot more confident and everything seemed harmonious. All the chickens are roaming around the run together as a nice little group. All except one that is! Caroline has become broody and is sitting in the nestbox. We have no cockeral so she won't be having any babies, but I have read that sometimes the broody behaviour can be so strong that the hen doesn't get up to eat and drink. She could then become ill through dehydration. We are having to turf her out to ensure she is drinking and we are collecting the eggs regularly. As soon as they are laid she is straight on top of them.

The weather has been particularly bad these last few days and the run is quite waterlogged. It doesn't seem to bother the chickens though. They have been wading through the puddles. There are plenty of places they can stand out of the water and the house is nice and dry. Afterall, if it really upset them they would just stay in the house.

Since the new girls are out and about I have been able to get a few more photos.

Blossom