How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[Liam]

I'm struggling with this decision, and thought I'd ask for opinions. I have an eglu with a converter. I did have three chickens, which I bought together in March, they are 23 weeks ols now and laying. I recently lost Madge (documented elsewhere) and am now going to replace her with another Copper Black, as the dark eggs were lovely, as was she! Thing is, I really fancy a normal, brown Gingernut-style chicken too, and I've read some many times that integrating 2 chcikens with 2 will be easier than 1 new one to 2 existing, especially as the new ones will be only 16 weeks and not laying yet.

 

Given the space I have, and the fact that really I can't afford fifty quid for an extension right now (having lots done to the house too, and already spending lots on the eglu, etc!) do I:

 

1) Just get one chicken

2) Get two chickens, in the existing run and buy an extension in a few months.

3) Get 2 chickens and keep it as standard run + converter?

 

They get a couple of hours free ranging most days, bit more at the weekend. All thoughts on the above very welcome!

 

I'm going to section off the converter from the main run to make the introductions easier, and the one or two new birds will have to be taken out of the converter each night and put in a rabbit hutch in the shed (or kitchen!) overnight to keep tem safe. Using this method, what kind of reactions can I expect do you think? Please tell me they will all get along lovely straightaway!!??

[Christian]

Hello Liam.

 

I introduced 3 to an existing 2 but bought another eglu. On the first day free ranging together there was a bit of squabbling, but nothing too major. By day 2 all of them were asleep in one eglu

 

I would get 2 and an extension when you can. Add extra feed/water stations and hope for the best!

 

It is possible that they will get on ok, as the 'old' girls aren't that old yet.

 

All the best

[Abbey Road Girl]

Please keep in mind that I have very little personal experience and that others will come along with more under their belt.

 

However, I do think that introducing two to two is probably wise. Given your financial constraints and the fact that there is a fair amount of free ranging, I would guess that it would be okay to add more room for them in due course.

 

I'm not at all sure that others would agree and I'm not au fait with Eglus, but I think that integrating the hens successfully should have a high priority.

[Egluntyne]

I would get two and get the converter later, as soon as funds allow.

 

There will be sufficient room for them for the short term, especially if they are free ranging.

 

Come the winter, when their opportunities to play out lessen, then I'd have the extension in place.

[Liam]

Thanks everyone, I suppose this is the kind of answer I was looking for! Any excuse to get another chicken... addictive aren't they!

 

Hoping to collect (probably) 2 new ones at the weekend! Will then have to look at an extension before the winter as Eglutine suggests.

 

Liam

[Hen Watch]

do I:

1) Just get one chicken

2) Get two chickens, in the existing run and buy an extension in a few months.

3) Get 2 chickens and keep it as standard run + converter?

They get a couple of hours free ranging most days, bit more at the weekend.

 

I'd say option 3. Have I got this right, you already have a converter on your standard run anyway so the extention you are considerting would be in addition????

 

I have 4 hybrids in an eglu + standard run + 1 converter and mine free range about half the day. They are fine. The converter gives them useful extra space.

[Liam]

Have I got this right, you already have a converter on your standard run anyway so the extention you are considerting would be in addition????

 

Yes - that's right, have a standard run + converter and considering an additional extension. I think I`ll go with the flow with 4, see how it all goes and get an extension if I think it's needed in a few months.

 

Should be getting them this Friday, can't wait, even booked the afternoon off work to go chicken shopping!!!