What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[HumphreyTheCat]

Hello All,

 

I purchased a new little (8 week old Gold Laced Wyandotte) chicken on May 25th. I would not have purchased Helena but my lovely Boudica died on the 24th and I didn't want Isolde to be by herself in the eglu. Unfortunately, the decision was made with my heart and not my head. What I should have done is to read the wonderful advice on these forums with regards to introductions before brining a new bird home. However, now I'm in a situation and I just want do what's best for my girls ...

 

Isolde is a large Chicken and she is not taking to her new little sister. There has been a little feather loss and a lot of bullying but blood has not been drawn. Isolde sometimes lets Helena out of the eglu but often likes to spend her time chasing Helena either around the run or into the eglu.

 

After reading the advice on the forums, I did the following:

 

- Put out a second sunshade on the eglu so both the eglu end and door end are covered

- Put a second water and food station near the eglu door under the new shade

- Put a mirror in the run for fun and distraction

- Put a large pool through the sides of the cage and fastened it with nails so the girls can have something to perch on

 

I haven't been able to borrow a spare hutch but I do have a large dog cage which I'm not using and a small cat play house. Should I put up the cage with the small cat house inside and move Helena to the 'make-do' run for 8 weeks? I could move the second set of feeder/drinkers to the new run along with the extra shade. The cat house doesn't have a door that can close but it is quite small and I could put some plastic on the bottom with straw on top and maybe further plastic sheeting over the door to keep out the wind and help make Helena comfortable.

 

Or, should I leave them as they are i.e. trying to live together? If so, is there anything else I can do to improve things?

 

Thank you,

Esther

[Egluntyne]

I would urge you to separate them immediately as a fully grown hen will attack an eight week chick

 

Your suggestion re the dog crate is a good temporary measure until you can find more adequate accommodation for Helena.

 

You have read the info now on intros so know what to do.