Martin B Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 Hello, I've loved keeping my hens for just over a week and I think they are just great fun and great freinds. However I have now got a massive urge to get one more. I'm sure this happens to all hen keepers but I don't think my Mum or Dad would let me get another! I think I would be pushing my luck to ask for another but I really would like one. I'd like to know all about what other hen keepers have experienced after adding additional hens to an established flock. Is there more noise, smell, eggs, etc? I'm just about to have a browse in practical poultry for my nearest breeder. I might have to wait until approx mid-June beofre I go " Mummm, Daddd, can I have another chicken?" Thanks, Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 You are so funny Martin It happens to us all Martin. It happened to me after a year of owning my girls, not a week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 I'd like to know all about what other hen keepers have experienced after adding additional hens to an established flock. Is there more noise, smell, eggs, etc In my experience, Martin, there are more eggs and lots more fun! My four are great and I absolutely love them! I still want more though!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 26, 2006 Author Share Posted May 26, 2006 Well they would be in the run whilst I am at school but they could free-range both before and after. However because my dad works shifts he could let them out if he is around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 hi Martin I want more chooks too and I've had mine for nearly three weeks, but I will wait til I move to an even bigger house! Good Luck with pursuading your folks though - it's all in the way you say Muummmmm Daaaaaadddddd!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 Oh Martin,chickens are addictive aren't they? Yes,there are more eggs & more poo,,but really more chickens are not so much more work I would leave it a few more weeks,get the "olds" in a good mood,maybe nice & mellow after a long hot day & BBQ in the garden THEN ask them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melcotton Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 Martin - we started with 3 and then added another and then another! The pecking died down within 48 hours each time and no damage was done to the birds and now they are all the best of friends. From what I understand, they settle in quite well as long as the new chicken is prepared to accept their place in the pecking order. If they start vying to be top chick thats when the problems start! Mel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 Martin, do the "olds" drink? Mellow and merry at a barbeque could make it easier. I'm so bad I'm only joking really, it's their decision. Would they be in the run most of the time The run is only for 2 chickens, unless you got the extension, then you might as well get 2 more This time of the year is OK, but later in the year it will be dark more and they may well be in bed before and after school. As Lesley and Carly are new, it may be easier now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 27, 2006 Author Share Posted May 27, 2006 Thanks for advice, tips etc. All appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addiscomber Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 get the "olds" in a good mood,maybe nice & mellow after a long hot day & BBQ in the garden THEN ask them LOL. I read this as after along hot day at B&Q. That certainly wouldn't put me in a good mood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 I got my husband drunk. Although the most persuasive thing was telling him we'd have more eggs, as he is Duncan the Egg Monster. Poor girls turn their backs for a second and he's eaten the egg from under them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 LOl - He should get together with my Hubby. He had 4 boiled eggs for breakfast this morning,& the girls had 2 each Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellcat Posted May 27, 2006 Share Posted May 27, 2006 Hah! I know how you feel. After 2 eggs in pancakes for brekkie, then boiled eggs for the two kids and scrambled for Ian, baby and me, I'm out of eggs! I'm going to have to buy some to make brownies tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 28, 2006 Author Share Posted May 28, 2006 I'm making progress on the urge front. Managed to drop chickens into every conversation. The main factor was today. We was on a boat trip in Bath and their were gardens on either side. We noticed some Buff Orpingtons and some RIR in one of the gardens and my Mum said "I like them, why didn't you get some of those?" I said why don't we get some of those?" "mmmm" my My mum said. Anyway I have some money so can post everything and also perhaps get a new chook! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzy and Cathy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 What you've got to do now is put up pictures of your favourite chickens and the ones your mum likes, all over the house so your mum and dad see them everywhere and think 'Aww they're sooo cute! We've got to get some!' and then they will/might ask you if they can get some! If it's not working, get more pictures!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 30, 2006 Author Share Posted May 30, 2006 I keep showing my Mum pictures of Dolly(Clare T's chicken) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 What you've got to do now is put up pictures of your favourite chickens and the ones your mum likes, all over the house so your mum and dad see them everywhere and think 'Aww they're sooo cute! We've got to get some!' and then they will/might ask you if they can get some! If it's not working, get more pictures!!!! Is this what's in store for me?! Luckily you don't have to go to such lengths to persuade me to get more chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 30, 2006 Author Share Posted May 30, 2006 Good luck with finding a few more tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 No Martin, it's one more tomorrow! Are you clairvoyant? I don't remember saying I was going on a chicken quest tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 oh but Linda, How will you be able to resist!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Mmm, resistance is not my strong point..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quick! lock the girls out of the room before they try to win you over! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 I'm already won! There's no hope...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 31, 2006 Author Share Posted May 31, 2006 You didn't tell me, Lizzy did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 I keep showing my Mum pictures of Dolly(Clare T's chicken) I can see that I'm going to have to watch Dolly when you're around on Saturday Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
