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

[millymollymandy]

Hi I decided a while ago to get chickens and ordered an eglu.

 

Then I found out I was moving house so due to financial reasons I put the idea on hold.

 

However now I have found a second hand eglu near where I currently live therefore

saving me a few pennies.

 

My dilema is that the lady who is selling the eglu had a home for her chickens that has fallen through and asked if I would take them as well!

 

I was going to wait till I had moved in and was settled before I got the chickens so I don't know whether to say yes or not. The other thing is I know I will be away from home next weekend from Friday to Sunday and so not sure if that is a bit cruel the first week I have them.

 

Will the chickens get stressed at moving twice?

 

This has all happened fast and I don't know whether to wait till I move or just dive straight in!

 

Any thoughts would be usefull as I am supposed to give her an answer tonight ahhhhhhhhhhh What do ido?

[Egluntyne]

Perhaps some-one could look after them whilst you move. Have you looked at the chicken sitters list?

 

It seems a pity to pass on this opportunity.

 

Whereabouts are you?

[Patricia7455]

Even though they would have to move twice, you might be a better mum to them than anyone else who might take them.

 

But from your point of view, if you want eggs, are they in good laying order still?

[millymollymandy]

Just found out I will only be away for one day this weekend so don't feel as guilty now if I get them!

The lady has only had the chickens since august so should be good for eggs.

In my excitement I haven't actually asked why she is getting rid of the chickens so soon perhaps I need to investigate before I say yes.

[RubyReckless]

To be honest, I would rather choose my own pets.

 

I'm sure they would cope with moves - it might send them off lay for a few days (happens anyway at this time of year for a lot of chooks) but they'd soon be right as rain.

 

Why she is getting rid is important - if they are a bit too noisy or fight a lot or are pecky she might not say so directly. Also, how tame? if you want very tame pet hens it is best to handle them a lot when they are younger so older birds might not be so amenable.

 

I think you'd probably be doing a nice thing, taking her birds on, but i have to admit if it were me I'd prefer to get hens for myself when I was ready for them.

[mostin]

I got my two girls with a second hand eglu, they were both a year old and settled in really well. I don't regret getting them that way at all and are wonderful first timers chickens.

[Olly]

go for it, that sounds like a bargain. I adopted some pre-loved chickens, and they have been very rewarding.

 

You might want to find a friend to take them into their garden, say the day before the move until the day after, because it will be less stressful for you, but the chickens won't be bothered.

 

It would be worth asking why she is getting rid of them so soon, but if she's only had them since August they should be fine.

[Hen Watch]

Don't let being away 1 day, put you off accepting what might be a good deal (with or without chickens included). Food and water topped up and they will be OK if you go away overnight. If you are worried, buy a spare grub/glug set from Omlet.

 

If she's had the chickens since August you could still consider taking them on. But make sure you know their history and what you are taking on.

 

1. Make sure they are all hens. You probably won't want a cockerel.

2. How old are they? Eg. did she get them POL (point of lay) in August so they are quite young with a good while of egg laying in front of them, or are they ex-battery hens? If so, they are still lovely hens but do they still lay, how old are they etc? This question is just so you know what to expect in terms of egg laying etc.

3. Are they pure breeds (that don't lay all year round) or hybrids (that lay more frequently but perhaps not as long as pure breeds)?

 

Have fun deciding what to do.

[Egluntyne]

5 of my girls were "nearly new". They came as a foursome originally and then a single girl last year. All have been a pleasure to have. I have 3 ex-batts as well.

 

Maybe you could go and observe them. Are they gouging chunks out of each other and sporting injuries or playing nicely?

 

Ask to owner directly why she is getting rid. Maybe chickens just aren't for her.

 

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[chickenanne]

I wouldn't worry about two moves; maybe not ideal, but not terrible either.

I would ask why she isn't keeping them: the chances are it's something to do with her and not with the chickens, but worth asking first anyway.

Otherwise, I'd go for the bargain!

[millymollymandy]

Hi thanks for the advice I have decided to get them I couldn't resist!

I spoke to the lady and found out why she is getting rid of them so soon. It was supposed to be a joint project with her daughter who I think has lost interest, also she is fed up of them eating her veg!

They are ex-batts which is what I wanted in the first place so hopefully all will be well. I am going to pick them up this afternoon so wish me luck!!!

No doubt I will be picking your brains soon about all things chicken

 

Just to get you started I have a question about slug pellets and chickens. I put some down about a month ago but there are some left on the flower beds. They are "pet friendly" but does that include chickens? I don't want to let them out and poisen them!!

[quinlan]

Enjoy your new girls... chickens are great fun!!!

[Patricia7455]

Congratulations on your new chickens

 

As regards the slug pellets I would be worried about that, but don't know the answer, someone in the forum will know but it might be better to post a new thread as it's a new query then you might get more response.

[mostin]

Yayyyy , well done, another soon to be chicken addict. I adore my pre-loved girls.

 

I feel bad that I can't give you any concrete advice about the slug pelletts either. Surely with them being pet friendly, down a month already, and all this heavy rain they can't be that high a risk. That is my gut instinct anyway but i'm sure the experts will be along shortly.

 

congratulations again .

[Olly]

Congratulations, I'm sure you've made a good decision.

 

I'm inclined to agree with Mostin - after a month, and the heavy rain, they are probably not a risk; to be honest, it's going to be jolly difficult for you to find them anyway if you wanted to remove them, isn't it? If you can still see them, scoop them up but if they are supposed to be 'pet friendly' then it's probably ok.