Chucky Mama Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I have a friend that has just rescued 2 ex batts and they arrived yesterday. They are planning to have a total of 6 chooks and I am worried about them getting chickens in dribs and drags in case there are problems with bullying etc. Are my worries justified? Also what are your thoughts on getting 4 'normal' chooks to joint her ex batts now. I would worry that the ex batts may not be able to cope well with 4 strong and healthy chooks. Again am I worrying unnecessarily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I have never had ex batts but if it was me I would get the other four hens but keep them separate until the ex batts were strong enough to cope with being in a mixed flock getting hens in dribs and drabs isn't the end of the world its how you cope with the introductions that matter, I have sucessfully introduced a lone hen twice. In saying that I still have five separate living arrangements for my hens due to differences in age! I guess it all depends on the room and facilities they ahve for introductions, if they can separat a pen all the better. In this weather the hens won't mind sleeping in temporary accomodation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 We have mixed ex batts with non ones, however that was only after the exbatts were fighting fit and after slow introductions. I wouldn't put exbatts in straight away with non ones as the ex batts just don't have the strength to fight back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 I wouldn't put exbatts in straight away with non ones as the ex batts just don't have the strength to fight back. This is what worries me. I would have thought that getting 2 ex batts up to good health and then introducing more ex bats would have similar problems for the new additions. I am not sure they have the facilites to keep any seperate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 You might be able to mix them, but be prepared that you could just end up with two seperate flocks; it doesn't always work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I mixed my ex batts with the rest of the flock....but I did it very slowly, giving the ex batts time to recover, acclimatise and build up some muscle. Why not show your friend **this article**? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 As already has been said, ex bats need time to get fit. They are generally well but unfit. They will need to allow them time to settle in and grow strong before an intro and have a plan B if the intro doesn't work out. Also research into breeds that are similar size, temperament etc is a good idea. Hope this helps. Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
