4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[susan l]

Ok, Talullah died on Tuesday, it was a horrible mess and very upsetting with lots of blood, assuming broken egg inside her, can't believe she was fine in the morning and dead by 7pm, many tears were shed by myself and my daughter who now says 'Lullah in the sky with aeroplanes and helicocifs', she's only 2, bless.

 

Obviously, I couldn't leave Betsy on her own so my OH agreed to let me get two more hens yesterday. We kept them apart but in sight of Betsy yesterday and they all bedded down in the eglu last night quite peacefully. This morning Betsy was having none of it so I separated them again and by lunchtime everyone seemed quite happy so I decided to brave it and let them mix. Betsy is aggressive at the best of times (the cat is even scared of her) so I expected some pecking etc anyway. She is doing a fair amount of feather pulling and pecking but no blood spilled so far. Anyway, I have to go back to work tomorrow, so should I separate them again just in case? I don't want 1 step forward and 2 back, but I don't want carnage either. I've never had to integrate new birds before, Betsy and Talullah sorted themselves out quite peacefully and got on very well. Any advice gratefully receieved form those in the know!

[chelsea]

is there anyway you can seperate your eglu run whilst you are at work?

 

I think I would, just an idea - if you have any garden canes you could slat them through the mesh halfway in the run so they can all see each other but they cant fight whilst you are at work (of course make sure there is food and water each side ) then when you are home you can supervise with them all together/free ranging.

 

Im sure the introduction wont take long. it took us a week.

[susan l]

Yep, the eglu run and home made bit are easily separated so that they can have their own space. I was doing that with them yesterday and today so will revert again. I think I have definitely rushed things a bit today, poor Twinkle is feeling very picked on! or should that be PECKED on (groan )

 

Thanks for the advice, Chelsea, and for letting me know it took you about a week. I will lower my expectations. No one likes enforced socialising! Thanks again.

[Abbey Road Girl]

I see that you had Tallulah for some time, Susan. Must have been very heartbreaking to lose her that way.

 

Best of luck with the introduction. It looks like there's every chance that it will work out fine.

[superjules]

That must have been awful for you. Poor thing.

 

I'd definitely separate them while you are not there to supervise. If you can keep them within eyesight and smell of each other then that would be ideal.

[andrewandcarly]

we kept our two new hens, mary and margaret apart from the other 4 for a week. they could all see each other and we used to let the get together for 10 minutes or so during the day. at the end of the week we opened the door and they all got along famously!!

[susan l]

I have definitely rushed things, how typical of me!! Anyway, thanks for all your kind words and encouragement. I will follow your advice and keep fingers crossed that Betsy will be more accepting next weekend.

[Egluntyne]

Good luck.

 

Why not encourage them to share treats. That helps them get used to one another.

 

You can sprinkle them along the bottom of whatever barrier you use and they can peck at them together. Sweetcorn or a handful of raisins would be ideal.

 

Sorry to hear about poor Talullah.

[SAB]

So sorry to hear about poor Tallulah.

[susan l]

Peace has fallen in the run, thankfully. They were separated for most of last week and then I let them mingle on Saturday. It wasn't exactly warm and fluffy but they have got used to each other and are quite happy now. So much so, that Beans has laid ger first egg today, clever girl! Thanks to you all for your advice and kind words about Talullah. x

[chelsea]

sounds good

 

Its a relief isnt it. When my chooks are happy - I am !!

 

Didnt really take long either. Well done.