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

[batty hen]

It all started several months ago with the idea that we could offer a home to some ex-batts. We were so excited. We chose and ordered a home (purple cube) and contacted the BHWT then we waited . . . and waited. Heard nothing back so thought OK we could order two Omlet girls to get us started. Finally the BHWT did contact us and explained that it was a really bad idea to introduce ex-batts to an existing flock. Even though I had done lots of research about introducing chickens, separate coops and runs, slow and supervised introductions, give them time etc, never having kept chickens this has really dented our confidence. So we have finally decided to order 4 Omlet girls and postpone the ex-batts until our girls have trained us up to being responsible chicken keepers that know one end of a chicken from another. Gosh I don't think I've ever been on such an emotional roller coaster - it's exhausting! I hope our girls won't feel too much pressure of responsibility when they arrive on 22nd August! Disappointed not to be getting ex-batts straight away and hoping we've done the right thing. . . but still very excited.

[Willow]

Hi

I think you have done the right thing. Whilst I've been happy to find chicken keeping is easier than I expected it is better to get the hang of things with healthy chickens. Then when you do go for ex-bats you'll know what is normal behaviour and what is cause for concern.

Hope it all goes well

Patricia

[Yolky]

Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy them just the same.

[FruitandNutCake]

I did the same thing - opted for 3 healthy chickens 3 months ago because there was a long wait for ex-batts. In a way I'm glad I did, as I now know what healthy chickens look and act like. I was totally surprised Friday afternoon to get a call out of the blue - and promptly collected 4 ex-batts Friday evening.

 

I have the space to keep them separated for quite a long time if needed.

 

Enjoy the chickens you get - and you'll probably be wanting more anyway!