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

[Chook n Boo Mum]

I have been asked to foster 4 beautiful Orpington girls, as their mum's mum is very poorly and needs loads of attention at the girls cost.

 

I have my 3 monsters as below, and I have 4 ex-batts coming next week. They will all have their own houses & runs.

 

I have already said yes I will have them , my question is this; should I try and integrate them with my 3 chooks once they've settled in, or keep them all separate? If they were definitely here for keeps I wouldn't be asking!

 

Although I have agreed to foster them, I was originally asked to have them. I know how much they were wanted and how difficult it is for them to be moved, hence I've given her the open-ended arrangement for a month or so to see how Granny gets on.

 

Thoughts and advice would be appreciated, many thanks

 

Sha x

[Janty]

I would integrate them myself. That way if it follows that you are keeping them, then they will already be an established part of your flock. If the owner decides that she wants them back then it will be harder for you to part with them but at least they will have enjoyed scratching about with your girls.

 

Also, if you try to integrate them and there are huge problems, then you will know that maybe it is not an option for you to keep them long term and this might help the owners with their decision.

[sandyhas3chucks]

Blimey Sha you got your hands full now

[Daphne]

Its a very difficult question isn't it? Are they large orps or bants? If it was me I'd be inclined to keep them separate at least for a week or so and see how it goes a)in case they catch anything from each other - different place, different bugs/germs and b)orps are docile and hybrids aren't always - it sounds like you could do without worrying about any extra hassle from chicken beakicuffs; you've already got a lot on your plate!

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Daphne, they are full blown big girls! DS will be pleased when he finds out, one of the first breeds he decided he'd like to own was an Orpy!!

 

Thinking on the matter further, I am going to keep them in for the recommended week or so, so they get used to being here, then thought I'd let them take it in turns to free range. I could keep the Orpies in their own section of the garden using some Omlet netting, as they will have their own Cube & run, so my girls can have most of their normal range.

I won't really have to consider the ex-batts in the integration system for a while yet as they will need more TLC & protection until they are fit & healthy!

 

I do like a challenge obviously! My Mum's face was a picture tonight when she was told that our flock is going to be 11 (all things being equal ) when they come over to house sit when we are at DH's niece's wedding next month I've not seen her with the chooks since they arrived last summer, she normally comes round after they are in bed!

 

I think I've also slammed the door on a holiday this year unless I can organise a house sitter for 3 loony labs and 11 chooks....any volunteers?!

 

Sha x

[Daphne]

That sounds like a good solution; they are lucky girls! You're going to need a lot of extra time for the feeding/checking/general gazing at them as your flock goes from 3 to 11 but I bet you love every minute of it! It'll probably be very strange seeing orps and ex-batts sort-of 'together' - they're kind of extremes aren't they? Anyway I'm sure you (and your Mum) will have a great time. Keep us posted

[Chook n Boo Mum]

The chooks will get plenty of time - and the veg patch may even get sorted as I'll be outside so much, with "helpers" - the house however.......

 

Am slightly concerned what my furry girls are going to make of it all, they know to give Buttercup, Snowdrop & Bluebell a wide berth due to sharp poky beaks, not sure what their reaction will be to the fluffy Orpies who are used to cats not dogs!!!! It will all come out in the wash, I may be on the Rescue Remedy along with the chooks

 

Sha x

[Janty]

I can only speak from experience but we have ex-batts, an Orp miniature, pekins, brahmas and cochins (Orp sizes), etc all wandering around outside together and they get on fine. Your intro methods sound really good and I'm sure that everything will work out.

 

I'm sure the furry ones will adapt too.

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Quick update, having decided that yes we could have them, and buy the cube etc that they are already in to house them, and planned out the garden and taken excellent advice from you lovely chook people, it would appear that the Orpies are going to stay where they are for now at least !

Their "dad" & "big sis" were so upset that Mum had arranged for them to move that they've decided to try & sort an arrangement whereby they can stay; great for them but sad for me! At least I know I will be able to deal with them if things revert to plan A!

 

Thank you for all your advice & support.

 

Sha x

[mostin]

Awwwwwwwwwwww

[Daphne]

oh what a shame...but does this mean you have a spare house that you could buy some chooks for???

[Chook n Boo Mum]

No they were coming with their house at a very reasonable rate too!

 

DH said "well maybe our garden's not really meant to have 11 chooks in, especially such big ones" I think he was trying to make me feel better - it DIDN'T work!! He left the room quite quickly after that...and all I did was look at him

 

Sha x

[Janty]

There's more than one way of gaining an Orpington or four.

 

 

There are some cubes coming up for sale. I was lucky enough to pick up my second cube at a good price last year. Maybe you will be as lucky.

 

Keep your chin up.

 

Jan

[Chook n Boo Mum]

I keep looking!

 

Sha x

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Ok, after last week when their Dad said they should stay and try to find a solution to their problems without them moving, the Orpies are now coming to me

 

I am collecting them this morning after a phone call yesterday. OMG, I am soooo excited I can hardly think straight!

 

Of course I still have my ex-batts to collect tomorrow as well, and I have a recon cube arriving on Monday or Tuesday in rather fluorescent orange livery, but I am working on a rainbow effect !!!

We bought the wire to make the big run yesterday and got an absolute bargain - wanted 10m, got given the last 4 which were on the roll as it was the last of an order & they didn't want 4m sitting in the yard for eternity

Am off to Homebase this morning to get the corrugated plastic for the roof, hope they've still got the reduced stuff £10+ down to £7 - using the 20% discount voucher which I posted earlier this week, plus any other goodies I feel I will need for my veg patch etc. Although this doesn't constitute "not buying new" it is vastly reduced and necessary for the comfort of my chooks and me when on cleaning duties! Also, my Nan (bless her ) has said she'll be giving me some money, so that will all go towards my "garden improvements"!

 

Better go now as I have sooo much to fit in....will update with piccies over the weekend!

 

Sha x

[MedusA]

Brilliant!!! Obviously it was meant to be!

 

Good luck with the massive increase to your flock. Do keep us posted on the developments and lots of pics.

[Groovychook]

How VERY EXCITING for you!!!

[ClaireG]

Woohoo thats great news.

[Daphne]

glad to hear this; what happy news

[Plum]

What a story! Look forward to seeing your flocks and hearing how it goes.

[Falkor]

More orps on the forum LOVELY!

 

looking forward to lots of pics!