Chicken deficient Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I am now the proud owner of two green Eglus One is in the garden, for the the Pekin bantams, and the other is on the allotment. Do you think that ex-battery chickens would be ok out on the allotment? They would be in the run when we were at work, and then loose in a poultry netting enclosure when we were at home (the allotment is at the end of the garden). We have got a cockerel who would stay out on the allotment with them, but I am not sure how much of a shock he would be to them! My other thought was Shetland hens, but I don't know much about them, and I can't find much on the internet. As they lay blue eggs, I suppose they are part Araucana? How big are they, and how good are they at flying? Are they friendly too? Any other suggestions greatfully accepted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 THE BHWT advise against putting the ex-batts with a cockerel for a few weeks. Cockerels.........we always advise that it is best for the girls if they are kept separate from a cockerel for at least a couple of weeks - (a) they’ve never seen a cockerel and it’s a pretty scary experience when they do and (b) if he’s big and keen, he may do damage by jumping on a hen with weak legs and/or bald backs. If you can, give them a couple of weeks to build their confidence and strength. As long as you can observe them on a daily basis they should be ok in a foxproof run on the allottment. I'd keep them near to the house at first until you know they are reasonably fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 Thanks, I've seen pictures of how shocking they look when they are first rescued. Would they be better kept some where warmer, like in the garage for a while, until they recover a bit? It must be such a shock for them going from a tiny cage indoors out into the big outdoors to brave the elements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 As long as you lock them up in the eglu at night and maybe provide them with some shelter over the run, I'm sure they will be ok. A shower curtain with bungees over the run will stop the worst of the rain/wind. Good luck with your new girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
