Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[mad.hen1]

Hi all,

 

just wondering whether anyone has any advice or experience on introducing ex batt hens to an existing Pepperpot?

 

Posh has been holidaying with the hens down the road for the last few weeks having lost her buddy Pecks, but will be coming home in September - I hope to some new rescued girlfriends.

 

While I am anticipating the inevitable pecking I am wondering whether there is a best way to carry out the intros. Practically it would be difficult to keep her separate from the new ladies as they will all be in the same eglu, albeit with large netted area around.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Alternatively I could probably leave Posh with her new flock and just start over.... but would really prefer her home (sentimental me!)

 

Thanks, all.

[Sandychick]

I don't really know but I would have thought Posh being away for a while would make it a bit easier with the intros. If she comes back the same day as the ex batts arriving it might seem new to all of them? Depends on the condition of the ex batts too I think.

[daj198]

Hi Mad.hen1

 

I introduced a gingernut ranger to two established ex-batts by using two eglus and allowing them to freerange together for a while. Now they're friends!

 

I think it's a good idea to have Posh away for a while as there is usually only bad pecking if one or some of them feel it is their home being invaded. Having said that, you would then have to get Posh back and the ex-batts at the same time so that none of them get established before introducing others. That would probably be fine but the ex-batts would have to be in a good state to stand up to Posh's pecking as they sort out the pecking order as I assume she will be stronger than them and not have a clipped beak like them.

 

I hope this helps.

[Troy]

I would agree with sandychick. If Posh has been away then its probably like starting all over again. If you bring her home on the same day then it should be ok.

troy

[Tweety]

I'm afraid I would be tempted to leave Posh where she is if she has now settled down with her new friends and is happy with them. Introductions are stressful at the best of times, and Posh has had to cope with losing Pecks and moving to a new home and friends, whilst the ex-batts have had many awful experiences to contend with already. Good luck with whatever you decide, but you really will need separate housing if you decide to go ahead with the introductions.