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

[sootem]

I have got 6 beautiful, gentle goldline hybrids which I got nearly five weeks ago. Having really caught the bug I really would like four more - maybe true breeds. Not sure yet because there don't seem to be many breeders in Northumberland - please prove me wrong.

 

Would it be all right to have ten chickens in a cube - they free range all day?

 

Would the old girls get on with the new girls?

 

I don't want to upset the status quo

 

Any adive more than welcome for a newbie.

 

Susanx

[Egluntyne]

Advice on introducing new hens to an established flock **here**.

 

If they free range all day and are quite safe from foxes, 10 will be happy in a cube at night.

 

I find all 12 of mine pile into it, even though an Eglu is available too.

 

Don't introduce chickens that are younger than about 22 weeks to your older girls, as they will marmalise them.

 

Do the slow intros, using separate accommodation and you will be OK, there might be a few squabbles but with careful handling, it should all be over quickly.

Edited June 9, 2008 by Guest

[Laura & CTB]

Don't introduce chickens that are younger than about 22 weeks to your older girls, as they will marmalise them.

 

 

Technical term there Egluntine??

[Egluntyne]

Yes. Deeply scientific!

[sootem]

Hi everyone

 

Thank you for your posts. Unfortunately I don't have any other accomodation other than my cube so what should I do. Can't afford to buy any other accomodation.

 

Help

 

Susanx

[sootem]

Just another thought which may make a difference - the girls I have are only 23 weeks old? Thoughts please.

[Gallina]

You can put hens the same age in, but not younger ones.

 

Your sweet little hens will turn into monsters as soon as they see the new ones, and if they are smaller they will suffer injury.

 

This is the reason the market is not being flooded with secondhand eglus as a result of people upgrading to cubes.

[Egluntyne]

I would try to borrow some other accomodation of you can, a rabbit hutch or similar, just for a short while.

[sootem]

Yes I will try to find some alternative accomodation.

Thanks everyone

[AJuff]

Hi Sue,

 

I wondered how long the it would be before new hens cam onto the horizon. They are so lovely and I always want more.

 

I am picking up two Ambers and 2 Sussex from Gatehouse Poultry on Saturday. They are just near the Dalton Park Outlet park in Durhame. Not sure what he's got left but he's expecting a huge order in at the end of July with blue egg layers and the like. He'll pre order for you too if you ask.

 

Also Gavin in Penrith has Welsummers for £23 each at POL. Details of both below. Good luck choosing!!! Do keep me posted.

 

gavin Tel: 07771707245

Email: penrithpoultry@hotmail.co.uk

 

Gatehouse chickens http://www.meadowsweetpoultry.co.uk/agents.htm#Durham