Bantams with standards

[GodLovesU]

So I am receiving a bantam hen and a bantam rooster today. They are about four months old. I have a flock of nine standard hens, five of whom are still pullets. What is the best way to integrate them? I am not too concerned because before they were living with 30 to 40 standard chickens and three turkeys. The hen has a severe Crossbeak, but can eat and drink OK. I don’t know what breed they are, possibly Mille Fleur D’Uccles? I will try to post pictures later. Also I think they can fly my run. Should I clip their wings today or wait till they have settled in tomorrow? would it be best to cover the run? All help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Mrs. K]

Just as a heads up, often times, birds with crossbeam have other genetic issues.

Bio security should be considered, quarantine is very difficult to do properly in a backyard set up, and you really can't cheat. If your are going to quarantine, you really need to do it all, or it is just pretending. Would you be devastated if you brought in a disease and lost the works?

A lot of clutter in the run will help. And I have found that if I let the original birds out of the coop and run, lock in the new ones it is very helpful. This allows the new birds to explore, find hide outs, find feed bowls without being chased for their lives. They get some territorial rights to the place.

Good luck,

Mrs K