Space Chick Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 This may seem heartless having only lost Martha today, however, I'm feeling I need to increase my flock to compensate for my loss. It looks so empty in my garden with only 3 girls. We had the 4 girls in the cube with the standard run which seemed OK, the Omlet site says that 6 chickens can fit in this area. We now have the 3 girls, I know that I can't get 1 more as it wouldn't be fair with the introductions, so I have to get 2 more. My problem is, I can't afford to get a run extension at the moment, so I'd have 5 girls in the standard cube and run - at least for a while. Would they be too cramped? They tend to free-range for about 3/4 hr in the morning, and for 3-4 hrs in the evening, but for the majority of the day they would be in the cube and run. My Aunty has given me a large rabbit hutch for initial introductions, so that is sorted. Also, I would like to get Blue/Green layers so Skylines or Columbines. Are these hybrids? Are there other hybrids that lay Blue/Greens? All advice welcome. Debs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I think it could be a bit squashed unless they were free ranging at least some of the time. I think they need 1 sq m per hen? I don't have a cube so not sure how much you would have. I'm sure others will give good advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 When I first got my cube I had it with just the standard run and 5 chooks. By the end of the first week I had ordered 2 extensions as they looked so squashed I felt bad. They were also pecking each other quite a bit, that was maybe due to them sorting the pecking order but I don't think the lack of space helped. Sorry this probably isn't what you want to hear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 I'd rather hear the truth! I think maybe I'm getting carried away with the grief of losing Martha. Would like more girls though, will have to start saving for extensions I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I just read your post about Martha Debs, I'm so sorry you lost her. You've had a rotten day. (((Big Hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
