aliwobble Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Hello Unfortunately we lost Porridge, our lovely bluebelle hen, to a fox during the snow. This leaves us with 3 hens out of the four. My husband would very much like to replace Porridge, but I'm worried about introducing a single hen. We started with two Omlet hens then extended the run and introduced another two. We took things very slowly and the whole thing was stress-free (for us and the hens!), but I'm worried that it might not be so easy to add one chicken by itself. My Dad is helping us build a 4mx2m walk-in run, so we have plenty of room, but only an eglu for them to sleep in. I would prefer to introduce a pair of hens, but the eglu is too small to sleep 5 isn't it? Or can I mix two bantams in with two 'normal' hens? Or should I just leave things with the three hens? I don't know what to do for the best at the moment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I think it's difficult to introduce a single hen.... and i'm not sure that a breeder would sell you one girl on her own........ If you want to replace porridge can you not get more than one???? I am sure someone with more experience will be along soon to help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Don't do it! Introduce two if you can. We had a terrible experience with chicken bullying when we did that. I ended up re-homing the poor hen that we tried to introduce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Hi, everything Ive ever read on omlet about introductions says not to just introduce one hen at a time. I understand its much harder for them to be accepted into the flock and they have a much rougher time of it. If it was me, I'd either get two new girls, or wait until you have another vacancy to introduce two new girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I would add two since you are getting walk in run. You will be able to ri up a separate section for them for the intro period. There is plenty of room in the Eglu for 5 to sleep. The only issue that I can see is that the normal recommendation is 4 hens per nesting box. You could rig an additional one up though. Maybe it is time to get a cube! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwobble Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks for all your replies, you're all so helpful! I think we'll get two more hens when the walk-in run is finished (and provide more nest-box space). There does seem to be plenty of room left in the eglu at night - particularly as ginger likes to sleep in the nest box. Although I might also look at the price difference between selling a second-hand eglu and buying a cube (without run)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Look what I found http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Omlet-eglu-cube-Blue-chicken-house_W0QQitemZ300292476724QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry?hash=item300292476724&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1686%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louisdog Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I introduced a new omlet hen to my flock of nine in October, I took it slowly and had a spare ark to give trouble makers some time out, but she integrated really well and so it can be done. But two definitely easier I reckon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 We lost one girl a little while ago leaving three in an eglu and extended run, personally I would not add one, although as Louisdog shows it can be done. We are waiting for the walk in run to be built and have a cube ready and waiting, we will then add two more (or three or four, don't tell OH) as there will be space for gradual introductions. Could you buy a second eglu or a cube Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 It can be done, I've just done it with Forensica's chicken Pippi, but it took some time and she is still a bit wary of mixing in with the big girls. You could use your Eglu run as a separating-pen while you have a new one. On the whole though, I would get two, either now or when there's a, er, vacancy. It will be much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
