Rick changed out the door between the bedrooms, we added a feeder and waterer to the second side. Oh yea, and he added a shelf for night-time snoozing. Our girls have never used the roosting bars he installed long ago; they prefer a shelf.
We kept the new four separated for one week to the day. Then yesterday we flung open the dividing door and observed.
Sweet Pea was the first to cross the line into enemy territory and let those newbies know exactly what she thought of them. She puffed up those feathers are big as could be and postured an attack. We waited for open warfare to begin, but... There was a lot of talking and slowly the old six wandered into the other bedroom. Finally I said we just have to let them duke it out.
I remember gnashing my teeth as I watched Natural (my horse pictured above on the right) rearing and fighting with a former buddy over a mare. You just gotta let them duke it out.
When I returned to tuck everyone in about three hours later, there was relative calm.
Before the door is opened
A little peeking
Now, the real challenge will be when we let the newbies out into the donkey yard and attempt to round them back up. It's a simple matter with the old six. Shake the treat can and tell them it's treat time or banana time and they come scurrying. I think I need to start teaching the newbies what the shake of the meal worm bag means and life may be simpler.
The new girls: Emmy Lou 2, Peggy Sue 2, Etta James, Joannie B for Joan Baez).
That's a neat solution, I shall pass along to my chicken-raising daughter.
ReplyDeleteAll looks happy inside the coop....
Hugs,
~Jo
I knew you would be great at this integration business Janet. You have a fabulous set-up and space really is the key. Loved the photo's - what lovely girls you have and lucky them to find themselves in such a wonderful forever home.
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