kingandy3 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I had to put down one of my chickens yesterday, before she had even laid an egg. I now have two left, but would like a third. In about 4 weeks im going on holiday to india for 3 weeks, so should i get a new chicken now, or after i come back from india??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 It would be best to get two new hens: one will get picked on. If you get young hens, you must have somewhere else to put them until they grow to full size. There has been a sad story on the forum recently about a young hen that was viciously pecked. It's a good idea to have alternative accommodation in mind anyway. If hens don't initially take to each other, it is very stressful if they have to be cooped up together all the time. Introductions sort themselves out in time and are well worth it. But they can take a long time, maybe more than four weeks. I don't think it would be fair to let someone else have the burden of worry for three weeks. Why don't you choose now and collect the hen(s) as soon as you get back? It/they will be a little older and better able to withstand any unpleasantness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingandy3 Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 ok thanks, if i was to get 2 more, wld i be able to fit all 4 chickens in the run of the eglu comfortably??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi Ya, You would need the run extension on it to give them more space. Four will be fine in the eglu. If it were me I would get the extra run extension added on. I would leave it til you get back from holiday, you may only worry about them while you away. They can take quite some time to settle down and sort the pecking order out again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Have a dekko at **this article** about managing intros. If you are having 4 hens, an extension to the run will be necesary, as 4 will be pushed for space in the standard run. The Eglu itself will accommodate 4 comfortably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingandy3 Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 ok thanks all, very helpfulll Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I agree, wait till you come back, get a run extension and get 2 extra girls. Sorry to hear about your poor hen . What was wrong with her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingandy3 Posted June 19, 2008 Author Share Posted June 19, 2008 im not sure, neither was the vet. i think there was something wrong with her digestive system which meant anything she 8 just went straight through her body, and into her poo., making her malnourished dispite the fact there is plenty of food. plus she laid an shelless egg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
