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

[chixandthecity]

Hi there

 

I have a quick question.

 

We're looking to get two new hens to replace one which died today. We have an Eglu (mark 2) and have one hen left, a White Star, who is quite bossy.

 

We're thinking about getting two bantams but I'm worried about two things.

 

Firstly, are they happy roosting in an Eglu (thought they prefer to be higher up?)

 

Secondly, are they likely to fly away? We have a fairly small city garden. Our lowest fence is about 5 feet high. Our White Star has never attempted escape (touch wood!).

 

I'd love some advice from any bantam keeprs out there!

 

Thanks

Chix

[Daphne]

Grrrr - I typed a reply to you and its not appeared

 

Anyway - no probs in an eglu and no they won't fly away unless you choose a flighty meditarrean breed (eg leghorn) where its a risk (but not for sure). 5ft is quite high unless there are 'hen steps' near which they can use to get a head start for take-off. Bantam orps, brahmas and pekins would be fine. One of my poland bants occasionally flys over omlet netting - but only if startled. She doesn't go far - in fact she runs round like the proverial headless chicken looking for a way back in .....

 

The only other Q I would have is will a bant mix with a hybrid - I see someone else has asked this today. I haven't done it so no experience to offer you on that one I'm afraid. I'm sorry to hear about Sunflower but I really hope you enjoy the new girls

[Patricia W]

My bantams can fly but only do so when startled - or want to get down the garden for treats fast!

 

Mine live in an eglu and they do prefer to roost high, so it does mean I have to be there to put them in the run at night or they'll be roosting on the back of the garden bench. Once in the eglu run, they just go off to bed.

 

People on here do have both together, but there are also those with tales of caution given the difference in size. Whatever you get, you'll have to do careful introductions- that seems to be the way to do it.

 

Might be worth asking if people have your White Star with bantams and what kind of bantams.

 

Tricia

[poultrypaul123]

As you can see I have 4 big hens and 2 pekin bantam hens, they were all raised together in a clutch so I didn't not have a problem with them living together however my friend down the road has a gingernut ranger and 2 light Sussex bantams in an eglu with converter. They are a very happy trio. She did have a & but sadly the Miss Pepperpot died and she was in the same position as you. She did the intros slowly and they are now very happy. The only advice I can give you is not to go for true bantams go for miniatures as these are bigger. RIR, Light Sussex, Wyandotte, Maran etc are all very nice friendly bantams.

 

Good Luck

Paul

[quickcluck]

Paul, any pics of your orps and wyandottes???? I've a wyandotte coming and am trying to judge the size

[Mrs Webmuppet]

I have a mix of bantams and a hybrid, in fact until recently we had just a hybrid and two pekins, they can live happily together but the smaller bantams may need their own feeders/water container as they can't reach the higher up feeders.It may be more difficult introducing them to a flock due to their size. I can recommend pekin bantams tiny, cute and crazy ( but can stand up for themselves) and a mini Orpington, laid back and cuddly. Our Wyandotte is a bit highly strung and the Maran doesn't appear to have a personality!

[craftyhunnypie]

My big girls get on fabulously with my pekins & frizzles. I have just put my Araucana in with Button & Bingo my pekin & frizzle & they adore each other!

It is luck of the draw whether they get on, same as people. I would always make sure you have alternative accomadation / separation pen, incase of squabbles!

 

Emma.x

[Jules.]

This thread has got me thinking.

My little ones are in the eglu, & are relatively new to me.

They free range with the big girls without too much problem, they get chased now & again but there has been no feather plucking, nor blood drawn.

They slept in with the big girls on Saturday night for the one & only time, as I was worried about them being bullied, & have never been locked in the run with the big girls.

 

I presume they are all used to each other now.

 

So I am undecided- do I keep the babies in the eglu & put the 4 new light sussex ( 2 hens, 2 cocks) in with the big girls, but that will be at least 18 weeks off.

Or do I put the babies in the WIR, & save the eglu as a broody house/sick bay, & then put the light sussex into it? I do hope to hatch under my silkie this year.