AussieChick Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Hi We have an Eglu and run which is located in a bigger run (the bigger run is secure). We already have 3 hens (omlet ones) which have been with us since last August. Well, we've been bitten by the bug to say the least and couldn't turn down the offer of 2 ex-batts before xmas. My friend kept them up on her allotment for about a month separate from her chickens to allow them some recovery time and they have come on leaps and bounds in that time. I collected them from her last Sat and have introduced them to their new home. My 3 existing hens ("the Oldies") are currently contained within the Eglu run and the Newbies have their own hen house and are free ranging in the extended run. Both lots can see/hear/smell each other. Obviously there was a bit of pecking through the bars to begin with, but certainly very minimal. I've had two eggs from the healthier looking newbie already. Right, two queries: 1. When shall I let them all out together? The oldies are cheesed off to say the least with being contained in their eglu run. 2. The smaller of the 2 newbies is very odd! I am unsure as to whether she is extremely young or just has stunted growth? No comb or wattles, physically very small, tiny wings etc. Surely though she would at least have been at POL to be a battery hen? Confused? She is definately not laying and I don't have any grand expectations from her. Maybe the warmer weather will bring her on. Just not sure. I've ordered some purple disinfectant spray and some more feeders/drinkers to minimise squabbles, and they will always have access to their hen house. I am hopeful though that they will eventually all bunk up in the Eglu. (Yes I know it's designed for max 4 hens but I think they will all fit in there ok.) Any thoughts guys? thanks Ronnie Hermione & Harry-ette The Ex-Batts Korma and Balti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the eggman cometh Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Hi, ive never had ex bats, and know they need to be treated a bit differently. But when we got new girls, the breader suggested that we Isolate them for the rest of the day that we took them hoim, (in sight of the others etc) but then to put them in he cube with the others that night after the "oldies" had gone to bed. that way they wake up together and should get on. Weve had a little bit of pecking, but no lost feathers and nothing serious. the new girls now b put themselves to bed in the cube 4 days later. Although we have left carrier that we collected them in the run just in case. Think the important things are, lots of feeding stations so the oldies dont think that the new ones are going to steal all the food, etc. Im sure you will get lots of good advise from others as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
