Stickybeaks Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 We've had our chickens about 18 months and it's been great - few problems and lots of eggs. But on Saturday Betsy our was foxed. It was all very shocking and Elsie our seems to be a bit shocked too. It happened in the middle of the day when we were in and out of the garden, but that just goes to show how quick foxes are. Now I don't know what to do for the best for Elsie. I think she will be lonely without a companion, as she and Betsy were practically joined at the hip. Yet, having read all the stuff on the forum about introducing new chickens, I'm really worried about getting a new one. Are some breeds more difficult to integrate than others or is it just pot luck? Is keeping a lone chicken cruel? I'd be grateful for any advice - I'm still feeling a bit shell shocked. Can't even bear to look at her last few eggs in the fridge. Thanks Manda PS apologies if this pops up twice as I've been having a few problems this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 What a shock for you poor Betsy, I think some people have found it easier to introduce 2 more at the some time There are a few threads about introducing new hens, although I'm not computer literate enough to be able to put it up here for you hope you find the info that may help karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 So sorry to hear your news - it must have been a terrible shock for you, and for Elsie. Single chickens do get very lonely - they are flock birds - so it would be kinder to Elsie to get her a companion (or two) quickly, so she doesn't get too lonely. Introductions can be a bit traumatic - there is a lot of pecking goes on, but it normally settles down quickly, and the initial fighting is worth it, to see your lonely bird integrated back into a flock. If you get two new chickens now, then it means that you are putting off having to go through the 'lonely chicken' predicament - if one dies then you would still have 2 left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stickybeaks Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Thank for that advice. I think I will look into getting at least one other chicken as quickly as possible and just hope that the introduction isn't too bad. I see the sense of getting two more now but I'm not sure I could cope with that number of eggs. I'm going to have a trawl on the internet now for local breeders. Thanks Manda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Oh Manda, I am sorry to hear about the loss of Betsy. It does leave you feeling shocked for a time. I understand totally what you mean about the eggs in the fridge. When you feel ready, it really would be a good idea to look at finding some new friends for Elsie. Sooner rather than later would be better for her and would also give you something positive to focus on. I would definitely go for at least two more chickens. I have introduced new chickens twice and it has always turned out fine after a short while. Do let us know what you decide. Good luck. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyB Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 So sorry to hear about your poor chicken Why don't you go for a couple of ex-battery rescue hens?? Give them a good home as well as company for Elsie As for the eggs, my friends at work are queing up to buy them off me. I have 5 hens now and not enough eggs (admittedly they aren't all laying at the moment) - maybe you can give or even sell some eggs to family & friends to help pay for chicken food & treats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Manda, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Why not try e-mailing your location to Barbara@omlet.co.uk as she's got a list of breeders and will probably be able to help you. Good luck and a big hug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 I would go for two new chickens. I lost a hen to a fox two weeks ago, and was much cheered up by the fact that I still had three lively chickens left. If you have three chickens, it makes it much less likely in future that you will ever be left with the depressing sight of a lone chicken. If you are worried about having too many eggs, get pure breeds, not hybrids. I have a Wyandotte that lays about three eggs a week and a Cochin that doesn't appear to lay at all! It was quite a shock at first after only having experience of Omlet hens (who produced six eggs each in a bad week) Foxes are everywhere. I would warn everyone not to assume because they have not seen a fox that they are safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Or that they only come at night because they don't. They'll take a hen in broad daylight, given half a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stickybeaks Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Thanks for all your advice, guys. I'm going to look at some hens this morning locally. They are pure breeds (Barnvelder and Maran) but not vaccinated (which I'm a bit worried about). I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks Manda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stickybeaks Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Well I took the plunge and got a Barnvelder, Gretchen, and a Maran, Mabel. On the advice of the breeder I just chucked them in, not literally, and let them get on with it. Elsie is definitely top chicken - she managed to eat both bowls of corn simultaneously while Gretchen and Mabel tried to get a beak in from the sides. So far, no pecking - Elsie is just keeping out of their way. Hopefully, they'll all go into the Eglu tonight with no bother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Glad to hear that you've got some new girls and that Elsie doesn't seem to be overwhelmed by them - I'm sure you've done the right thing getting two more. How are they settling in together today? Sue Budgie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Well I took the plunge and got a Barnvelder, Gretchen, and a Maran, Mabel. On the advice of the breeder I just chucked them in, not literally, and let them get on with it. great! I honestly (as I have said before) think this is the best way to do it! If there is serious trouble - ie. blood! - then try the gradual introduction methods - that have been very ably described on here... but many times the chooks will simply sort themselves out without any elaborate introductory techniques! glad you've got some new chooks - you'll come to love them just as much. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stickybeaks Posted October 11, 2006 Author Share Posted October 11, 2006 Things are going ok today. The new ones are definitely frightened of Elsie who chases them if they come too close but hasn't pecked them or not while i've been watching anyway. Last night, they were too scared to go into the Eglu and decided to roost on the arm of a plastic chair in their big run. So I was out there in the dark and rain trying to catch them with the help of teen daughter. We did manage it and put them in through the egg port. Checked on them before bed and they all seemed quiet. So, I think that it's been quite a success so far. Thanks for everyone's advice and kind words! Manda PS now I need to change my signature box to add Gretchen and Mabel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SillyClucker Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 Very interested in this thread as i have 2 new chooks arriving on Thursday. I;m a bit worried but your experience has made me more confident. Hope they arrive in the morning so that Ginge has enough time to introduce herself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 Great news Manda - so sorry about you loss, but glad that the newbies are settling in well now. I have always introduced more than one hen (which is why i now have 7 and 3 chicks ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stickybeaks Posted October 18, 2006 Author Share Posted October 18, 2006 Good luck with your new hens. Our three are getting along ok. There hasn't been any bloodshed, but Elsie likes to give the two new ones a swift peck every now and then to let them know who's boss. I'm letting them free range a bit now that we've had them for a week (with me watching carefully) and I think that's helped to ease tensions too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
