Single hen

[Griffin]

I've got big birds free ranging and I'd like some smaller ones but I realise the two don't really mix safely. I'd like some Polands, Sebrights, OEG bantams, that kind of thing but I'm not sure if it's fair on them to be in a run on their own while the bigger girls free range around them.

 

Does anyone else have more than one flock and if so how do you keep them?

[tidygirlsuk]

I have big girls and banties but i haven't let banties out yet. i'm planing to this evening. They already look like a flock because the big girls don't leave the side of the run unless they go home for a drink and they all preen at the same time.

 

I will let you know how it goes. Also i notice you have a lot of big girls, where my banties out number the big girls.

 

i have seen pictures on here with small and large flocks out free ranging together.

Edited April 12, 2009 by Guest

[Daphne]

I now have a bantam flock (polands & orp) and a large fowl flock (orps). The L/F free range, the smalls stay in omlet netting. Its purely because I don't want to let my bantam polands free range unless I'm about (they have limited vision and I can't trust various cats). Not ideal, but perfectly do-able. I know Tricia (PatriciaW) has polands and hers do free range.

[Patricia W]

Yes, my polands are out as we speak and will be until about 7ish tonight. I was very nervous though and they were about 28 weeks before I felt forced into it because the bottom chook was being bullied. The bullying stopped immediately.

 

We have our own cat, Poppy, who used to stalk them though the bars - but once they were out, they soon saw her off ! I think the fact that we have our own cat who is very respectful of them, certainly helps other cats keep their distance. It may also help that one is a cockerel, and he keeps the two girls well under control and watches for intruders. We've had builders doing our guttering for the last week, and the first day, he was very put out and crowed at them incessantly apparently!

 

We don't find the eyesight a problem, but it is making me consider very carefully which sort of chooks to get to increase the flock. I'm almost certainly going to get some more polands but a different colour. If I can't then some docile mini orps.

 

I've just bought some Omlet netting which we will electrify just to be on the safe side. No-one has seen a fox round here but there is always a first time!

 

Tricia

[Jules.]

I let mine free range together, & apart from a few chases her & there by our bottom of the pecking order Rosa they are fine.

My Poland is turning into my favourite chook. She comes towards me & practically begs to be picked up

 

I would like them all to live in the WIR together, & last night they all slept in the cube

BUT I was up & outside at 5.50 am worried about my babies, & so they are back in the eglu run, even though they were fine.

The eventual plan for this year is to keep 2 hens & 2 cocks from the hatch & put them straight in the WIR when they are old enough. Then once the cocks are dipatched I will have 6 big girls in the WIR, each pair aged one year apart so hopefully consistent for eggs, & I would love a couple more bantams for the eglu.

[tidygirlsuk]

I Let my banties out for the first time last night. I decided to put my big girls back in there run first. The big girls didn't even notice me letting the others out, they go to bed earlier than banties, so they ate there corn and went to bed. i think i'm going to keep doing this for a while, before i let them free range together.

[Cinnamon]

I too have big hens & Bants, & if you can see the piccy just below, you will see that my run is in 2 seperate parts.

 

Personally I don't think I could ever mix the flocks as some of my Bants are truly teeny....I think that even though they are quick, they would be marmalised!

[tidygirlsuk]

I too have big hens & Bants, & if you can see the piccy just below, you will see that my run is in 2 seperate parts.

 

Personally I don't think I could ever mix the flocks as some of my Bants are truly teeny....I think that even though they are quick, they would be marmalised!

 

Your run is beautiful !