abwsco Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Given that we haven't a spare coop how easy would it be to add a couple of new chickens to our ex-batts. Am thinking that it might be more difficult the longer we leave it or am I barking up the wrong tree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Pimlott Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 always to add more rather than less or equal numbers.. we will not sell single birds anymore as is causes too many problems and is also not fair on the newie and their welfare comes first. firstly make sure you have enough space especially if they are to be together for long periods so if they do have a squabble they can get away. introduce in the dark when existing hens are roosting there maybe an odd squabble when they wake whilst the pecking order is reastablished but should quickly be sorted out, make sure you are on hand to keep an eye on them, no lie ins!! we have introduced many many birds of all breeds and sizes over the years this way and have had no problems at all just scuffles that are quickly resolved. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustyangel Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Hiya Your girls will have an established pecking order already. I managed to add a couple more chickens to my coop after a month but I would make the following suggestions;- Try to make sure that the new birds are a similar age and size to the ones you already have. Introduce the new birds by putting them in a separate enclosure within the run if you can, with somewhere separate to sleep and eat to the rest of the flock. Leave them like this until they no longer peck at one another through the mesh then try introducing them properly without the divider. If the above is not possible, do what I did and put the new birds in the coop at night. They seem to take a lot less notice of two new bodies in the dark. Let them out early the next morning and distract them all with a shared treat like mealworms or porridge and keep a close eye on them. Good luck! Debs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Thanks Karen and Deb Our coop is big enough for 12 - 15 we're sure but not sure if our garden could cope with that many so we were wondering about another 3 that are POL. Thinking of coming to you Karen as I think you're are nearest supplier (we're in Lytham St Annes) so am off to look at your website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Pimlott Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 great we bring ours up together so you'll have no probs there.. we will try & find you older ones if you like BUT you might not have as bigger choice lookforward to seeing you.. fancy a hen party???? have a few dates & may puit a couple of advance courses on to chicken cuddles a plenty gauranteed (cant spell! ) Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 We got Gertrude & Rosda from Karen & Will last week. They are best buddies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
