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

[josephine77]

Hi everyone,

 

I've had my 2 girls for nearly a month now, and I have only one regret - I wish I'd had more!! I would very much like to introduce a further 1-2 hens to the flock (with the addition of an Eglu run extension), but I realise that I may need to set up some temporary accommodation for them, while they all get used to one another. I am on a budget, and was wondering if any of you had any good ideas for setting up a temporary home for the new girls without breaking the budget! I was thinking of borrowing a rabbit hutch, but unfortunately don't know anyone with one that's not in use. I'm afraid building one is out of the question too, as DIY skills are really not my forte!

 

Any ideas would be really appreciated!

 

Thanks all,

 

Jo

 

xxx

[Snowy]

You could try freecycle for a rabbit hutch? You are right - temporary accomodation does seem to be the best way to introduce new girls. Some have the 'new' accomodation at the other end of the eglu run. Might be worth seeing if there are any other omletteers nearby who might rent out an eglu on a temporary basis?

[Snowy]

Just looked and you are also in Leicestershire - if I had a spare eglu I would lend it to you, but I don't, sorry!

[josephine77]

Oh bless you, that's very kind - I will have a look on free cycle - perhaps I'll get lucky on there - thanks very much! It's worth knowing there's a chicken expert in leicestershire though

[Egluntyne]

Article **here** on managing intros.

 

Temporary separate accommodation and a slow approach is best. I hope you can find a hutch/ borrow an Eglu.

[josephine77]

Thanks very much.

 

J

x

[Gallina]

The trouble is you can't tell in advance what the introduction is going to be like.

 

When I was ignorant, I introduced two new pure breeds (younger but larger than my Omlet girls) without any precautions, and they had settled down within 24 hours.

 

Then when I got a Cube, I introduced two more and that was quite different, and I was so grateful to have the eglu. This time it took a month before I dared to put them together.

 

You do have to have a Plan B.