Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 I was called last week to say the farm (where I got my girls) had more chooks ready and I was first on the list if I wanted any more. I have managed to stay away from there, I haven't even ventured near the roads leading to it, otherwise my car might drive there on it's on It took a lot of thought and consideration but although we would have liked three from the start, we have opted to stay with the two we have, as they are very committed to each other and I feel as a new chook owner I am not experienced enough and confident enough to do introductions (even if they are gradual) So if I start wavering remind me of my pledge to keep two please, pictures of bluebelles in my direction are forbidden Should the horrible happen and I lose one hen I will replace with two as I feel (and others have advised me) that this would be an easy introduction. Here's hoping I have strong will power.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 We did the same as you and started off with 2. Our 1st two hens were like peas in pods and never went anywhere without each other, also they were very quiet (unlike my lot now ). 2 are an ideal number to start off with as they dont take up too much of your time, you dont worry so much and you feel less guilty when you go away! When Sam died we then got 3 more - then things change! Stay away from that farm, you can do it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 yes mine are exactly that 'peas in a pod' unless grapes are on the scene and they are little minx's I have to stay away.. I cant possibly go and just have a look, I will come back with one for sure and I cant have that.. We can manage with the two girls fine, the run is huge for them, but it gives them ample space. Will power is not one of my strong points, and Bluebelles are gorrrrgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 I sometimes wish we only still had the 2. I wouldnt of course be without of any of my gorgeous girls, but life was easier with 2 and we bought a caravan and went away every weekend in it. since having the larger flock I feel guilty leaving them and we havent been anywhere in the caravan since september!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 my worry with two is if I lost one, which is why I wanted three but two is cool, I can round them up like sheep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 When Sam died leaving a lone Ella, she pined terribly - she sat in our kitchen on our mat for days . they were the best of buddies. We got our new girls pretty quickly and she became top chook then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 lol-good to see you've got some willpower cos not sure if i could have resisted with them being offered to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 my worry with two is if I lost one, which is why I wanted three but two is cool, I can round them up like sheep I dont even have to do that-all i do is stand at backdoor and say "chooky chooky chooky chooky" and they come running up to me. They've got better recall than my dog...! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 'some' willpower but not a lot.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane 20 Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 We started off with two then built a nice run ...now we have five! The introduction was quite stressful but chickens are soo addictive....first there's the excitement of which breed to have then there's going to get them, and choosing them then the new eggs to look forward to ..sorry i'm not being very helpful, i'll try again, there is also te problem of the introductions, getting them to bed is more difficult and the 'plant bashing' is twice as bad...but they are such fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Sounds like you're being very sensible . Have you read Claret's post about Prudence ? I was in a similar situation to you a couple of months ago. I really wanted one more hen but my 3 get on so well I was scared to rock the boat and risk turning my lovely natured trio into nasty bullies . I think you're definitely doing the right thing - if the worst happens and you lose one, then you will have no choice but to get more hens. I would just enjoy your two for the time being . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 yes I have been told I wear sensible shoes from time to time.. but they have their uses..and can be quite practical.. yes I know prudence well It is hard, because yes I LOVE them and yes I could have more but my head rules my heart for the sake of their safety and care really, I would hate to be stuck in a situation that I just couldn't handle regarding the intro's.. and I would not want to put them or myself through that. Like you say if I lose one then I will get two more and that will help, but here's hopeing I dont have to and I enjoy many years with my pair. Still it would be easier if the horsey places wasn't on the same land as the farmer with the chooks.... if I need any bedding etc that is going to be a true test of willpower.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 you could always do what I did... buy another eglu?!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 nice try. I dont use the eglu with run though, just the eglu in a walk in and I wouldn't want to have a seperate setup elsewhere, ... this is best I'll remind myself that again in the morning and then every hour just to make sure.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Hi Lynsey, Perhaps you could try hypnosis or maybe even henqupuncture to strengthen your resolve. But, if you give in, what's the worst that can happen? Things never can stay the same, can they? On the other hand, being happy with what you have is a good way to live. Whatever you do, enjoy it! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 oh I am happy with my girls believe me.. how could I not?? they are my darlings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisymay Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 you are being sensible...i started with 3 about 7 weeks ago and went to get one more but came back with 2! I have to say that the introductions were hardly stressful at all. We integrated them after 3 days and after a tiny bit of feather tugging (only when they went past each other really) they all now sleep together and roam around. The only issue they seem to have (after about 2 weeks) is when treats get thrown in...the 'oldies' seem to rule the roost there, but I just spread the treats around...no problem. I am not so sure I would be as keen to introduce hens if my girls were older....I think because they are all very young maybe they're not so sure of themselves. Our experience has been lucky I think compared to some people.... I am glad I expanded my flock but think I would've been equally happy with my 3....I only got the 2 more as they are blue layers....and I couldn't wait!!!! We have bought a cube now so things have got bigger than we planned much quicker!! Like I said, I think you are sensible and have way more willpower than me....but I love bluebelles as well!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I promise not to say a word Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchlayer Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Be sensible, two is fine. I know when you first get them the urge to get more unbelievable but resist, you CAN do it. Then if you unfortunately lose one you can buy another 3 which will bring you 4, and which is loads. I have been back to the farm twice now, and first time is was difficult not to sneek another 1 or 2 into a box, but the second time it was easier. hmm no hypnotising icon thingy, look into my eyes, you are feeling sleepy, three , two, one, bok bok , RESIST - YOU CAN DO IT, one two three, you're back. there is that better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 oh I feel much better now... I am a level headed kinda person really and wont take anything on unless I am sure so I think I will be fine, unless people mention bluebelles too much and I might go hide in a coner with a fluffy cushion or blue egg layers for that matter I definatley wont ever go for 4 , thats too many in the eglu at night IMO, 3 is max max max.... and that's in the future, not now, I dont intend to ever part with my orange eglu.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I definatley wont ever go for 4 , thats too many in the eglu at night IMO, not if two of them are squished up together in the nest box anyway sorry - not helping am I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 no your not unhanded tactics, that's what that sniffs off.. talking of squishing in nestbox, that's what Sugar and Cocoa do everynight now.. I clean the nestbox out so often I can do it in my sleep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Two words: Orange Cube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 You are just playing mean now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 You are just playing mean now I aim to please First 3 egg day today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
